Conjunctivitis & Quarry

[Jersey]

After diving the quarry this weekend, I came down with conjunctivitis. (No doubt from the stirred up mess in the water and a couple mask floods.) Miss a morning work, off to the Doc's as they wouldn't phone in script.

I do wear contacts diving, don't like prescription mask (have to wear glasses on boat, one more piece of equipment to lose or break). Seriously considering corrective surgery.

Is there an increase in infections, especially eye and ear after quarry? Is there any way to help prevent eye problems? (We do use 'ear salad dressing' after every dive - mix of alcohol and white vinegar to inhibit bacteria and dry out water.

Jersey

 

[Lloyd]

Do you know what the ph of the water is? Some limestone quarries are very alkalin. This helps prevent the growth of organisms. The worst infection to worry about from fresh water is acanthamoeba. This is potentially sight threatening but rare. You can dercrease your risk by cleaning your lenses with Mira flow or Quick Care immediatly after diving. Or using daily disposable lenses which you tose after diving.