Many enjoy swimming as a pastime, whether for exercise or relaxation. However, people often overlook the importance of protecting their eyes while swimming, especially when wearing contact lenses.
Exposure to pool chemicals, saltwater, and lake microbes can pose serious risks to eye health, particularly for those wearing contact lenses. This blog will explore the necessary precautions for contact lens wearers who want to protect their eyes while busy with water-based activities.
For tailored contact lens advice, request an appointment with Donelson Eye Care in Nashville.
Can You Swim With Contact Lenses?
Swimming with contact lenses might seem convenient if you rely on them for clear vision, but they pose significant risks to eye health. When submerged in water—whether it's a pool, lake, or ocean—contact lenses can absorb various microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa like Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This eye condition leads to severe pain and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Additionally, contact lenses can swell and change shape when exposed to water, potentially causing discomfort and micro-abrasions on the cornea, making you susceptible to bacterial and viral eye infections.
We do not advise swimming with contact lenses.
Top Tips for Swimming Safely with Contact Lenses
Use Waterproof Swim Goggles
If you must swim with contact lenses, wearing quality waterproof swim goggles is the safest approach. They will provide a barrier between the water and your eyes, reducing the risk of your contacts coming into contact with harmful contaminants and chemicals. Make sure they fit snugly to prevent water from seeping in.
Opt for Daily Disposable Contacts
Daily disposable contacts are also safer for people who need vision correction while swimming. This is because they can be discarded right after swimming, which minimizes long-term exposure to any contaminants you may encounter. Remember to double your disposable contacts with waterproof swim goggles.
Follow Up with Proper Eye Care
Post-swim eye care is crucial. After swimming with daily disposable contacts and swim goggles, remove your contacts and rinse your eyes with sterile saline or use rewetting drops recommended by your eye care doctor. You might also need to wear your glasses and take a break from contact lens wear.
Prescription Swim Goggles: An Alternative
A better alternative might be prescription swim goggles. These eliminate the need to wear contact lenses with waterproof goggles because they are custom-made to correct your vision underwater.
Request A Contact Lens Exam in Nashville
Swimming with contact lenses is not recommended, but it can be managed safely with suitable precautions. Contact Donelson Eye Care in Nashville to learn more about swim goggles, daily disposables, post-swimming care, and prescription goggles