If you wear contact lenses, you might have wondered whether it’s okay to swim while wearing them. The short answer is no, it’s not recommended to swim with contact lenses. Although swimming with contacts might seem like a convenient way to keep your vision clear, it can actually put your eyes at risk.
The Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses
While it might be tempting to swim with clear vision, wearing contact lenses in the pool, ocean, or any body of water isn’t safe. Contact lenses and water don’t mix well, as they can lead to eye infections, irritation, and even long-term damage to your vision.
- The main concern is that contact lenses are porous, allowing oxygen to reach your eye and letting water pass through. This means that when you swim, bacteria and debris in the water can get trapped on and under your lenses, increasing the risk of infection. Infections like corneal ulcers can be painful and, if untreated, may cause permanent vision loss.
Common Problems of Swimming with Contact Lenses
- Eye infection: Bacteria from pool or ocean water can attach to your lenses and increase your risk of developing an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis or more severe conditions like corneal ulcers.
- Irritation and dryness: Chlorine and saltwater can irritate the eyes, especially when wearing contact lenses. This can cause discomfort, dryness, and redness.
- Corneal abrasions: Tiny particles of debris or dust in the water can get trapped beneath your contact lenses, leading to scratches on the surface of your eye.
- Loss of lenses: It’s easy for contact lenses to fall out while swimming, especially in the ocean or a pool with lots of movement.
- Increased risk of acanthamoeba infection: Acanthamoeba is a harmful microorganism that lives in freshwater and can cause an aggressive eye infection. This is especially dangerous for contact lens wearers.
What If I Accidentally Went Swimming with Contacts In?
If you accidentally swam with your contacts in, don’t panic. However, it’s essential to monitor your eyes closely afterward. If you experience any discomfort, irritation, or changes in vision, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your optometrist immediately.
Watch for signs such as:
- Red or irritated eyes
- Dryness or extreme watering of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision or the feeling that something is in your eye
- Discharge or mucus in your eyes
These symptoms could indicate an infection or irritation caused by swimming with your contacts in. Seeking professional eye care quickly will help minimize the risk of serious complications.
Can You Wear Contacts While Swimming in a Pool?
Wearing contact lenses while swimming in a pool is not a good idea. Even though chlorine is used to disinfect pool water, it doesn’t kill all of the bacteria or microorganisms that could cause eye infections.
Chlorine can also irritate the eyes, especially when trapped under contact lenses. This irritation is exacerbated when contact lenses are exposed to pool water, increasing the chances of infection or discomfort.
What About Swimming in the Ocean or Freshwater?
It’s equally important to avoid wearing contact lenses when swimming in natural bodies of water, such as the ocean or lakes. While saltwater may seem less of a concern than chlorine, it can still cause irritation. In addition, the ocean and freshwater sources can contain harmful bacteria that can be trapped by your contact lenses, leading to infections.
The presence of Acanthamoeba is particularly concerning in tap water, lakes, and other freshwater sources. This microorganism can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, a dangerous infection that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
What Should You Do If You Want Clear Vision While Swimming?
If you enjoy swimming and want to maintain good vision, consider alternatives such as:
- Prescription swim goggles: These are designed to give you clear vision while keeping your eyes safe from water.
- Laser eye surgery: If you’re tired of dealing with contacts or glasses, LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures might be a great solution to eliminate the need for contacts altogether.
Wearing Contacts Under Goggles
If you’re set on wearing contact lenses while swimming, wearing them under swim goggles is safest. The key is ensuring your goggles form a tight seal, preventing water from entering. However, it’s still important not to open your eyes underwater. Goggles can only offer so much protection, and you should avoid getting splashed or submerged without goggles on.
If no other options are available, we recommend using daily disposable lenses. These can be discarded after swimming, which helps eliminate any microorganisms or chlorine that may have been absorbed or trapped by the lenses. While this method isn’t completely foolproof, it does reduce the risk of infection and irritation by minimizing exposure to potential contaminants.
Book a Contact Lens Exam & Fitting Today!
At Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department, we’ve been helping people with their eye care needs for over 30 years. Whether you need a contact lens fitting, an eye exam, or treatment for an eye condition, we have the experience to help.
If you’re unsure about the best way to care for your contact lenses or want to explore options for safe swimming, book an appointment with us today! We’re here to support your vision health, both on land and in the water.
