Can You Swim With Contacts?

While swimming with contact lenses is technically possible, it’s not recommended because of the potential dangers to your eyes. Here’s what you should know.

Why Swimming with Contacts is Risky

Contact lenses are great for correcting vision, but they’re not designed to be in the water. When you swim with contacts, they can absorb all kinds of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that live in the water. This can lead to a range of eye infections and issues, such as:

• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: This is a rare but serious infection caused by a tiny organism found in water. It can be really painful and, in severe cases, could damage your vision permanently.
• Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on your cornea, often caused by bacteria. They can be very painful and might leave scars, affecting your vision.
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This common infection can make your eyes red, itchy, and uncomfortable.

Chlorine and Salt Water: No Better

You might think that chlorine in pools or salt in the ocean could kill bacteria and make it safer to swim with contacts. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Chlorine can actually irritate your eyes and make your contacts uncomfortable, while saltwater can cause them to dry out and stick to your eyes. Both can also still contain harmful microorganisms.

What to Do If You Need to See Clearly While Swimming

If you need to see clearly while you swim, consider these safer alternatives:

• Prescription Goggles: These can correct your vision just like glasses or contacts and keep your eyes safe from water.
• Daily Disposable Contacts: If you must swim with contacts, use daily disposables and throw them away immediately after swimming. But remember, even this isn’t a foolproof solution.
• Swim Without Contacts: You might not be able to see things in HD, but it’s the safest option for your eyes.

What to Do If You Accidentally Swim with Contacts

If you’ve already swum with your contacts in, don’t panic, but do take them out as soon as possible. Rinse your eyes with sterile saline solution and clean your lenses thoroughly before putting them back in—or better yet, toss them out and use a fresh pair.

Keeping Your Eyes Safe in the Water

While it might be tempting to keep your contacts in while you swim, it’s really not worth the risk. Your eyes are delicate, and exposing them to potential infections just to avoid blurry vision isn’t a good trade-off. Stick to safer alternatives like prescription goggles or daily disposables, and keep your eyes healthy for all your future swims.