Is Swimming with Contact Lenses Safe?

The Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses in Water

Water—whether it's from a pool, ocean, or lake—often contains harmful bacteria and microorganisms. One of the most concerning of these is a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba. When this parasite comes into contact with soft contact lenses, it can distort the lens shape or cause it to stick to the surface of your eye. Soft lenses are especially vulnerable due to their porous nature, which allows them to absorb water, making them more prone to contamination. If the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, becomes scratched, it can provide an entry point for harmful germs, leading to serious infections.

One such infection is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful condition caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite. This infection is notoriously difficult to treat and can last for months or even years. In rare and severe cases, it can even cause blindness. The risks of swimming with contact lenses extend to other serious eye problems, such as:

• Eye irritation 

• Dry eye syndrome, especially from contact with chlorine or saltwater 

• Eye infections 

• Painful scratches or corneal abrasions 

• Eye inflammation 

• Corneal ulcers 

Everyday Safety Tips for Wearing Contacts Around Water

If you're a contact lens wearer, it’s essential to avoid exposing your lenses to any type of water to minimize the risk of infection. Water often contains harmful microorganisms that can lead to serious eye issues. According to the FDA, it’s best to refrain from wearing contact lenses in these situations:

• Showers 

• Sprinklers 

• Baths 

• Hot tubs 

• Swimming pools 

It's always a good practice to remove your lenses before engaging in these activities. If water accidentally gets into your eyes while wearing contacts, make sure to remove the lenses immediately. After removal, clean and disinfect them with contact lens solution overnight. If you prefer, you can discard the lenses and use a fresh pair the next time you wear them. Always keep a contact lens case with solution on hand, so you can safely store your lenses if needed. Additionally, it’s helpful to keep a spare pair of eyeglasses on hand for any moment when you need an alternative while out and about.

The Risks of Swimming with Contacts

Although swimming pools are treated with chemicals to kill germs, they may not always be effective at eliminating all pathogens present in the water. Pools are constantly exposed to environmental changes, which can create ideal conditions for germs to thrive, increasing the risk of eye infections. Wearing contact lenses while swimming can also expose the surface of your eye, making it more susceptible to irritation and infection. Even without contact lenses, chlorine in the pool can still cause redness, discomfort, and light sensitivity. To alleviate discomfort after swimming, consider flushing your eyes with saline solution to relieve any irritation.

What to Do If You Accidentally Swim While Wearing Contacts

If you accidentally wear contact lenses while swimming, don't worry—taking quick action can reduce the risk of infection or inflammation. Follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before removing your lenses. 

2. If you’re wearing daily disposable lenses, discard them immediately. For reusable lenses (two-week or monthly), clean and disinfect them by rubbing, rinsing, and soaking them in fresh solution overnight. 

3. Use preservative-free artificial tears to flush out any debris or irritants trapped under the lens. 

4. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this could push harmful germs deeper into your cornea. 

5. Keep an eye out for signs of irritation such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, or blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact an eye care professional. 

If you're unsure or experience discomfort, it's always best to switch to glasses for the rest of the day and schedule an eye exam with your nearest eyecarecenter location for a thorough check-up.

Signs of an Eye Infection

If you're concerned that you may have contracted an eye infection from swimming or other water activities, watch for these symptoms:

• Redness or pain 

• A yellow or mucus-like discharge 

• Light sensitivity 

• Swelling 

• Vision disturbances 

Should you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult your eye care provider and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Left untreated, eye infections can lead to serious complications and, in extreme cases, permanent vision loss.

Swim-Friendly Prescription Vision Options

For those who enjoy swimming but want to avoid the risks associated with contact lenses, prescription swim goggles are the most straightforward solution. These goggles offer a secure, watertight seal with lenses that match your exact prescription, ensuring you can see clearly while keeping your contacts safe from bacteria in the water. Ready-made swim goggles with "step diopters" typically range from $20 to $40, offering an affordable way to protect your eyes while swimming.

If you prefer to keep your contacts dry but don’t want to wear glasses, over-goggle frames (often referred to as swim masks with prescription inserts) are a fantastic alternative. These masks provide a wider field of vision and feature internal clips that securely hold lightweight prescription lenses. Additional features like fog-resistant coatings and UV protection are also available, and you can update the prescription inserts as your vision changes.

For those seeking a permanent solution, laser vision correction options like LASIK or PRK could be ideal. These surgeries reshape the cornea to eliminate the need for contact lenses or prescription goggles, removing the risk of water-related eye issues. LASIK recovery typically takes around two to four weeks, while PRK requires a bit more time. eyecarecenter can assess whether you’re a good candidate for laser vision correction and guide you through the process, comparing the long-term costs of surgery with years of contact lens or goggle use.