Is Swimming with Contact Lenses Safe?

The Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses in Water

Water—whether from a pool, ocean, or lake—can contain harmful germs and bacteria. One particularly concerning microorganism found in water is a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba. When this germ comes into contact with soft contact lenses, it can alter the shape of the lens or cause it to adhere to the surface of your eye. Soft contact lenses, being highly porous, absorb more water compared to other lens types, making them more susceptible to bacterial contamination. If the cornea (the transparent outer layer of your eye) is scratched, it can serve as an entry point for harmful germs, leading to severe eye infections.

One such eye infection caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and challenging condition to treat that can persist for a year or more. In rare instances, it may even result in blindness. Swimming with contact lenses increases the likelihood of experiencing a variety of eye problems, including:

• Eye irritation 

• Dry eye syndrome, especially from contact with chlorine or saltwater 

• Eye infections 

• Painful scratches or corneal abrasions 

• Eye inflammation 

• Corneal ulcers 

Everyday Tips for Safely Wearing Contacts Around Water

If you wear contact lenses, it’s essential to avoid wearing them in or near any water to minimize the risk of infection. Water can contain harmful microorganisms, which can lead to serious eye issues. According to the FDA, it's best to avoid wearing contact lenses in the following situations: 

• Showers 

• Sprinklers 

• Baths 

• Hot tubs 

• Swimming pools 

It's always a good idea to remove your contact lenses before participating in these activities. If water happens to get into your eyes while wearing contacts, remove the lenses immediately. Afterward, clean and disinfect your lenses with a solution overnight. You can also discard your lenses and use a fresh pair the next time you wear them. Be sure to carry a contact lens case with solution, so you can safely remove your lenses as needed. Additionally, it’s helpful to keep a pair of eyeglasses on hand in case you need an alternative while out and about.

The Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses

While pool water is treated with chemicals to kill harmful germs, it’s not always effective against all pathogens that might be present. Swimming pools are constantly exposed to changes in the environment, which can create a breeding ground for germs, putting swimmers at risk of eye infections. Wearing contact lenses while swimming increases the risk of eye irritation and infection by making the surface of the eye more vulnerable. Even if you’re not wearing contacts, chlorine can still irritate your eyes, leading to redness, discomfort, and light sensitivity. To help soothe your eyes after swimming, flush them with saline solution to relieve irritation.

What to Do If You Accidentally Swim with Contacts

If you’ve accidentally worn contact lenses while swimming, don’t panic. It’s important to act quickly to reduce the risk of infection or inflammation. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then remove the lenses right away. 

2. If you wear daily disposable lenses, throw them away immediately. For reusable lenses (two-week or monthly), clean and disinfect them by rubbing, rinsing, and soaking them overnight in fresh solution before wearing them again. 

3. Use preservative-free artificial tears to rinse out any debris or irritants trapped under the lens. 

4. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this could push harmful pathogens deeper into your cornea. 

5. Monitor your eyes for any signs of irritation, such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, or blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye care professional. 

6. When in doubt, wear glasses for the rest of the day and make an appointment with your nearest EyeCare Associates location for an eye exam. 

Signs of an Eye Infection

If you're unsure whether you’ve picked up an infection from swimming or other water sources, watch for these warning signs:

• Redness or pain 

• A yellow or mucus-like discharge 

• Light sensitivity 

• Swelling 

• Vision disturbances 

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your eye care provider and schedule an appointment. Eye infections can lead to serious complications and permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Swim-Friendly Prescription Vision Options

For those who want to swim without worrying about contact lens safety, prescription swim goggles are the most straightforward and infection-free option. These goggles offer a tight, watertight seal with lenses that match your exact prescription, allowing for clear vision while keeping your contacts safe from harmful bacteria in the water. Ready-made swim goggles with "step diopters" generally range from $20 to $40, providing an affordable and practical way to protect your eyes.

If you prefer to keep your contacts out of the water but want to avoid wearing glasses, over-goggle frames (often referred to as swim masks with prescription inserts) offer a great alternative. These masks provide a wider field of vision and have internal clips that hold lightweight prescription lenses. They also come with added features like fog-resistant coatings and UV protection, and you can update just the prescription inserts when your eyesight changes.

For those who want a permanent solution, laser vision correction such as LASIK or PRK may be worth considering. These procedures reshape the cornea to eliminate the need for contact lenses or prescription goggles, and by doing so, remove the risk of water-related complications. LASIK recovery usually allows swimmers to get back in the water in about two to four weeks, with PRK requiring slightly more recovery time. EyeCare Associates can help assess your candidacy for surgery and guide you through the process, comparing the long-term costs of the procedure to years of contact lens or goggle use.