Contact lenses are a popular choice for many because they offer clear vision without the hassle of glasses. You can see well during everyday activities and sports. But when it comes to swimming, many wonder if it’s safe to wear contact lenses in the water.
Wearing contact lenses while swimming raises important questions. Water can have bacteria and chemicals that can irritate your eyes or cause infections. Knowing the risks and how to protect your eyes is very important for anyone who wears lenses.
In this article, we will discuss whether it’s safe to wear contact lenses while swimming. We will explain the risks, share safety tips, and offer alternatives to keep your eyes healthy. This guide will help you swim without worrying about your eye health.
Why People Wear Contact Lenses While Swimming?
Many wear contact lenses while swimming for convenience. Contact lenses provide clear vision without the need for bulky glasses that can fall off or get damaged in water. This is perfect for sports and active lifestyles.
For swimmers, especially athletes, contacts offer freedom of movement and a wider field of vision compared to goggles with prescription lenses. Contact lenses also avoid fogging issues that glasses can have.
Because of these benefits, contact lenses are popular among recreational swimmers and competitive athletes alike. But knowing how to use them safely in the water is crucial to avoid eye problems.
Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses While Swimming
- Contact lenses can increase the risk of serious eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis caused by waterborne organisms.
- Pools, lakes, and oceans have bacteria, viruses, and contaminants that can stick to lenses and irritate eyes.
- Lenses can trap water against the eye, causing discomfort, redness, and blurry vision.
- Lenses can slip off or get lost while swimming.
- Chlorine in pools can dry out or damage lenses, reducing comfort and clarity.
- Saltwater can irritate eyes and affect lens shape and performance.
- Overall, wearing contacts in water requires caution because of these risks.
Understand the typical issues contact lens wearers may experience, such as dryness, redness, or discomfort, and learn how to manage them for healthy, clear vision.
Types of Contact Lenses and Swimming Safety
- Soft lenses: More flexible but tend to absorb water and contaminants, increasing infection risk.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses: Less likely to trap water but may be less comfortable for some wearers.
- Daily disposable lenses: Safer option as you use a fresh pair after swimming, lowering infection chances.
- Extended wear/reusable lenses: Riskier for swimming since they can trap germs and require careful cleaning.
Always consult your eye care professional for personalized advice on safe lens use around water.
Safety Tips for Swimming With Contact Lenses
- Always wear swimming goggles over your contact lenses to protect your eyes from water and contaminants.
- Avoid swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or hot tubs while wearing lenses, as these have a higher risk of infection.
- Use daily disposable lenses for swimming and throw them away right after to reduce the chance of germs staying on your lenses.
- Clean and disinfect your lenses properly as soon as you finish swimming to keep your eyes safe.
- Carry backup glasses or an extra pair of contacts in case you lose your lenses while swimming.
- Never rinse or clean your lenses with tap water or pool water, as they contain harmful microorganisms. Always use the recommended lens solution.
Alternatives to Wearing Contact Lenses While Swimming
- Prescription swimming goggles are a great alternative that combine vision correction and eye protection in the water.
- LASIK or other corrective eye surgeries can permanently reduce your need for contacts or glasses, making swimming easier.
- Using daily disposable lenses with goggles is safer than reusable lenses if you prefer contacts.
- Other options include specialized swim masks or sports glasses designed for clear vision during water activities.
- Always discuss your needs with your eye care professional to find the best solution for swimming safely.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you notice redness, pain, blurry vision, or unusual discharge after swimming with contact lenses, these could be signs of infection or irritation.
See an eye doctor right away to prevent more serious problems. Timely treatment can save your eyesight and prevent complications. If you swim regularly with contacts, get routine eye check-ups to keep your eyes healthy and catch any issues early.
How to Clean and Care for Your Contact Lenses – A simple guide to keeping your contact lenses fresh, comfortable, and germ-free every day.
Conclusion
Swimming with contact lenses has risks, but following safety tips can help. Wear goggles, avoid risky water, and clean your lenses properly. Remember, using contacts in water requires extra caution to keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy.
When in doubt, talk to your eye care professional for personalized advice. Prioritize your eye safety to swim worry-free.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to swim with contact lenses?
No, swimming with contact lenses is not recommended. Water can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes and increase the risk of infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
2. What are the risks of wearing contact lenses while swimming?
Wearing contact lenses in water can cause eye infections, corneal ulcers, lens displacement or loss, and eye irritation. These risks are higher in untreated water sources like lakes and oceans.
3. Can I wear contact lenses in a chlorinated pool?
Even in chlorinated pools, wearing contact lenses is risky. Chlorine doesn’t kill all bacteria, and lenses can trap harmful bacteria, increasing the chance of eye infections.
4. What should I do if I accidentally swim with my contact lenses in?
Remove your lenses immediately and clean them thoroughly with disinfecting solution. If you use daily disposables, discard them. Watch for redness, pain, or blurred vision, and see an eye doctor if symptoms occur.
5. Are daily disposable lenses safer for swimming?
Daily disposable lenses reduce infection risk since you discard them after use. But it’s still safer to avoid wearing any contact lenses while swimming whenever possible.
6. Can I wear contact lenses in the shower?
No, wearing contact lenses in the shower is not safe. Water can contain bacteria that stick to lenses and increase infection risk.
7. What are the symptoms of an eye infection from contact lenses?
Redness, pain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing or discharge.
