Can I Wear Contacts When I Swim?
Water activities become popular as the weather warms up, school lets out, and people enjoy vacations. Swimming in the pool, lake, or ocean is a great way to cool off and have fun. However, taking precautions is important to ensure that summer activities remain safe.
When summer arrives many people have questions about how to care for contact lenses. One question that our Monterey County Eye Associates ophthalmologists receive is, “Can I wear contacts when I swim?” Here we discuss the dangers of swimming in contacts and offer our Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA, patients some good summertime contact lens care tips.
Can I Swim in Contact Lenses?
When considering glasses vs. contact lenses and which is a better choice for vision correction, convenience is one factor that gives contact lenses an advantage. Many prefer contact lenses because they can be worn all day and are not as easily lost as glasses. While contact lenses can be worn in most situations, swimming is the exception. We advise patients to remove contact lenses before swimming in a pool or natural body of water.
Why Can’t Contact Lenses Be Worn While Swimming?
Contact lenses sit directly over the eye, giving many the impression that they act as a protectant from irritants and chemicals found in pools, lakes, and oceans. In reality, contact lenses are porous to allow the eyes to breathe. Not only can chlorine, salt, and bacteria get past contact lenses to the eye, but they can get trapped in contact lens materials, prolonging eye exposure to harmful irritants.
Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses
Swimming with contact lenses increases the risk of eye damage and irritation. Some of the problems that can develop when someone swims while wearing contact lenses include:
- Eye redness, itchiness, and irritation
- Dry eyes
- Corneal abrasions
- Eye infection
- Corneal ulcer
- Lost contact lenses
Can I Wear Contact Lenses Under Swim Goggles?
Wearing contact lenses under swim goggles can be safe provided precautions are taken. It’s vital to ensure that swim goggles fit securely and create a water-tight seal around the eyes. If water gets beneath the goggles, contact lens wearers risk irritation or infection. Goggles must also be worn at all times, even when the head is above water, to ensure water does not get splashed into the eyes and become trapped between contact lenses and the eyes.
Individuals who wear contact lenses beneath swim goggles should wear daily disposable lenses. These lenses are disposed of after one wear, so they do not continue to expose the eyes to harmful chemicals or irritants if water gets past swim goggles.
Caring for Contact Lenses While Swimming
Proper contact lens care and storage are essential to protecting the eyes. When removing contact lenses to swim, follow these tips:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses
- Place contact lenses in a clean and dry case
- Cover contact lenses with a disinfecting contact lens solution (never clean or store contact lenses in tap water)
- Replace contact lens cases every three months to prevent bacteria buildup
Contact Monterey County Eye Associates
Contact lenses are a discreet and convenient solution for vision impairment. If you would like more information about contact lenses or proper summer care tips, contact Monterey County Eye Associates and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.
