Swimming With Contact Lenses

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The question of the summer: Can I swim with my contact lenses in? The simple answer is: it should be avoided whenever possible to prevent bacteria in your eye and other damage occurring to the lens.
Not only can bacteria grow in your eye, but swimming with your contacts in can result in various eye infections, irritation and worst case scenario – potentially permanent vision problems such as a corneal ulcer.

Not only should you avoid swimming pools while wearing your contact lenses, but also try to avoid swimming in salt water oceans, lakes, hot tubs or even showers and other tap waters.

What to do if water gets in contacts/eyes

  1. Immediately remove your contact lens
  2. Clean and disinfect your contact lenses with appropriate cleaner
  3. Do not put back into eye for a while. Instead; put in a new pair

What are the potential side effects of swimming with my lenses in?

  1. Dry Eyes
  2. Softening of your lenses
  3. Discomfort
  4. Blurred vision
  5. Potential Permanent Damage

What are possible solutions?

  1. While goggles will not 100% protect your eyes from damage, wearing waterproof goggles will certainly protect your lenses from dislodging from your eyes.
  2. Prescription swim goggles
  3. Do not open your eyes under water
  4. LASIK eye surgery
  5. The Vision Retainer Shaping System

If you still have questions, make an appointment at your local Performance Eyecare office!