As flooding continues to expand
across much of the Midwest, the American Optometric Association (AOA)
reminds contact lens wearers to closely follow hygiene and compliance
instructions issued by their eye doctor. Higher temperatures combined with
standing water can mean an increase in the number of cases of eye
infections. In particular, the Acanthamoeba parasite and other
micro-organisms can contaminate the lens case and infect the cornea. Water
contaminated with Acanthamoeba can come from lakes, rivers, and swimming
pools. Acanthamoeba infections are rare, but can be dangerous and threaten
a person’s vision if not properly detected and treated.
Doctors of optometry recommend that lens wearers take the following
precautions to avoid exposing their eyes to Acanthamoeba or other
flood-related eye infections:
— Remove contact lenses prior to entering flood waters or before other
water activities including swimming
— Contact lens wearers who regularly sleep in contact lenses as
prescribed should refrain from doing so if exposed to water
— Always sterilize contact lens cases and wash and dry hands prior to
handling lenses
“Contact lenses are among the safest forms of vision correction,” said
Dr. Louise Sclafani, chair of the AOA’s Contact Lens and Cornea Section.
“Patients can and should take an active role in protecting themselves from
eye infections by carefully following their optometrist’s instructions
regarding care of contact lenses.”
According to the AOA, proper lens hygiene and compliance includes using
fresh cleaning or disinfecting solution each time lenses are cleaned and
stored. Additionally, most solutions are approved for use without rubbing;
however, optometrists are recommending that patients rub their lenses to
enhance cleaning for additional safety.
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel met last week to
address contact lens safety and compliance issues related to past
Acanthamoeba and Fusarium keratitis incidences among lens wearers. The FDA
regulates contact lenses and lens care products as medical devices, a
classification that requires the lens and product makers to obtain the
agency’s approval before marketing and sales. The AOA is working with the
FDA to take a closer look at contact lens safety and compliance, improve
product testing procedures and enhance labeling of eye care products. The
panel heard testimony from AOA representatives Dr. William J. Benjamin and
Dr. Louise Sclafani, among other eye care experts, to discuss stricter
standards for contact lens solutions. The FDA is considering changes in
current no-rub policies, the pre-market testing of products, and changes in
labeling of products.
“We are supportive of the FDA in making changes to help protect the
sight of Americans,” said Dr. William J. Benjamin, speaking on behalf of
the AOA’s Commission on Ophthalmic Standards” “We support the FDA in
requiring that products be tested under more realistic conditions, when
feasible, and in situations where lens wearers are not compliant with a
doctor’s instructions. We also support the agency’s review of labeling
requirements for care products.”
Since more than 80 percent of all contact lens wearers go to an
optometrist for their eye care (according to the Contact Lens Institute),
AOA doctors of optometry have taken an active role in educating patients
and working with federal health officials to improve lens wear and care
instructions.
“We are also asking the FDA to require an expiration date on bottles of
solution. Currently, the FDA does not require a mandatory discard date
after opening,” said Dr. Sclafani. “The only current requirement is that
the solution must have a preservative or be packaged to reduce
contamination. This has been confusing for both patients and doctors.”
Additionally, AOA leaders are asking the FDA to include Acanthamoeba on
their list of parasites that they test for in products. Currently, the
Acanthamoeba parasite is not included as part of the FDA’s standard testing
process.
According to the AOA, there are measures contact lens wearers can and
should take to reduce their risk of infection.
Recommendations for Contact Lens Wearers from the American Optometric Association
1. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
2. Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your
optometrist. Rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly
before soaking lenses overnight in sufficient multi-purpose solution to
completely cover the lens.
3. Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case at
a minimum of every three months. Clean the case after each use, and keep
it open and dry between cleanings.
4. Use only products recommended by your optometrist to clean and
disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed
to disinfect lenses.
5. Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact
lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if the lenses are not
used daily.
6. Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule
prescribed by your optometrist.
7. Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
8. See your optometrist for your regularly scheduled contact lens and
eye examination.
Contact lens wearers who are at higher risk for Acanthamoeba include
those in areas with heavy flooding or lens wearers exposed to water while
wearing contacts. It is important that contact lens users consult their
optometrist immediately if they notice changes in their eyes or vision.
Key Symptoms of Acanthamoeba include:
— A red, (frequently) painful eye infection-especially if the patient
reports that it is not improving with treatment.
— Keratitis symptoms such as foreign body sensation, tearing, light
sensitivity, and blurred vision.
— Red, irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time
after removal of contact lenses.
About the American Optometric Association (AOA):
The American Optometric Association represents more than 34,000 doctors
of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and
technicians. Optometrists provide more than two-thirds of all primary eye
care in the United States and serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities
across the country. In 3,500 of those communities they are the only eye
doctors.
American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly
qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who
examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In
addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role
in a patient’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases
such as diabetes and hypertension.
Prior to optometry school, optometrists undergo three to four years of
undergraduate study that typically culminates in a bachelor’s degree with
extensive, required coursework in areas such as advanced health, science
and mathematics. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate,
doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In
addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual
continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care. For
more information, visit aoa.
American Optometric Association
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