Can You Swim with Contact Lenses? Risks, Precautions, and Alternatives

Quick answer

Swimming with contact lenses is not recommended due to the high risk of eye infections from waterborne microorganisms. If you must, use daily disposables and wear waterproof goggles, but the safest option is to remove your lenses and wear prescription goggles instead.

Picture this: a hot summer day, a sparkling pool, and you're ready to dive in. But you wear contact lenses. Can you keep them on? Many people do, but is it safe? The short answer is no, and here's why.

Water, whether in a pool, ocean, or shower, contains microorganisms that can adhere to your contact lenses and cause serious eye infections. This article busts common myths about swimming with contact lenses and provides practical advice to keep your eyes healthy.

The Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses

When you swim with contact lenses, your lenses act like a sponge, absorbing water and any contaminants it carries. This includes bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acanthamoeba, which can lead to painful infections and even vision loss. The risk is significantly higher than wearing lenses in normal conditions.

Even in chlorinated pools, the chlorine is not enough to kill all microorganisms, and the water can cause your lenses to change shape, stick to your eye, or become uncomfortable. Additionally, if water splashes into your eyes, it can wash the lenses out or cause them to fold, leading to irritation and potential corneal scratches.

• Always remove lenses before swimming whenever possible.
• If you must wear them, use daily disposables to minimize infection risk.
• Wear tight-fitting waterproof goggles to prevent water from reaching your eyes.

Myth: 'I Can Just Close My Eyes Underwater'

Some people think that by closing their eyes underwater, they can protect their lenses. However, water can still seep in when you open your eyes briefly, or through the surface tension when your eyes are closed. Even a small amount of water can carry harmful pathogens.

Moreover, the pressure changes underwater can cause your lenses to move or fold, making them uncomfortable and potentially damaging your cornea. It's simply not worth the risk.

Myth: 'Chlorine Kills All Bacteria, So It's Safe'

While chlorine is a disinfectant, it is not effective against all types of microorganisms, especially Acanthamoeba, which is resistant to chlorine and can cause a severe eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection is difficult to treat and can lead to permanent vision loss.

Additionally, chlorine can cause your contact lenses to degrade, reducing their lifespan and comfort. The combination of chlorine and lenses is a recipe for eye irritation and potential damage.

Precautions If You Absolutely Must Swim with Lenses

If you have no choice but to wear your lenses while swimming, you can reduce the risk by following these precautions: use daily disposable lenses, wear high-quality waterproof goggles, and avoid opening your eyes underwater. After swimming, remove the lenses immediately and dispose of them if they are daily disposables.

For reusable lenses, clean and disinfect them thoroughly with contact lens solution before wearing them again. Never use water or saliva to clean your lenses, as this can introduce additional contaminants.

• Use daily disposable lenses to avoid long-term contamination.
• Wear goggles that seal well around your eyes.
• Never sleep in lenses after swimming; give your eyes a break.

Myths vs. Facts: Quick Verdicts

• Myth: It's okay to swim with contact lenses if you close your eyes.: Water can still enter your eyes, and pressure changes can cause lens movement. Verdict: False. Remove lenses before swimming.
• Myth: Chlorine kills all germs, so swimming in pools is safe.: Chlorine does not kill Acanthamoeba and can degrade lens material. Verdict: False. Even pools pose a risk.
• Myth: Daily disposables are safe for swimming.: They are safer than reusables, but still not risk-free; water can carry pathogens. Verdict: Partially true. Use with goggles and discard immediately after.

Product Facts: Safer Alternatives for Water Activities

• Gloria Candle Brown 14.2mm, 3 Month 2Pcs: Made for the girls who care about how their eyes finish a look. Gloria Candle Brown 14.2mm by CONSMY is a warm honey brown colour contact lens — sunkissed warm honey-brown that warms the eye area like late-afternoon light. This lens is designed for everyday wear, not for water exposure. If you plan to swim, it's safer to choose daily disposables instead.

  

• [Moody Weighted] Moonstone 2.0, 14.2mm (1 Day): GlowyLockTM Moonstone Pro features a natural dark limbal ring and a rich navy blue base, paired with a water blue highlight that stays flawlessly locked at the bottom of your eyes through our GlowyLockTM weighted design (axis-lock technology). This daily disposable lens is a better option for occasional water exposure, as you can discard it after swimming to avoid contamination.

Swimming with contact lenses is risky, but with the right precautions, you can minimize harm. For occasional water activities, consider using daily disposable lenses like the [Moody Weighted] Moonstone 2.0, 14.2mm (1 Day) and always wear goggles. However, the safest choice is to remove your lenses and use prescription goggles. Your eyes are irreplaceable—protect them.