Which activity is discouraged with GP lenses due to infection risk?

• A. Sleeping with lenses
• B. Wearing lenses during exercise
• C. Wearing lenses during prolonged screen use
• D. Swimming with lenses is discouraged due to infection risk

Answer: (D)

Water exposure with contact lenses dramatically raises the chance of eye infection. When lenses are submerged, water can carry microbes such as Acanthamoeba, bacteria, and fungi directly to the lens–eye interface. The lens can trap these organisms against the cornea, and even with proper disinfection afterward, some pathogens may survive or be difficult to eradicate. Gas‑permeable lenses don’t protect against this risk; they just allow oxygen through, while still sitting on the tear film and potentially sealing pathogens against the eye when water is involved. Swimming or submerging in water creates micro‑abrasions and irritation that further increase infection risk, so this activity is discouraged. The safer approach is to remove lenses before swimming, use protective goggles, or wear lenses that are discarded after water exposure and perform proper cleaning if appropriate. If any pain, redness, or vision changes occur after water exposure, seek care promptly.