Swimming with contact lenses while wearing goggles is the safest approach for vision correction in the water, though risks remain. This method aims to create a secure barrier against water, which carries numerous microorganisms and can physically damage the lenses. Understanding the dangers of water exposure and necessary precautions is important for protecting eye health during water activities.
The Risks of Contact Lenses and Water
Water, whether from a pool, ocean, or tap, is not sterile and harbors microorganisms that pose a serious threat to the cornea when contact lenses are worn. One concerning organism is the microscopic parasite Acanthamoeba, which causes a rare but devastating infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection is difficult to treat and can lead to permanent vision loss or the need for a corneal transplant. Bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa also thrive in water and adhere readily to the contact lens surface, potentially causing rapid-onset corneal ulcers.
Water exposure also creates physical risks for the lens and the eye. Soft contact lenses are vulnerable because they absorb moisture, causing them to swell and change shape when exposed to water. This change in fit can cause the lens to tighten uncomfortably or create tiny surface tears where germs can hide. A poorly fitting or swollen lens can also cause micro-abrasions on the cornea, giving pathogens an easy entry point for infection.
How Goggles Mitigate Risk
Goggles act as a physical barrier, preventing water from reaching the contact lens and the eye surface. This mechanical separation primarily reduces the risk of contamination from waterborne pathogens and irritating chemicals like chlorine. For this protection to be effective, a vacuum-tight seal against the face is necessary.
The material and design of the goggles are crucial for maintaining this seal. Effective swimming goggles feature soft silicone gaskets that contour precisely to the eye socket, providing a comfortable and reliable watertight barrier. An adjustable nose bridge and customizable straps allow the swimmer to achieve a firm fit without applying excessive pressure or causing discomfort.
Goggles designed for competitive or lap swimming, which feature a tighter, low-profile fit, are preferred over recreational masks that cover the nose. While a mask offers a wider field of vision, a traditional goggle’s tight seal around the eye socket is more reliable for preventing water intrusion. However, even the best-fitting goggles only mitigate the risk; any unexpected leak or accidental removal means the contact lenses have been exposed.
Essential Post-Swim Safety Protocol
The safety protocol following a swim is equally important as wearing goggles, even if no leak was detected. Immediate removal of contact lenses after exiting the water prevents any waterborne pathogens that may have breached the barrier from remaining on the eye. Swimmers using soft daily disposable lenses should immediately discard them, as these porous lenses cannot be reliably disinfected once contaminated.
If the lenses are not daily disposables, they must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ideally with a fresh, sterile solution, and left to soak for the recommended period. Crucially, contact lenses should never be rinsed with tap, bottled, or pool water, as these are sources of pathogens. Hands must also be washed thoroughly before handling the lenses to avoid transferring microorganisms. The swimmer should then monitor their eyes for several days afterward for signs of infection, such as unusual redness, pain, excessive tearing, or sensitivity to light.
Alternatives to Swimming with Contacts
For individuals who swim frequently or are risk-averse, prescription swimming goggles offer the best alternative for clear vision in the water. These goggles integrate the wearer’s specific vision correction directly into the lenses, eliminating the need for contacts entirely. This approach removes the risk of contamination and physical damage associated with contact lens wear in water.
Another viable strategy is using daily disposable lenses exclusively for swimming sessions. While this still requires tight-fitting goggles, immediately discarding the lenses after the activity minimizes the risk of prolonged exposure to contaminants. This is a safer option than multi-use lenses, which require a full disinfection cycle before being worn again. For those with minor vision impairment, swimming without any corrective lenses may be the safest choice, prioritizing eye health over perfect clarity.