Protect Your Eyes While Swimming with Contacts

The Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses in Water

Water, whether from a pool, ocean, or lake, can contain harmful bacteria and microorganisms. One of the most concerning of these is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic parasite. If this parasite encounters soft contact lenses, it can alter the shape of the lens or even cause it to stick to your eye’s surface. Soft lenses are particularly vulnerable due to their porous nature, which allows them to absorb water, making them more prone to contamination. If the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, becomes scratched, it can provide an entry point for bacteria, leading to severe eye infections. 

A common infection related to swimming with contact lenses is Acanthamoeba keratitis, caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite. This condition is painful, difficult to treat, and can last for months or even years. In extreme cases, it may lead to permanent vision loss. Swimming with contact lenses also increases the risk of other serious eye issues 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 

The Risks of Swimming with Contacts

While swimming pools are treated with chemicals to kill germs, these chemicals may not be effective against all harmful pathogens. Pools are constantly exposed to environmental changes, making them ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms, increasing the risk of eye infections. Wearing contact lenses while swimming can expose the surface of your eye to additional irritation and infection. Even without contact lenses, chlorine can cause redness, dryness, and light sensitivity in your eyes. After swimming, rinsing your eyes with saline solution can help relieve discomfort and soothe irritation.

Accidentally Wore Contacts in Water? Here’s What to Do

If you accidentally swim with contact lenses, don't panic. Taking swift action can help minimize 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 using daily disposable lenses, discard them immediately. For reusable lenses (e.g., two-week or monthly lenses), 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 germs deeper into your cornea. 

5. Watch for symptoms such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, or blurred vision. If you experience any of these, it's important to contact an eye care professional. 

If you’re uncertain or experiencing discomfort, wear glasses for the rest of the day and schedule an eye exam with your nearest The EyeDoctors Optometrists location to ensure your eyes remain healthy.

How to Stay Safe If Wearing Contacts in Water

Although it is generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming, there are situations where it might be unavoidable. If you find it necessary to swim with contacts, take these precautions to minimize the risks:

• Use artificial tears or re-wetting drops before and after swimming to keep your eyes properly lubricated and reduce the risk of dry eye symptoms. 

• Always wear tight-fitting, high-quality swim goggles, or opt for prescription swim goggles to ensure water doesn’t come into contact with your contact lenses. 

• After swimming, promptly remove your contact lenses and clean and disinfect them thoroughly using a suitable contact lens solution. 

• If swimming frequently, consider wearing daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses can be discarded after each use, which helps reduce the risk of contamination and potential eye problems. 

Signs of an Eye Infection

If you're worried that you may have picked up an infection from swimming or other water-related activities, watch for these warning signs:

• 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 your eye care provider immediately. Untreated eye infections can lead to more serious complications, and in some cases, may result in permanent vision loss.

Prescription Replacements for Contacts While Swimming

For those who want to avoid the risks associated with contact lenses while swimming, prescription swim goggles offer a great solution. These goggles create a secure, watertight seal and feature lenses customized to your exact prescription, allowing for clear vision and ensuring your contact lenses are protected from harmful bacteria in the water. Ready-made swim goggles with "step diopters" typically cost between $20 and $40, making them a cost-effective option to safeguard your eyes while swimming.

If you'd rather keep your contacts dry but want to avoid wearing glasses, consider over-goggle frames, also known as swim masks with prescription inserts. These masks offer a wider field of vision and have internal clips that securely hold lightweight prescription lenses. You can also find goggles with additional features like fog-resistant coatings and UV protection, and the prescription inserts can easily be updated as your vision changes.

For those seeking a permanent solution, LASIK or PRK laser vision correction may be the ideal option. These procedures reshape the cornea to eliminate the need for contacts or prescription goggles, eliminating the risks of water-related eye issues. Recovery from LASIK typically takes two to four weeks, while PRK may require a bit longer.