What should patients avoid while wearing contact lenses?

Patients should avoid swimming or using hot tubs without proper protective eyewear while wearing contact lenses because doing so increases the risk of eye infections and other complications. Water can contain harmful microorganisms that may lead to serious conditions such as bacterial keratitis or acanthamoeba keratitis, which can result from contaminated water coming into contact with the lenses. When swimming or in hot tubs, water can easily wash over the lenses, and without appropriate protective eyewear, the lenses can trap bacteria and irritants against the eye, exacerbating these risks.

The other options may pose some considerations related to eye health but do not carry the same high level of risk as water exposure in swimming or hot tubs does. For example, reading for extended periods or wearing sunglasses outdoors is generally safe, as they do not introduce contaminants to the eye. Additionally, using specific over-the-counter eye drops may not be harmful, but it requires awareness to ensure they are compatible with contact lens use; hence, it is always best to confirm with an eye care professional before doing so.