Many people prefer to wear contact lenses over eyeglasses, finding them easier to wear, more attractive, and less intrusive in their daily routine. However, during the summer, contact wearers can face a dilemma when it's time to go swimming. Before jumping in the pool, learn more about how the water can affect your eyes.

What Can Happen if You Swim With Contact Lenses?

Opening your eyes while swimming exposes them to chlorine and any bacteria present in the water. In fact, exposure to chlorine degrades your eyes' tear film, making it easier for bacterial infections to occur. Common issues include pink eye, as well as dry eyes and irritation. In rare cases, Acanthamoeba keratitis could lead to a painful eye infection that causes ulcers on the cornea.

Wearing contacts increases your risk of such infections. Since the lenses are made of soft, porous plastic, they create the ideal surface for bacterial adhesion. As a result, your dry eyes are subjected to prolonged close contact with waterborne bacteria.

What Should You Do With Your Lenses After Swimming?

While it's best to take your contact lenses out when you go swimming, it can be easy to forget. Unfortunately, contact solution typically isn't strong enough to kill all the germs your lenses would be exposed to while swimming.

Because of this, it's best to throw away lenses you wore while swimming. If you go swimming often, consider using daily lenses or getting a pair of prescription goggles.

Whether you’re ready to get fitted for contact lenses or want to undergo laser eye surgery, you can count on The Whitefish Eye Center in Montana. Serving Flathead County since 1969, their optometrists even offer Saturday hours to better suit your busy schedule. To learn more about their vision care services or schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (406) 862-2020.