seaangel
Guest
From a contact wearing, nurse point of view: I do wear my contacts while diving, I have only lost one during one dive and that was in cold spring water. I have not lost any in the ocean and I do open my eyes when in the water without a mask. The only time I have had very strong stinging has been when water has leaked into my mask, causes more than likely were sunscreen, or the conditioner in my hair dripping down.
As for the bacteria and having to change or dispose of the contacts I have this bit of advice that we give to patients that have peritoneal catheters to perform dialysis. Often they ask about swimming with their catheter and possible infections. We teach them that they should not swim in lakes, rivers or ponds due to the risk of stagnet water. There is a higher level of bacterial, fungal and microbial count in that case. Ocean water is not contraindicated for them to swim in. Pools and spas are ok if they are only private use, not public, and are well chlorinated and cared for.
So my philosophy is ocean is ok, I don't throw them out after ocean dives. Lakes, rivers, springs I change them out after those dives. Pools well, during my training I did change them afterwards too.
You chose, you decide. It is your decision and your eye care. I also feel you should do what you are comfortable doing, if opening your eyes is a problem then don't, you will be causing yourself stress and we all know that is not a good thing to do while diving. Relax, and enjoy you diving, don't stress over it.
As for the bacteria and having to change or dispose of the contacts I have this bit of advice that we give to patients that have peritoneal catheters to perform dialysis. Often they ask about swimming with their catheter and possible infections. We teach them that they should not swim in lakes, rivers or ponds due to the risk of stagnet water. There is a higher level of bacterial, fungal and microbial count in that case. Ocean water is not contraindicated for them to swim in. Pools and spas are ok if they are only private use, not public, and are well chlorinated and cared for.
So my philosophy is ocean is ok, I don't throw them out after ocean dives. Lakes, rivers, springs I change them out after those dives. Pools well, during my training I did change them afterwards too.
You chose, you decide. It is your decision and your eye care. I also feel you should do what you are comfortable doing, if opening your eyes is a problem then don't, you will be causing yourself stress and we all know that is not a good thing to do while diving. Relax, and enjoy you diving, don't stress over it.