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Lack of knowledge regarding risk of water exposure to contact lenses exists
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A study published in Cornea asserted that guidelines should be implemented by manufacturers to address the risks contact lens wearers face when exposing their contact lenses or storage cases to water.
The exposure of contact lenses to nonsterile water can result in microbial contamination, sterile corneal infiltrative events and sight-threatening Acanthamoeba keratitis. According to the researchers, these events can be triggered by practices such as rinsing contact lenses in tap water or swimming while wearing them.
Manufacturers currently endorse the use of tap water when handling contact lenses and use water imagery to explain the product’s handling and care that might be confusing to patients, the authors said. These components of company messages and marketing may contribute to customer confusion.
Researchers reviewed articles on PubMed, Medline and Web of Science, using the search field of contact lens and tap water, or swimming or showering or water exposure, and microbial keratitis or Acanthamoeba keratitis or corneal infiltrate or ocular adverse event. Studies included were published as recently as September 2017.
Researchers found that nonsterile water exposure to contact lenses is associated with complications that include sterile corneal infiltrative events and sight-threatening infections. The frequency of unsterile water exposure among contact lens wearers suggests a lack of understanding and awareness that could potentially extend to eye care providers.
This lack of awareness is represented in discrepancies researchers noticed in guidelines for contact lens handling and care, set down by manufacturers, global public health and contact lens-related professional associations.
According to the study, it was found that the use of various water imagery pertaining to contact lens handling and care, used in marketing and packaging materials may also contribute toward these nonhygienic practices. – by Scott Buzby
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
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Arti Shah, OD, FAAO
Water and contact lenses do not mix! Most of us agree this combination is risky behavior, but are we mindful in persuasively communicating this simple yet imperative point to our patients? Do we explain the “why” behind the “what not to do”? It’s remarkable how an impactful why can change behavior.
A recent review of the literature highlights this issue. Despite knowing the inherent risk involved with water exposure, contact lens patients were commonly found to be noncompliant. It never ceases to surprise me when a patient admits to contact lens water exposure, most frequently showering with their contact lenses.
Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but devasting and sight-threatening condition, surely must get more front-page coverage in our practices. As a public health message, it is up to us as eye care practitioners to create guidelines and greater awareness on the risks of water exposure and Acanthamoeba keratitis – its sources, the disease process and, most importantly, prevention. It is only after we begin educating our patients on contact lens-related disease will we begin to see an uptick in patient compliance.
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