It’s safe to wear contact lenses while participating in various activities, but swimming is not one of them. Hidden dangers in the water create conditions ranging from minor eye irritation to permanent injury. The information below might aid in protecting your precious sight whether you’re in the pool or vacationing at the beach.    

What Eye Doctors Want You to Know About Swimming & Contact Lenses

Don’t Swim While Wearing Contacts  

Eye doctors and the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates contact lenses, warn against wearing them when swimming in lakes, oceans, hot tubs, and swimming pools. Bacteria and organisms in the water can cause serious eye infections, including pinkeye and Acanthamoeba keratitis, which may lead to vision loss for contact wearers.  

Why Swimming Pools & Contacts Don’t Mix

Your eyes have “tear film,” a protective substance that keeps them moist and shiny. Water in swimming pools contains chlorine, which breaks down tear film. Without it, germs can invade your eyes easily.

If you wear contacts, which are soft, porous plastic covers over your corneas, they allow bacteria to cling to them, like adhesive strips mashed against your eyes. The tear film is gone, so there’s nothing shielding your eyes from possible infection through the lenses. Instead of wearing contacts, protect your eyes with goggles. 

What to Do With Contact Lenses if You Did Swim in Them

Eye doctors say that if you swim while wearing contact lenses, take them out of your eyes afterward and throw them away. Rinse your eyes with drops to flush out the chlorine and bacteria and help restore the tear film. Wash your face and hands well, and if your eyes are not irritated, put in a fresh pair of contacts. Wear your eyeglasses instead of contacts if you have redness or discomfort and if it persists, see your eye doctor.    

When worn appropriately, contact lenses help improve sight. Backed by 60 years of experience, the eye doctors at Abel Klecker & Robbins provide contacts as an eye care option for improving the vision of families throughout the Lexington, KY, area. Leading a friendly and professional staff, this father-daughter team offers eye care programs for the entire family. Visit their website now for more about their wide range of services and call (859) 269-6921 to schedule an eye doctor’s appointment.