Swimming with Contact Lenses – Risks, Tips, and Alternatives

Can you swim with contact lenses?

In general, swimming with contact lenses is not recommended, as water can contain harmful microorganisms that may lead to eye infections. There’s also a risk that the lenses could shift or be washed out. Prescription swimming or diving goggles can be recommended in this case. You should also avoid showering while wearing contact lenses. Tap water can also carry bacteria, increasing the risk of infections.

What Are the Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses?

Swimming with contact lenses poses several risks that can endanger your eye health.

• Risk of Infection from Bacteria and Microorganisms: Water – whether in public swimming pools, the sea, or a lake – is never sterile. It contains bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can adhere to contacts. Particularly dangerous is the Acanthamoeba bacterium, commonly found in freshwater. It can cause a serious eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, which, in severe cases, may lead to permanent vision loss.

• Losing Your Contact Lenses: When swimming, lenses can detach from the surface of your eyes and be washed away. Soft contacts, in particular, tend to absorb water and may deform or slip out. And if you’re in a pool, there's virtually no chance of recovering them.

• Lens Deformation and Swelling: Soft lenses are made from materials that absorb water. When exposed to pool or saltwater, they can swell and change shape. This not only feels uncomfortable but may also impair your vision quality.

• Irritation from Chlorine, Salt or Chemicals: Chlorine in swimming pools and salt in seawater can irritate the cornea. Contacts can intensify this effect by absorbing and holding these substances on the eye’s surface, leading to redness, burning, or dryness. So, if you're wondering whether you can wear contact lenses while swimming, be aware of the potential risks and discomfort.

• Deposits on the Lenses: Dirt, bacteria, or chemicals in the water can cling to the lens surface. These deposits not only cloud your vision but also increase the risk of infection or inflammation.

What Are the Alternatives to Contacts When Swimming?

If you'd prefer to avoid wearing contacts while swimming or wish to eliminate the risks altogether, there are several alternatives available:

• Prescription Goggles: A great option is to use swimming goggles with prescription lenses. They allow you to see clearly in the water without relying on contacts. These goggles also protect your eyes from water and chemicals, and many models offer built-in UV protection against harmful sunlight.

• Laser Eye Surgery: For a long-term solution, laser vision correction is an option. Once you no longer need visual aids, you can swim freely without the hassle of contacts or glasses.

• Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL): ICLs (implantable contact lenses) are surgically placed inside the eye and offer a permanent vision correction solution. These lenses remain in place and require no daily maintenance—even while swimming. ICLs provide clear vision without the need for external lenses.