It’s highly advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering. Water, including tap water, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans, contains microorganisms that can adhere to your lenses and cause eye infections. These microorganisms can lead to severe eye conditions, such as bacterial or fungal keratitis, which can be painful and sight-threatening. Always remove your contact lenses before any water activities to prevent potential eye infections and complications.
Vision correction while swimming
- Waterproof Contact Lenses: While there are no utterly waterproof contact lenses, some types are more resistant to water than others. Daily disposable lenses are a preferred option if you choose to wear contacts while swimming. They can be discarded immediately after swimming to reduce the risk of infection.
- Prescription Swimming Goggles: A safer alternative to contact lenses for swimming is prescription swimming goggles. These goggles are customized to your prescription, allowing clear vision underwater without the risks associated with contact lenses.
- Sealed Goggles Over Contacts: If you decide to wear contacts while swimming, wearing well-sealed swimming goggles over them can help protect your eyes from waterborne irritants and pathogens. This doesn’t eliminate the risk, but it can reduce it.
- Risks of Swimming with Contacts: Wearing contact lenses while swimming increases the risk of eye infections, particularly from microorganisms in the water like Acanthamoeba, which can lead to serious eye infections and even vision loss. Water can also change the shape of the contact lenses, leading to discomfort and potentially harming the cornea.
- Post-Swimming Eye Care: If you wear contacts while swimming, it’s important to immediately clean and disinfect reusable lenses or discard disposable ones after swimming. You should also rinse your eyes with fresh, clean water.
- Consultation with an Eye Care Professional: Before deciding to swim with contact lenses, consult with an eye care professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your eye health and vision needs.