Swimming season is here, and it's time to dig out the must-haves – from swimwear to goggles and everything in between. But if you have poor eyesight and wear contact lenses, you may wonder if it's safe to swim while wearing them. Talking to the OnlyMyHealth team, , explains the potential risks and complications of swimming in contact lenses. Continue reading to also discover if there are alternatives that are safer.
According to Dr Viswanath, swimming while wearing contact lenses poses several risks to eye health. “It can cause symptoms varying from eye irritation and dryness to something as severe as eye infection or corneal ulcer. Contact lenses can act as a medium that can trap waterborne microorganisms against the eye, increasing the risk of serious infections.”
As per a study published in , a survey of 1,141 contact lens users suggested that swimming with contact lenses is risky, yet 62% of soft and 48% of gas-permeable lens users still do it. Many underestimate the infection risk, despite the threat of serious eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Experts advise avoiding water exposure or using daily disposables with swim goggles and discarding lenses immediately after.
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Chlorinated water is considered safe for swimming, especially when chlorine levels are maintained within the recommended range of 1.0-3.0 parts per million (ppm).
However, whether or not chlorinated water is safe for swimming with contact lenses is still a question many have.
Dr Viswanath says, "Chlorinated water doesn't fully eliminate harmful microbes and can actually damage both your lenses and eyes. Chlorine can degrade the material of soft contact lenses, and absorption of chlorine and other chemicals can lead to irritation, dry eyes and redness."
Therefore, it is always advisable to swim without lenses but have safer alternatives as a backup.
According to Dr Viswanath, a serious risk associated with swimming with contact lenses is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but potentially vision-threatening infection.
The infection primarily affects the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, and is often linked to improper contact lens care. Symptoms usually include intense pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and a feeling like something is in the eye.
Safe alternatives while swimming with contact lenses include prescription swimming goggles. These not only provide clear vision but also ensure that water does not enter the eyes. These are widely recommended for people with poor eyesight who swim regularly.
If you rely on contact lenses for clear vision, swimming with them might feel like the easiest choice. But remember that doing so can sometimes put your eyes at serious risk. What starts off as mild irritation could turn into something far more dangerous, like a painful eye infection. Instead, consider safer options like prescription swimming goggles or daily disposables that you can toss right after. A small switch in your routine could go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy and your swim stress-free.
