Can You Swim with Contact Lenses? Do’s and Don’ts

Lots of people who need help seeing better find contact lenses really handy. But when it comes to taking a dip in the pool or the ocean, a common question arises: “Can you swim with contact lenses?” Let’s dive into the details to determine what’s safe and what to avoid.

Our eyes are sensitive, and exposing them to water poses potential risks. Maintaining good eye health is crucial, and understanding the implications of swimming with contact lenses is a vital part of that care.

Can You Swim with Contact Lenses

Swimming with contact lenses is a topic that often raises questions. While it’s generally not recommended due to potential risks, some precautions can be taken if you decide to swim with your lenses. Opting for daily disposable contact lenses is an intelligent choice, as they can be discarded after swimming, minimizing the risk of contamination.

Wearing waterproof goggles can create a protective barrier, preventing waterborne contaminants from directly contacting your contact lenses. Following proper lens care is crucial, ensuring your lenses are clean and disinfected before insertion. Limiting submersion and choosing surface swimming can also help reduce the likelihood of complications.

Keep in mind that each person’s eyes are unique, so it’s important to talk to your eye doctor for advice that’s just right for you. Balancing your love for swimming with the safety of your eyes is critical to enjoying the water without compromising your vision.

Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses

Swimming with contacts can be risky for your eyes. Risks are mentioned below.

Microbial Infections: Water in swimming pools, oceans, or hot tubs may contain microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and amoebas. When contact lenses come into contact with contaminated water, there’s an increased risk of microbial infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), or more severe conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Chemical Irritants: Pools and hot tubs usually have chlorine and other chemicals to keep the water clean and safe. These chemicals can cause irritation and discomfort when they come into contact with contact lenses, leading to redness, dryness, or other symptoms.

Reduced Oxygen Permeability: Contact lenses are designed to allow oxygen to reach the cornea to keep the eyes healthy. However, prolonged exposure to water, which reduces the oxygen supply, can lead to discomfort and may increase the risk of corneal swelling or infections.

Contact Lens Displacement: Water can cause contact lenses to move around or even dislodge from the eyes. This can result in blurred vision and may increase the likelihood of losing a lens in the water.

Dryness and Discomfort: Water, especially in pools, can contribute to lens dehydration, leading to dry and uncomfortable eyes. This discomfort may persist even after swimming.

Tearing and Scratching: Activities like diving or swimming in rough waters may subject the eyes to increased pressure and potential trauma. Contact lenses can trap moisture against the eye, making them more susceptible to tearing or scratching.

Problems with Extended-Wear Lenses: If you wear extended-wear contact lenses designed for continuous use, swimming with them can increase the risk of complications. Extended-wear lenses may trap water and contaminants more easily, heightening the risk of infections.

Table of differences between soft and hard contact lenses while swimming

Here’s a table highlighting the differences between soft and hard (RGP) contact lenses, particularly regarding swimming:

Feature	Soft Contact Lenses	Hard (RGP) Contact Lenses
Material	Flexible, water-absorbing plastic	Rigid, non-water-absorbing plastic
Water Absorption	Absorbs water, may lead to dehydration	Does not absorb water, maintains shape
Oxygen Permeability	Generally lower	Higher
Comfort	Initially comfortable	Absorbs water, which may lead to dehydration
Suitability for Swimming	Not recommended due to water absorption	Generally considered suitable
Cleaning and Maintenance	Requires daily cleaning	Easier to clean, longer lifespan
Prescription Stability	Stable but may be prone to changes	More consistent prescription over time

Precautions of Swimming with Contact Lenses

If you swim with contact lenses, there are ways to minimize the risks. Use waterproof goggles to shield your eyes and follow proper hygiene practices before and after swimming. Here are some precautions to consider:

Use Daily Disposable Lenses: Opt for daily disposable contact lenses when swimming. These lenses are made to be used just one time, and you can throw them away after swimming. This helps lower the chance of germs getting on them and causing infections.

Wear Waterproof Goggles: Think about wearing special goggles that don’t let water in to protect your eyes when you swim. Goggles help prevent waterborne contaminants from contacting your contact lenses directly.

Avoid Swimming in Contaminated Water: Choose swimming environments carefully. Avoid swimming in lakes, rivers, or pools with questionable water quality, as these places may harbor harmful microorganisms.

Remove Lenses Before Swimming: If you are not using daily disposable lenses, consider removing your contact lenses before swimming. This eliminates the risk of contaminants getting trapped between the lens and the eye.

Follow Proper Lens Care: If you plan to wear your contact lenses while swimming, ensure they are clean and properly disinfected before insertion. Do what your eye doctor says about taking care of your lenses.

Stay Informed About Water Conditions: Be aware of the chlorine or other chemicals present in swimming pools. Chlorine can cause irritation, so rinse your eyes thoroughly after swimming and use lubricating eye drops if needed.

Keep Lenses Moist: If your lenses are dry, it might feel weird, and your eyes could get irritated. Try using special drops before and after swimming to keep your eyes and lenses wet.

In recent times, most countries have faced problems of low altitude. So, we have discussed the issue of whether swimming causes height or not in the swimming scenario.

Conclusion: Can You Swim with Contact Lenses? Do’s and Don’ts

In conclusion, you can swim with contact lenses, but it’s important to know about the possible problems and be careful. Put your eye health first, and if you’re not sure, ask your eye doctor for advice made just for you.

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