Which statement best describes why water exposure is risky for contact lens wearers?

Which statement best describes why water exposure is risky for contact lens wearers?

• A. Water exposure improves cleanliness.
• B. Water can harbor pathogens like Acanthamoeba and contaminate lenses; remove lenses before swimming or showering and avoid contact with tap water.
• C. Water exposure reduces lens oxygen permeability temporarily.
• D. Water is harmless to lenses.

Answer: (B)

Water exposure is risky because water can carry microscopic organisms, including Acanthamoeba, which can adhere to or contaminate contact lenses and be carried directly onto the eye. This combination creates a pathway for serious infections, since these pathogens can bypass the eye’s defenses and cause conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis. Because of this, the safest practice is to remove lenses before any water exposure—swimming, showering, or rinsing with tap water—and to avoid contact with tap water altogether. Use approved lens solutions for cleaning and storage, and follow proper hygiene to keep lenses free from contamination.