Contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable way to maintain clear vision without having to wear and keep track of cumbersome eyeglasses. But, you should never swim with contacts in because water—whether in a chlorinated pool or in a lake, river, or ocean—can cause potentially serious eye issues. Below are some important aspects to know on this subject.

The Consequences of Swimming in Contacts

The biggest risk of swimming in contact lenses results from bacteria in the water entering the eye and becoming trapped there by the contact. One of the most serious dangers comes from the microorganism Acanthamoeba. This can lead to an infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which inflames the cornea, produces corneal ulcers, and can result in vision loss or the need for a cornea transplant.

You can also get pink eye from swimming in contacts, even if you have no direct contact with an infected person. If some of the bacteria from an infected person's eye gets in the water, it can easily enter your eye and become trapped by the contact. On the less serious—but still uncomfortable—end of the spectrum, getting water in your eyes when swimming in contacts can produce irritation, redness, and cloudy vision.

What to Do If You Swim in Your Contacts

It's not uncommon for people to forget about their contacts until they're already in the water or get water in their eyes. As soon as you can, remove your contacts, clean them thoroughly with solution, and store them in the proper carrying case.

This helps remove bacteria from the lenses and prevents future risk of infection. If the lenses have become saturated with water, you may need to purchase a new pair; always consult an eye doctor in this situation. Then, apply eye drops to flush bacteria or irritants from the eyes and to help reduce redness or dryness.

If you accidentally swam with your contacts in, the ophthalmologists at Medical Eye Center are here to help. Since 1972, they have been providing eye care services to patients throughout the Howard County, MD, area. From routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses to specialized surgeries and biopsies, they are your trusted resource for all your vision health needs. Call (410) 997-9900 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.