Ocean days and contact lens care

On Maui, water is part of daily life — the ocean, the pool, the shower after. If you wear contact lenses, it's worth knowing that water and contacts are a risky mix.

Why water is a problem

Tap water, pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean can carry germs. Contact lenses can trap those germs against the eye, raising the risk of a serious eye infection. Water can also cause soft lenses to change shape and stick to the eye.

Simple habits that help

• Take your lenses out before swimming, surfing or using a hot tub.
• Avoid showering in your lenses.
• Never rinse or store lenses in tap water, and don't use water in your lens case.
• Use the cleaning and disinfecting solution recommended for your lenses.
• Wash and dry your hands well before touching your lenses.
• If your lenses do get wet, throw them away or clean and disinfect them before wearing them again.

Still want to see clearly in the water?

Ask us about options for clear vision at the beach and in the water that don't involve wearing contact lenses while you swim.

When to call

If your eye becomes red, painful, unusually sensitive to light or your vision gets blurry, remove your lenses and call the office promptly.