How Bad Is It to Lick Your Contact, Then Put It Back In?
Spit and contact lens solutions aren’t the same.
Here's a genuine question: Have you ever felt the temptation to lick a contact lens when you needed to reinsert it into your eye but didn't have any contact solution available? Picture this scenario: Your contact lens unexpectedly pops out, catching you off guard. Or perhaps you removed it due to dryness, but you need to put it back in to regain clear vision.
If you're always prepared with contact solution at hand, that's commendable. However, if you find yourself tempted to lick and stick—licking your lens and then reattaching it to your eyeball—experts strongly advise against it. Numerous risks are associated with this practice. Allow me to explain why.
Anything you put into your eyes should be as pristine as humanly possible. Spit doesn’t make the list.
According to Jennifer Fogt, O.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and associate professor in the College of Optometry at The Ohio State University, licking contact lenses is highly undesirable. The primary objective of using contact lenses is to maintain their cleanliness. That's why it's crucial to rinse and store your contacts in a sterile solution specifically designed for that purpose, following expert-approved guidelines to ensure the safety of your eyes.
Your saliva, unfortunately, is far from being as clean as contact solution. "The mouth provides a dark and moist environment, which is ideal for the growth of various types of bacteria," explains Vivian Shibayama, O.D., an optometrist and contact lens specialist with UCLA Health. While certain bacteria found in the mouth are protective and help prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria, it doesn't mean that your saliva is sterile. Additionally, your mouth harbors fungi and can carry viruses, even if you don't feel ill.
Moreover, without intending any offense, if you're licking your contacts before inserting them into your eyes, there's a high chance that you haven't washed your hands beforehand, which poses another problem. "You never know what kind of bacteria a person may have on their hands," warns Dr. Shibayama.
A few different eye issues can come out of a contact-licking habit, mainly involving infection or inflammation that can lead to distressing symptoms.
Dr. Fogt emphasizes that a significant risk in licking your contacts is the potential development of keratitis. The Mayo Clinic defines keratitis as an infection of the cornea (the clear dome covering the eye's surface) caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Contact lens wearers are more susceptible to this condition compared to non-contact wearers due to the lenses' ability to harbor various pathogens. Licking your contacts elevates the chances of introducing microorganisms, such as bacteria, directly onto the lenses.
Keratitis manifests through symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, and discharge. If left untreated, it can result in permanent damage to your vision. Dr. Fogt strongly advises against taking any risks with keratitis. One of the most effective preventive measures, as highlighted by the Mayo Clinic, is to diligently use and clean your contact lenses in accordance with their instructions.
Furthermore, neglecting to wash your hands prior to handling your contacts sets the stage for potential issues like pink eye, as Dr. Shibayama explains. Pink eye, known as conjunctivitis in medical terms, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane covering the whites of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include redness, itching, a gritty sensation, discharge, discomfort when using contacts, and tearing.
Given the highly contagious nature of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, proper hand hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing its spread, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's worth noting that the Mayo Clinic specifically associates the bacterial form of conjunctivitis with the use of improperly cleaned contacts, which includes using saliva as a cleaning agent.
Hence, it is imperative to follow two fundamental rules: First, always wash your hands before touching your eyes, especially when inserting or removing contacts. Second, under no circumstances should you ever put saliva in your eyes. Instead, consider using glasses as an alternative, inquire with coworkers if they have contact solution available, or take a moment to purchase some. Taking proper care of your eyes should never be taken lightly.
Once you have your hands on some contact solution, take a second to ask yourself "Why you wanted to lick your contact lenses in the first place?"
If you constantly experience eye irritation, it's possible that you are dealing with dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when your eyes are unable to adequately lubricate themselves, as explained by the National Eye Institute. Typically, dry eye occurs when the quantity or quality of your tears is insufficient to keep your eyes properly moist. Symptoms of dry eye include noticeable dryness, along with sensations like itchiness, scratchiness, stinging, burning, sensitivity to light, and more.
To address dry eye, it is important to add moisture in a safe manner, which definitely excludes using saliva. If you suspect that you have dry eye, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a doctor to confirm the diagnosis, as several other eye conditions can exhibit similar symptoms. In the meantime, you can use artificial tears (the kind specifically designed to moisten the eyes, not the type that reduces redness, as it can potentially cause further irritation). Ensure that you carry eye drops with you in case you need them. Your doctor may determine that these eye drops are sufficient, or they may discuss additional dry eye treatment options with you.
Another potential issue could be the fit of your contact lenses. They should fit snugly enough to remain in place without causing discomfort. Although contact lenses may appear to be one-size-fits-all, they are not. That's why your doctor conducts a comprehensive eye examination before recommending contact lenses that are suitable for you. If you encounter any problems with your contact lenses, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Additionally, it is important to visit your eye doctor yearly so they can assess whether your contact lenses require any updates or are damaging your eyes in any way.
As you can see, you have various options to address these issues. However, regardless of the approach you choose, it is crucial to avoid combining your saliva with contact lenses.
