How to Protect Your Eyes If Swimming with Contact Lenses

The Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses in Water

Water—whether from a pool, ocean, or lake—can harbor harmful bacteria and microorganisms. One particularly concerning microorganism found in water is a microscopic parasite known as Acanthamoeba. When this parasite comes into contact with soft contact lenses, it can change the lens shape or cause the lens to adhere to the surface of your eye. Soft contact lenses are especially vulnerable due to their porous material, which allows them to absorb more water, making them more susceptible to contamination. If the cornea (the transparent outer surface of the eye) is scratched, it can allow germs to enter, leading to severe infections. 

A common infection associated with swimming and wearing contact lenses is Acanthamoeba keratitis. This painful condition, caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite, is notoriously difficult to treat and may persist for months or even years. In some rare instances, it can result in 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 Contacts in Water

As a contact lens wearer, it's important to protect your eyes by avoiding contact with any water to reduce the risk of infection. Water often contains harmful microorganisms that can lead to serious eye complications. The FDA recommends refraining from wearing contact lenses in the following situations:

• Showers 

• Sprinklers 

• Baths 

• Hot tubs 

• Swimming pools 

It’s best to remove your contact lenses before engaging in these activities. If water happens to get into your eyes while wearing contacts, remove them immediately. After removing your lenses, clean and disinfect them with contact lens solution and leave them to soak overnight. If you prefer, discard your lenses and use a fresh pair the next time you wear them. Always carry a contact lens case with solution so you can safely store your lenses when necessary. It's also wise 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

Although swimming pools are treated with chemicals designed to kill germs, these chemicals may not completely eliminate all harmful pathogens. Pools are constantly exposed to environmental changes that can create conditions conducive to bacteria and other pathogens, 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 if you're not wearing contacts, chlorine in the pool can still cause redness, dryness, and light sensitivity in your eyes. To relieve discomfort after swimming, consider rinsing your eyes with saline solution to help soothe any irritation.

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

If you accidentally wear your contact lenses while swimming, don’t panic—acting quickly can minimize the risk of infection or irritation. Here’s what you should do:

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 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 that may be trapped under the lens. 

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

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

If you're unsure or experience discomfort, it’s best to wear glasses for the rest of the day and schedule an eye exam with your nearest Nationwide Vision location to ensure your eyes are in good health.

Signs of an Eye Infection

If you're concerned that you may have contracted an infection from swimming or other water activities, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

• Redness or pain 

• A yellow or mucus-like discharge 

• Light sensitivity 

• Swelling 

• Vision disturbances 

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

Prescription Options for Swimming

For swimmers who want to avoid the risks of contact lenses, prescription swim goggles offer an excellent solution. These goggles provide a secure, watertight seal and feature lenses tailored to your exact prescription, giving you clear vision while keeping your contact lenses protected from harmful bacteria in the water. Ready-made swim goggles with "step diopters" typically range from $20 to $40, making them an affordable option to safeguard your eyes while swimming.

If you prefer to keep your contacts dry but don’t want to wear glasses, consider over-goggle frames, also known as swim masks with prescription inserts. These masks offer a broader field of vision and come with internal clips that hold lightweight prescription lenses securely. You can find additional features like fog-resistant coatings and UV protection, and the prescription inserts can be easily updated as your vision changes.

For those looking for a more permanent solution, LASIK or PRK laser vision correction may be an ideal option. These procedures reshape the cornea, eliminating the need for contact lenses or prescription goggles, thus removing the risk of water-related eye issues. Recovery from LASIK typically takes around two to four weeks, while PRK requires slightly more time. Nationwide Vision can help determine if you’re a suitable candidate for laser surgery and guide you through the process, comparing the long-term costs of surgery versus years of disposable lenses or goggles.