Whether you’re cooling off with a swim, engaging in a water aerobics class, or simply enjoying a relaxing float, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of weightlessness in the water. However, for contact lens wearers, these moments of bliss can come with a concern: Can I wear contact lenses in the pool?
The short answer is no—it’s not safe to swim with contact lenses due to risks like infections and eye irritation. While contact lenses provide excellent vision correction, wearing them in any body of water—whether a pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean—can lead to eye health issues.
Understanding the dangers of swimming with contact lenses, exploring safer alternatives, and knowing how to care for your lenses if exposed to water are crucial steps in preserving your vision and eye health.
Why Swimming with Contact Lenses Is Risky
While pools are treated with chlorine and other chemicals to kill bacteria, these measures aren’t foolproof. Pools, lakes, and oceans are teeming with microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections, especially when you’re using contact lenses. Let’s have a look at some of the risks.
Eye Infections
One of the most serious risks of wearing contacts in water is an infection caused by Acanthamoeba, a microorganism commonly found in water. This can lead to Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but potentially sight-threatening condition that damages the cornea.
Eye Irritation
Chlorine, while necessary for water sanitation, isn’t eye-friendly. It can bind to your contact lenses, causing irritation, redness, and discomfort. Chlorine exposure also disrupts the tear film on your eye, leading to dryness.
Lens Contamination
Contact lenses can absorb bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants from water. Once these harmful agents adhere to the lenses, they can remain in contact with your eye, increasing the likelihood of infection or irritation.
What Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
Acanthamoeba keratitis is one of the more serious risks associated with swimming while wearing contact lenses. This rare infection occurs when Acanthamoeba—a microscopic organism found in water and soil—infects the cornea.
Symptoms include:
- Severe eye pain
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of something being stuck in your eye
The infection can progress rapidly and, if untreated, may result in permanent vision loss or the need for a corneal transplant. Because contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, they provide an easy entry point for harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba.
Can I Use Swimming Goggles with Contact Lenses?
If you must wear your contact lenses in the pool, swimming goggles can provide an extra layer of protection. Goggles help create a barrier between your eyes and the water, reducing the risk of contaminants reaching your lenses. However, they aren’t foolproof.
Goggles can leak, and even a small amount of water exposure can introduce bacteria or chemicals to your lenses. A safer option for frequent swimmers is prescription goggles. These goggles provide clear vision without the need for contact lenses, making them a convenient and risk-free solution for water activities.
Daily Disposable Lenses: A Safer Alternative
If you’re still set on wearing contact lenses while swimming, daily disposable lenses are your best bet. These single-use lenses minimize the risks associated with water exposure because they can be discarded immediately after swimming. However, this approach still carries some level of risk, and proper aftercare is essential.
While we don’t recommend using daily disposables while swimming, if you insist on trying them out, follow these guidelines to minimize your risk:
- Remove and discard your lenses as soon as you’re out of the water.
- Avoid wearing the same lenses again, even for a short period.
- Carry a backup pair of glasses in case your lenses need to be removed.
Other Alternatives for Water Activities
For worry-free water activities, consider these alternatives to contact lenses:
Prescription Goggles
These goggles provide the clearest and safest solution for swimmers who need vision correction. Designed to match your prescription, they eliminate the need for contact lenses altogether.
Swimming Without Vision Correction
If your prescription is mild, you may find it manageable to swim without corrective lenses. Focus on enjoying the experience rather than on perfect visual clarity.
Refractive Surgery
Procedures like laser eye surgery offer a permanent solution to vision correction, eliminating your need for glasses or contact lenses. This option is ideal for active people who frequently participate in sports or water activities.
During your next eye exam or contact lens exam, our team at Total Vision Sports Arena can talk you through each of these options in detail.
What to Do If You Wore Contacts in the Pool
Accidents happen, and sometimes you might forget to remove your contact lenses before swimming. If this occurs, follow these steps to minimize risks:
- Remove Your Lenses Immediately: If you’ve been in the water while wearing lenses, remove them as soon as possible.
- Discard or Disinfect: If you’re using daily disposable lenses, throw them away. For reusable lenses, clean and disinfect them thoroughly with a recommended solution.
- Monitor Your Eyes: Pay attention to any symptoms like redness, pain, or blurry vision in the hours or days after swimming. If these occur, seek medical attention.
- Schedule a Check-Up: If you have concerns about your eye health, schedule an appointment with our team for a comprehensive evaluation.
Protecting Your Eyes Year-Round
No matter the season, protecting your eyes should be a priority. Swimming with contact lenses may seem convenient, but the risks outweigh the benefits. By choosing alternatives like prescription goggles, daily disposable lenses, or refractive surgery, you can enjoy your time in the water without compromising your vision.
At Total Vision Sports Arena, we’re here to help you find the best solutions for your lifestyle. Whether you need advice on contact lenses, prescription goggles, or long-term vision correction, our team is ready to assist.
Schedule your appointment today to discuss how we can keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
