For contact lens wearers the hot days of summer bring up an often asked question: Is it okay to wear contact lenses while swimming? Wearing contact lenses in the water can put you at risk for eye infections, some of which can impact your vision. Therefore, eye health should be a priority when considering contact lens wear in the water.
Different organisms found in water can lead to severe eye complications with contact lenses. The most notable organism is a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba, which can be found in lakes, rivers, hot tubs, and tap water. Even showering with your contact lenses puts you at risk for an eye infection from the Acanthamoeba parasite.
This organism can bind to a contact lens and cause a serious eye infection with severe corneal complications. Acanthamoeba keratitis can be visually devastating, so make sure to not wear your contact lenses while in these bodies of water.
Chlorinated pools do not pose as high of a risk for ocular infection, but the threat is still present. Chlorine can also contaminate a contact lens and lead to eye irritation. Again, removal of your contact lenses before entering a pool is the best option.
If you need to wear your contact lenses while swimming, swim goggles are highly recommended. The tight seal the goggles make around your eyes prevents water from entering and helps to keep your eyes safe from contamination. Swim goggles also come in prescription form, eliminating the need to wear contact lenses in the water completely.
If you plan on wearing your contact lenses while swimming, make sure that you dispose of them immediately afterward. If you are a gas permeable contact lens wearer, do not wear your contacts in the water, as they can easily float off the eye.
Bottom line: wearing contact lenses while swimming places you at higher risk of an eye infection. Wearing goggles or no contact lenses at all can help keep your eyes safe and healthy in the water.
For more contact lens do’s and don’ts visit the American Optometric Association’s article on contact lenses.