Are eye contacts safe to swim with?

ALBAWABA Swimming with contact lenses is a common practice, but it's not without risks. Whether it's in a pool, lake, or ocean, wearing contact lenses while swimming can expose your eyes to potential hazards. 

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Here's a closer look at the safety concerns and precautions you should consider:

Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses

1. Infection Risk: Water in pools, lakes, and oceans can carry bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. When you swim with contact lenses, these pathogens can get trapped between the lens and your eye, increasing the risk of infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and bacterial conjunctivitis.
2. Lens Contamination: Water, especially non-sterile water, can contaminate your contact lenses. This contamination can lead to discomfort, irritation, or even serious eye infections. Even chlorinated pool water, which is treated to kill bacteria, can still pose a risk because it does not completely eliminate microorganisms.
3. Corneal Abrasion: Contact lenses can become dislodged or move around in the eye while swimming, causing small scratches or abrasions on the cornea. This can lead to pain, redness, and increased susceptibility to infections.
4. Dry Eyes: Water, especially in chlorinated pools, can wash away the natural tear film that protects your eyes, leading to dryness and irritation. Contact lenses can exacerbate this dryness, making your eyes feel uncomfortable.

Precautions to Take

If you must wear contact lenses while swimming, consider the following precautions:

1. Wear Daily Disposable Lenses: If swimming with contact lenses is unavoidable, use daily disposable lenses. These can be discarded immediately after swimming, reducing the risk of contamination and infection.
2. Use Goggles: Wearing tight-fitting, waterproof swim goggles over your contact lenses can help protect your eyes from water exposure. Goggles create a barrier that prevents water from coming into direct contact with your lenses.
3. Rinse and Disinfect: If you're wearing reusable lenses, make sure to clean and disinfect them thoroughly after swimming. Use a fresh cleaning solution to ensure any potential contaminants are removed.
4. Consider Alternatives: If swimming is a regular activity for you, consider alternatives such as prescription swim goggles or switching to glasses when near water. Another option is to remove your contact lenses before swimming and use them again after your swim.

If you experience redness, pain, blurred vision, or any other unusual symptoms after swimming with contact lenses, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. These could be signs of an infection or other serious eye conditions.

While it might be tempting to leave your contact lenses in while swimming, the risks often outweigh the convenience. 

Taking precautions, such as using daily disposable lenses and wearing swim goggles, can help protect your eyes, but the safest option is to avoid swimming with contact lenses altogether. Prioritizing eye health can prevent long-term damage and ensure your vision remains clear and healthy.