3 Things I Would Never Do as an Optometrist

When it comes to eye health, some of the most important things you can do involve knowing what not to do.

As an optometrist, there are a few habits I would never take lightly because of the risks they can pose to my vision. From wearing contact lenses in the shower to looking directly at the sun, seemingly harmless decisions can sometimes have serious consequences for your eyes.

And there's one more thing that might surprise you: knowing when to see your optometrist instead of automatically heading to the emergency room. Let's break down three things I would never do as an optometrist and why they matter for your eye health.

1. I Would Never Swim or Shower While Wearing Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, you might not think twice about jumping into the pool, taking a quick shower, or relaxing in a hot tub while wearing them. But this is one habit I'd avoid completely.

Contact lenses and water are not a safe combination.

Water from swimming pools, lakes, hot tubs, and even your shower can contain microorganisms that may cause serious eye infections. When you wear contact lenses, these organisms can become trapped between the lens and the surface of your eye, increasing the risk of infection.

One organism of particular concern is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found in water and soil that can cause a rare but potentially devastating infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection affects the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. It can be extremely painful, difficult to treat, and may lead to permanent vision loss in severe cases.

Other bacteria and microorganisms can also cause serious contact lens-related infections.

The tricky part? You may not notice a problem immediately. Symptoms can develop after the exposure, and what starts as redness or discomfort can become a much more serious issue.

The bottom line: Contact lenses may be convenient, but keeping them away from water is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of a potentially serious eye infection.

2. I Would Never Look Directly at the Sun, Even During an Eclipse

A solar eclipse is an incredible sight, and it's understandable to want to look up and see it for yourself. But there's one rule you should never ignore: never look directly at the sun without proper solar viewing protection, even during an eclipse.

Looking directly at the sun can damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that helps you see. This type of injury is called solar retinopathy. The concerning part is that retinal damage doesn't necessarily cause immediate pain. The retina doesn't have pain receptors in the same way the surface of your eye does, so you may not feel anything while the damage is occurring.

Symptoms can appear hours later and may include blurry vision, a dark or blank spot in your central vision, distorted images, or changes in how you see colours. In some cases, the damage improves over time. In others, it can be permanent.

Why Are Solar Eclipses Especially Risky?

During a solar eclipse, the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, partially or fully blocking the sun from view. Because the sun appears less bright during a partial eclipse, you might feel comfortable looking at it directly. However, the remaining visible sunlight is still intense enough to damage your eyes. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse.

How Can You View an Eclipse Safely?

If you want to watch a solar eclipse, use these precautions:

• Use certified eclipse glasses or a safe indirect viewing method such as a pinhole projector.

• Inspect eclipse glasses before use and don't use them if they're damaged or scratched.

• Never look at the sun through a camera, telescope, or binoculars while wearing eclipse glasses unless the optical equipment has the appropriate solar filters fitted correctly.

• Supervise children closely to make sure they use appropriate protection.

If you think you may have looked directly at the sun and subsequently notice blurry vision, a central blind spot, or distorted vision, seek prompt assessment from an eye care professional.

3. I Wouldn't Automatically Head to the Emergency Room for Every Eye Problem

This one might surprise you. When something goes wrong with your eye, your first instinct might be to head straight to the emergency room. And sometimes, that is absolutely the right decision.

However, not every eye concern requires an emergency room visit. Depending on your symptoms and how quickly you need care, an optometrist may be able to assess and manage the problem directly.

Optometrists do more than prescribe glasses and contact lenses. They are trained to assess many eye conditions, identify signs of eye disease, and provide treatment or arrange referrals when necessary.

Depending on the clinic's services and the nature of the problem, an optometrist may be able to help with issues such as:

• A red or irritated eye

• Some types of eye infection or inflammation

• A sudden change in vision that needs prompt assessment

• A foreign body sensation or certain minor eye injuries

• Contact lens-related discomfort

• New or worsening eye symptoms that require an urgent eye examination

  
  

Seeing an optometrist can sometimes help you get the appropriate assessment without waiting in a busy emergency department. However, the right place to seek care depends on the symptoms, the severity of the problem, and what services are available.

How Can Taradale Eyecare Help?

If you're experiencing a new eye problem and aren't sure what to do, contact Taradale Eyecare to explain your symptoms and ask about the appropriate care options. Our team can help guide you toward the next step based on your concerns and the services available.

Protecting Your Eyes Starts With Everyday Decisions

You don't have to make drastic changes to protect your vision. Sometimes, it's the small decisions that matter most. Avoiding water while wearing contact lenses, protecting your eyes during a solar eclipse, and knowing where to seek care when an eye problem arises can all help you reduce preventable risks.

And remember, you don't need to wait until something feels seriously wrong to take care of your eyes. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help monitor your vision and identify potential problems before they become more serious.

At Taradale Eyecare, we're here to help you make informed decisions about your eye health, whether you need a routine exam or guidance about a new concern. Have a question about your eyes or need to book an appointment? Contact Taradale Eyecare. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you shower while wearing contact lenses?

It's best to remove contact lenses before showering. Tap water can contain microorganisms that may become trapped under your lenses and cause serious infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Why doesn't it hurt when the sun damages your retina?

The retina does not have pain receptors that alert you to this type of damage. As a result, solar retinopathy can occur without immediate pain, and visual symptoms may not become noticeable until later.

Should I see an optometrist or go to the emergency room for an eye problem?

It depends on your symptoms. An optometrist may be able to assess many eye conditions including sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, new flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow, but these conditions require urgent same-day assessment. So, if your optometrist is closed or you are unable to contact them, don't wait in seeking urgent care!

Tags: eye health, contact lens safety, solar eclipse safety, eye emergencies, eye exams, Taradale Eyecare, Calgary NE