Contact lenses are a convenient option for those that don’t want to wear glasses every day. However, they require proper care and cleaning solutions to ensure that bacteria and microorganisms can’t live between the lens and the eye. While you can wear contacts for most activities, eye doctors advise you not to swim while wearing them.

Why You Shouldn’t Swim While Wearing Contact Lenses

Bodies of water are natural homes for bacteria and contaminants that irritate the eye. When you wear contact lenses while swimming, you risk inviting these into your eyes. Lenses are not a natural part of the body, and your tears cannot remove all of the debris between your eye and the lens. Water that enters your eye while swimming can also wash away your natural tears, leading to dryness and itchiness.

Most people wear soft contact lenses, which are gentler on the eye, but they are also more absorbent. Swimming with these lenses will allow you to see, but they’re also likely to absorb chemicals, water, and bacteria. While participating in swimming activities, use precaution, and protect your eyes whenever possible.

What Are the Alternatives?

Protecting your eyes while swimming is essential, regardless if you wear contact lenses or not. If you must swim with your lenses in, one option is to use a daily lens that you can replace with a fresh pair the next day. You can also find goggles that won’t leak.

Prescription goggles are also an option for anyone who swims regularly. You’ll know that you can see but aren’t irritating your eyes. Some patients opt for LASIK eye surgery and get rid of their glasses and contacts. If you love to swim and are looking for alternatives, consult your eye doctor.

Primary and quality eye care is essential. If you need to see a doctor, contact Staarmann Family Vision Center Inc., in Fairfield, OH, for all of their optometry needs. Staffed with three leading experts in the eye-care world, this office can help with your vision problems and answer your questions. They have experience with ocular disease management, eye surgery consultations, and corrective eyewear. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 874-1718 or visit their website for more information about eye care and contact lens option.