WHEN the summer heat becomes unbearable, there are few things better than cooling off in the sea.

But for the estimated three million people who wear contact lenses regularly in Spain, something as innocuous as a refreshing dip can have damaging consequences.

That’s according to leading optician and optometrist Carlos Muñoz, who warns that the risk applies even when the water appears clean to the naked eye – and also extends to bathing in swimming pools.

“Contact lenses act like a sponge, and there are substances in the water that can be harmful to eye health,” he explains.

This ‘sponge effect’ makes it easier for microorganisms or chemicals to become trapped between the contact lens and the cornea, prolonging contact that can be very harmful.

“Infections can be caused by microorganisms such as pseudomonas, acanthamoeba or fungi. In the most serious cases, the lesions can lead to irreversible vision loss,” warns Muñoz.

Contact with water can also ‘cause corneal infections resulting from chemicals dissolved in the water, such as chlorine or salt water’.

While any contact with water is not recommended, Muñoz ranks the sea as the most dangerous due to its high salinity.

That is then followed by swimming pools, which he says can provide a false sense of security ‘as chlorine does not kill these microorganisms, which are highly resistant’.

For those who wish to continue enjoying the water with clear vision, Muñoz recommends safer alternatives such as prescription diving goggles.

Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.