Protecting Your Eyes If Swimming with Contact Lenses

The Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses in Water

Water—whether it's from a pool, ocean, or lake—can contain harmful bacteria and microorganisms. One of the most concerning of these is a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba. If this parasite comes into contact with soft contact lenses, it can distort the lens shape or cause the lens to stick to your eye. Because soft contact lenses are porous, they absorb more water, making them more prone to bacterial contamination. If the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) is scratched, it can serve as an entry point for harmful germs, leading to infections.

A common eye infection associated with swimming and contact lens use is Acanthamoeba keratitis. This painful infection, caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite, is notoriously difficult to treat and can last months or even years. In rare cases, it may lead to permanent vision loss. Swimming with contact lenses also increases the risk of other serious eye problems, such as:

• Eye irritation 

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

• Eye infections 

• Painful scratches or corneal abrasions 

• Eye inflammation 

• Corneal ulcers 

Safety Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses in Water

As a contact lens wearer, it’s important to take precautions to protect your eyes from water exposure, as water can carry harmful microorganisms that could lead to serious eye infections. The FDA advises against wearing contact lenses in the following situations:

• Showers 

• Sprinklers 

• Baths 

• Hot tubs 

• Swimming pools 

It’s always best to remove your lenses before engaging in any of these activities. If water accidentally enters your eyes while wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately. After removal, clean and disinfect your lenses using a proper contact lens solution and leave them to soak overnight. If you prefer, you can discard the lenses and use a fresh pair the next time you wear them. Make sure to always carry a contact lens case with solution, so you can safely store your lenses when needed. It’s also helpful to keep a pair of eyeglasses on hand as a backup for when you need an alternative while you’re out.

The Risks of Swimming with Contacts

While swimming pools are treated with chemicals to kill germs, these chemicals don’t always eliminate all harmful pathogens. Pools are constantly exposed to environmental changes that can create conditions where bacteria and other microorganisms thrive, increasing the risk of eye infections. Wearing contact lenses while swimming can also make the surface of your eye more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Even without contact lenses, chlorine in the pool can cause redness, dryness, and light sensitivity in your eyes. After swimming, consider rinsing your eyes with saline solution to alleviate any irritation.

Accidentally Swam While Wearing Contacts? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve worn your contact lenses while swimming, don’t panic. Acting quickly can help reduce the risk of infection or irritation. Follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before removing your contact lenses. 

2. If you're wearing daily disposable lenses, discard them immediately. For reusable lenses (e.g., two-week or monthly), clean and disinfect them by rubbing, rinsing, and soaking them overnight in fresh disinfecting solution. 

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

4. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can push harmful bacteria further into your cornea. 

5. Watch for signs like redness, pain, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, or blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact an eye care professional. 

If you're unsure about your eye health or feel discomfort, it's always a good idea to wear glasses for the rest of the day and schedule an eye exam at your nearest Grene Vision Group location to ensure your eyes are healthy.

Signs of an Eye Infection

If you’re concerned that you may have contracted an infection from swimming or exposure to water, here are some common signs to look for:

• Redness or pain 

• A yellow or mucus-like discharge 

• Light sensitivity 

• Swelling 

• Vision disturbances 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your eye care provider and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Untreated eye infections can lead to more serious complications and, in rare cases, permanent vision loss.

Prescription Solutions to Replace Contacts for Swimming

For swimmers who want to avoid the risks associated with contact lenses, prescription swim goggles are a fantastic solution. These goggles provide a tight, watertight seal and feature lenses tailored to your exact prescription, allowing you to see clearly while keeping your contact lenses safe from harmful bacteria in the water. Ready-made swim goggles with “step diopters” generally range between $20 and $40, providing an affordable way to protect your eyes while swimming.

If you prefer to keep your contact lenses dry but don’t want to wear glasses, over-goggle frames (also known as swim masks with prescription inserts) offer a great alternative. These masks give you a wider field of vision and have internal clips that securely hold lightweight prescription lenses. Features like fog-resistant coatings and UV protection are available, and you can easily update the prescription inserts as your vision changes.

For a more permanent solution, laser vision correction procedures like LASIK or PRK may be ideal. These surgeries reshape the cornea to eliminate the need for contact lenses or prescription goggles, removing the risk of water-related complications. Recovery from LASIK usually takes about two to four weeks, while PRK requires a slightly longer recovery period. Grene Vision Group can help determine if you’re a good candidate for laser surgery and guide you through the process, comparing the long-term costs of surgery with the ongoing costs of disposable lenses or multiple sets of goggles.