In these swims, foregoing your contacts for a pair of prescription swim goggles may be a good idea. Even in chlorinated water, pathogens can live. The most common infection from swimming is via the bacteria Acanthamoeba, which can attach to the contact lens, causing infection and inflammation.
Acanthamoeba is found in all bodies of water, even chlorinated swimming pools. Brief exposure to pathogens may be enough to cause infection even without contacts, but contact lenses allow these unwanted invaders to lodge inside the lens and press against the eye, increasing chances of infection and irritation.
Fresh water and water in swimming pools can cause soft lenses to tighten against your eye causing significant irritation. Soft lenses are porous, allowing chemicals and bacteria to lodge inside the lens and press against your eye, increasing chances of infection and irritation.
Gibbons says for patients who must wear contacts while swimming, there are certain steps to take which dramatically lower the risk of infection. Then soak them in disinfecting contact solution for 24 hours. For instance, you can:. If you swim or shower while wearing your contact lenses, be on the lookout for symptoms of an eye infection, which include:. If you have any of these symptoms after your contact lenses get wet, see your doctor. Early diagnosis is important for any eye infection.
Swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses may raise your risk of several types of eye issues, ranging from dry eyes to a serious eye infection.
If you have to wear your contacts while swimming or showering, take steps to protect your eyes. Consider wearing tight-fitting goggles, removing and disinfecting your contacts right after you get out of the water, or discarding them altogether. Be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider if, after being in the water with your contact lenses, your eyes are red, irritated, painful, itchy, or excessively watery.
Safely putting in and taking out your contact lenses is crucial for the health of your eyes. One of the most serious is the Acanthamoeba organism, which can attach to contact lenses and cause the cornea to become infected and inflamed. This condition, called Acanthamoeba keratitis , is associated with wearing contact lenses while swimming and can cause permanent vision loss or require a corneal transplant to recover lost vision if not treated early enough.
Swimming with contacts can irritate and even damage your eyes. Wearing swim goggles is a safer way for you to see clearly both above the surface and underwater. If water gets in your eyes when swimming, you should remove, clean and disinfect your contact lenses as soon as possible to reduce your risk of eye irritation and infection.
Proper contact lens care reduces further the chance of contamination. Remember to replace your contact lens case at least every three months and always follow your eye doctor's recommendations. Rigid gas permeable GP contact lenses should never be worn while swimming, as they are more likely to dislodge from your eye.
While soft contact lenses are more likely to remain on your eye when swimming, they are porous and can absorb chemicals and bacteria, increasing the risk of eye irritation and infection. Also, fresh water and water in swimming pools can cause soft lenses to tighten on your eyes, causing significant discomfort.
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