Swimming and Contact Lenses: What You Need to Know
Summer’s here, and the call of the water is hard to resist. Whether it's a pool, lake, or ocean, many contact lens wearers find themselves wondering: Can you swim with contacts? While it might seem harmless, wearing contact lenses in the water carries real risks for your eye health.
Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge.
Why Water and Contact Lenses Don’t Mix
Water and contact lenses are a bad combination. That includes all types of water—tap, pool, lake, ocean, and even hot tubs. The main concern is microbial contamination. Water, no matter how clean it looks, can harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pose a threat to your eyes.
One of the most serious risks is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but potentially blinding infection caused by a microscopic organism found in water. Contact lenses can trap the organism against your eye, increasing the chance of infection. Other waterborne pathogens can also cause corneal ulcers, inflammation, and irritation.
Risks of Swimming with Contacts
Let’s break down what can happen when you swim with contact lenses:
- Eye Infections: As mentioned, microbes in water can lead to painful and dangerous infections.
- Lens Displacement: Water can cause your lenses to move out of place or even float away, especially in pools or surf.
- Irritation and Dryness: Chlorinated water or saltwater can dry out your lenses and irritate your eyes.
- Corneal Damage: Lenses can swell, warp, or stick to your eyes when exposed to water, causing discomfort and potential damage.
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So, can you swim with contacts? Technically yes, but it’s risky and strongly discouraged by eye care professionals.
Safer Alternatives for Swimmers
If you rely on contact lenses to see clearly, don’t worry—there are safer ways to enjoy swimming without compromising your eye health.
1. Prescription Swim Goggles
The safest option is to invest in prescription swim goggles. These are designed to correct your vision while protecting your eyes from water. They’re a game-changer for swimmers who need visual clarity.
2. Daily Disposable Lenses + Goggles
If prescription goggles aren’t available, you can wear daily disposable contact lenses with waterproof swim goggles. The goggles act as a barrier, and since the lenses are disposable, you can throw them out right after swimming. Never reuse them after they’ve been exposed to water.
3. Laser Vision Correction
For long-term freedom from glasses and contacts, laser eye surgery may be worth exploring. While not for everyone, it’s an option for active individuals who swim regularly.
Post-Swim Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
- If you’ve accidentally worn your contacts in the water:
- Remove them immediately after swimming.
- Rinse your eyes with sterile saline, not tap water.
- Discard the lenses, especially if they’re not daily disposables.
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Monitor for symptoms like redness, pain, blurred vision, or discharge and see an optometrist right away if anything seems off.
Final Thoughts
Water and contact lenses don’t mix—period. While it may be tempting to swim with your lenses in for convenience or better vision, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Thankfully, options like prescription swim goggles and single-use lenses with goggles can help you enjoy the water safely.
Still wondering, can you swim with contacts? The answer is: only if you take proper precautions. Your eyes will thank you for it. Contact our customer service team at 1-800-404-7317 or email info@visionpros.com for expert assistance related to contact lenses.
