Pool warning

Practitioners could help to reduce the risk of eye infections by warning their patients about the dangers of wearing contact lenses in swimming pools.

Dr Reza Farahani, an optometrist and ophthalmology instructor at The University of Texas Medical School, described soft contact lenses as a 'reservoir of toxicity'.

'They can act as a sponge for micro organisms and chemicals. In some cases, if the pool water is dirty, it can lead to corneal infection and/or ulcers.'

Farahani recommends advising patients to take lenses out before swimming and use tightly sealed prescription goggles or wear daily disposables that can be thrown away immediately afterwards. 'Proper contact lens hygiene is the key to keeping eyes safe,' she said.