Avoid Showering with Contacts: One Woman’s Painful Experience

Wearing contact lenses while showering can lead to severe eye infections, as demonstrated by the case of Whitney Fleming, a writer from Grand Rapids, Mich.. After experiencing persistent pain and vision loss in her left eye, Fleming was diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious condition caused by a common parasite often found in tap water and non-sterile water sources. Her experience highlights the risks associated with contact lens hygiene and the importance of awareness among users.

Fleming, who had worn soft contact lenses for years without issue, initially dismissed her eye pain. Despite following standard cleaning procedures and not wearing her contacts while sleeping, the discomfort escalated, ultimately leading to a loss of vision. “I was really just starting to detach from life, because I was in such a lot of pain,” she recalled.

When she sought medical help, it took three weeks and multiple treatments before a corneal specialist confirmed the diagnosis. The doctor indicated that her condition was most likely a result of wearing contacts in the shower, a common practice among lens users.

Understanding the Risks of Showering with Contacts

According to Dr. Thomas Steinemann, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a professor at Case Western Reserve University, the combination of contact lenses and water is hazardous. Research indicates that approximately 90% of Acanthamoeba keratitis cases occur in contact lens wearers. While the amoeba poses little threat when ingested, it can become an opportunistic infection when trapped between the lens and the cornea.

The cornea’s surface, which may have tiny abrasions from lens use, provides openings for the parasite. The longer the exposure, the deeper the amoeba can penetrate, making it increasingly difficult to eradicate. “Once it’s in there, it’s extremely difficult—the deeper it goes—to eradicate it,” Steinemann explained.

Unfortunately, many contact lens users are unaware of the risks associated with water exposure. Fleming herself had never been informed of the hazards of showering, swimming, or using hot tubs while wearing contacts.

Raising Awareness About Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Historically perceived as rare, Acanthamoeba keratitis sees about 1,500 cases annually in the United States. However, medical professionals like Steinemann and Dr. Saba Al-Hashimi, an assistant professor at UCLA’s Stein Eye Institute, believe that this infection is often misdiagnosed. Symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, leading to inappropriate treatments that exacerbate the infection.

“Patients are often misdiagnosed as having herpes, and they may be placed on steroid drops, which make the infection worse,” Al-Hashimi noted. Even when correctly diagnosed, treatment can take several months, and in some cases, the parasite may persist even after a year.

To mitigate risks associated with contact lenses, experts recommend wearing single-use daily disposable lenses. This option reduces contamination risk and allows for easy disposal if exposed to water. Steinemann advises against reusing contact lens solution and stresses the importance of proper cleaning techniques.

For those who engage in activities like swimming, investing in prescription goggles can be a practical solution. Additionally, refractive surgery such as LASIK may be a viable alternative for individuals looking to eliminate the need for contact lenses altogether.

Fleming’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale. Although nearly a decade has passed since her diagnosis, she continues to deal with the repercussions, including a scar on her pupil and associated health complications. “If I would’ve understood what could have happened, I would have been much more cautious,” she reflected.

As awareness grows, eye care professionals are urged to educate their patients about the potential dangers of wearing contact lenses in water. Preventive measures are essential, as Steinemann emphasizes, “If we can avoid the problem altogether, let’s do that.”