diving with contact lenses....

[Rockhound]

Hi,

I have been diving with disposable contact lenses for many years with no problems. However, I recently read a piece in DAN's "Alert Diver" that specifically warned again wearing contacts in or near the water, including while scuba diving.

What gives? The specific warning was in regard to the amoebic infection, AK, which can result in a lost of vision. The point they made was that, while contacts can be sterilized, your contaminated corneas cannot.....

A letter to the editor in response took issue with this position, indicating that no data could be provided that associated AK with directly with diving, but only with poor hygeine and lense care. DAN's response basically was, "Our opinion is valid. We're sticking to our guns" and "There will be no further debate".

Did I misunderstand the risk? On the surface (no pun), I would agree with the idea that the risk of AK is minimal, and could assume the position taken in the DAN article was only the editorial comment of two, admittedly non-diving physicians. Yet DAN's response indicated this was the position of the organization and was supported by firm, if unavailable data.

If so, I disagree with this point from the perspective of a scientist, having been presented no data to support the position. From the position of a member, I take even greater umbrage at the "our way or no way" attitude that they seemed to have taken with regard to the possibility of debate (sounds like some other threads on other groups that I've read).

I read the piece quickly last night, so I may have misunderstood, but I don't think so......

My question: Is there any statistical, documentable risk associated with using soft contacts (disposables) while diving? Are there any anecdotal stories regarding this risk that you could relate?

Or, is this simply a single unsupported opinion from two opthalmologists that might not be aligned with their peers?

Just curious. I will continue to dive with contacts, since Lasik might not be for me (I'm starting to require reading glasses. One doc says yes, but his partner says Lasik is not recommended for those over 40. A Lasik evaluation indicated I was a "perfect" candidate for monovision, since I already wear monovision contacts with ease. We'll see. I'm still thinking about it).

 

[wreckchick]

I had Lasik done about a month ago, and though I am not over 40 most of the other people I know who have had the procedure are. I would get a second opinion from a corneal specialist about your suitability. If you have questions: http://www.midwesteyecenter.com is a link to the clinic where my eyes were done. I realize that you are bit a piece from Cincinnati, but it may answer some of your questions.

Good Luck!

Rachel

P.S. When I was wearing contacts, I never got any sort of infection from swimming with them including lakes, oceans and pools.

 

[kelpmermaid]

I, too, dive with disposables. On the rare occasion of a severe mask flood, after the dive, I threw that pair out immediately. I'd would like to see real numbers on this - if anyone has done such a study.

 

[chepar]

I too, would be interested to see the numbers on this study.

I dive while wearing my disposable contacts for a couple reasons- the main one (obviously) being that I can't see without 'em
and I don't want to go through the added hassle/expense (in my estimation) of getting a prescription mask and taking glasses to the dive site.

Additionally, as attractive as Lasik sounds, I don't think I would ever get it done. For me, wearing contacts is not that big a deal, and I am very sketchy on any sort of procedure that could possibly negatively affect my eyesight. I only have one pair of eyes, and just the thought that I could make my vision even worse than it already is spooks me.

 

[Lloyd]

I am a prof. in this field and teach Drs to be. There are no studies showing an increased risk of infection from diving with contacts that I am aware of. I know of only one patient that contracted AK who dove with contacts. She wore conventional extended wear lenses while diving in a lake. This by its self is a no-no and could have caused the infection. Now she dives with disposables. There is a theoretical increased risk from diving with contacts, but it is not documented. Salt water is safer than fresh water and disposables are better than conventional lenses.
BTW I have been diving with my lenses for 20 years with no problems. I am more likely to die in a car wreck than get an AK infection.

Lloyd
PS look at www.surgicaleyes.org before getting Lasik.

 

[carlislere]

I have been diving and teaching with contacts since 1980. I used the old type that had to be boiled in the heat container, but I have been using disposables for about 2 years now.

I teach and demonstrate skills in pool and confined water in the lake. I dive with contacts in the pool, lake and salt water. I have never had any type of eye infection.