Welcome to University of Iowa Health Care Today. After the floods of 1993, The University of Iowa saw a record number of eye infections related to water-borne pathogens. These pathogens-including amoeba, parasites, bacteria, and virus-are extremely dangerous to the eye and may lead to corneal transplantation or loss of sight. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics optometrist Christine Sindt says, "We have already seen flood-related eye infections and we have every reason to believe they will be as prevalent, or more so, than after the last flood." Dr. Sindt joins us now by phone to tell us about the precautions we all need to take in the flood waters. Dr. Sindt,
How does an amoeba, parasite, bacteria, or virus get into the water?
These organisms are everywhere all the time. During times of flooding, contaminants from fields and sewage wash into our water. Combine that with the high temperatures that we're seeing and it's a breeding ground for these problems.
What precautionary steps should people working in any flooded area take to protect their eyes?
The best thing, of course, is to avoid any contact with flood waters, but that's not going to be possible for everybody. So if somebody is working in the flood waters, they need to not wear their contact lenses during this time. If they have to wear their contact lenses, they should wear goggles or protection so that the flood waters do not splash into their eyes. They should take their contact lenses out and not sleep in the contact lenses during this period of time. Secondly, we should not assume that treated tap water is safe, so we should avoid using tap water to wash our contact lenses or to store contact lenses or to wash contact lens cases. We should always wash and DRY our hands before handling our eyes or the contact lens cases and only use sterile products to put into the eye or into our contact lens cases during this time. Another good step, even though many contact lens solutions say that they're "no rub," it is a good time during this time to actually rub the contact lenses to help loosen or remove these pathogens that might be gripping or hanging on to the surface of the contact lenses. And of course, make sure that not only do you clean your contacts, but you clean your contact lens cases as well.
Aside from the flood water, are there other ways people can be exposed to water born pathogens?
Interestingly, the pathogens form biofilms so they can live inside of our pipes, and in our contact lens cases for long periods of time. Earlier this decade, the EPA lowered its disinfection standards for pathogens, so even without flooding, these organisms have been on the rise in our tap water. The flooding just makes it more so.
Who is most likely to develop a problem with an eye infection?
Well, contact lens wearers are going to be the most likely candidates for this kind of eye infection; especially if they wear lenses for long periods of time or sleep in their contact lenses. But other people at risk include post-LASIK patients, but really, anyone with eyes can develop an eye infection.
If someone working in a contaminated area gets dirt or water from the flood in their eyes, what steps should they take immediately to prevent an infection?
They should immediately flush their eyes with sterile solution such as an eye wash or a contact lens solution. Do not flush your eyes with tap water.
What are the key symptoms of an eye infection?
A red (and it's frequently painful) eye is the key symptom for an eye infection. However, a red eye that lasts for a long period of time or does not resolve when a contact lens is removed; or if the eye has a foreign body sensation--tearing, light sensitivity, or blurred vision--people should come in and have it evaluated.
Can people treat an eye infection with over-the-counter medications?
Absolutely not! These organisms can be extremely difficult to treat, even with prescriptive medications. Some of these parasites that are in our water right now--antibiotics are not effective and require a special medication that has to be compounded.
When should they see an eye specialist?
Well, anybody should seek care immediately if their eye becomes red or irritated. You should go to an eye specialist right away. These organisms are much easier to treat if they're caught early on. It is very difficult to differentiate a red eye from an infection, versus a red eye from many other causes. And so you should go to an eye specialist right away if your eye is red or irritated. The University of Iowa in particular has special diagnostic equipment to help detect these particular pathogens early on.
If left untreated, what happens to the eye?
If left untreated, the infection will worsen and may lead to a corneal transplant or loss of the eye.
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