A visit to a water park promises an exciting day of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, but for those who rely on contact lenses, the question of vision correction arises. Clear sight is necessary for safety and enjoyment, yet exposing contact lenses to recreational water environments carries significant health risks. This article provides guidance on whether you can wear contacts to a water park and offers safer alternatives for maintaining clear vision during your day of aquatic fun.
The Official Recommendation Against Wearing Contacts in Water
The definitive stance from major public health and eye care organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is that contact lenses should never be exposed to any type of water. This prohibition applies universally across all water sources, including tap water, hot tubs, swimming pools, and water parks. The risk of contamination is present even if you intend to keep your eyes closed or wear swimming goggles. Water can splash or seep into the eye area, and a soft contact lens will immediately absorb the surrounding liquid. The most straightforward safety guideline is to remove contact lenses entirely before entering any water.
Understanding the Severe Risks of Water Exposure
The primary danger of wearing contact lenses in water stems from introducing microorganisms directly to the eye’s surface. Water, even when treated with chlorine, contains numerous pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These pathogens easily adhere to the porous material of a soft contact lens, trapping contaminants against the cornea, the clear, protective outer layer of the eye.
One of the most serious infections associated with water exposure is Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a parasitic infection. The parasite, Acanthamoeba, is commonly found in soil and various water environments, including swimming pools and hot tubs. Once trapped between the lens and the cornea, the organism can invade the corneal tissue, causing severe pain, blurred vision, and inflammation. This parasitic infection is difficult to treat and can sometimes require treatment for a year or more, occasionally necessitating a corneal transplant or leading to permanent vision loss.
In addition to parasitic risks, contact lens exposure to water increases the likelihood of other serious eye infections, such as bacterial keratitis. Bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause painful corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea. Water exposure exacerbates this risk because soft contact lenses physically change when wet. Soft lenses can swell and tighten on the eye, making them uncomfortable and difficult to remove. This tighter fit and subsequent friction can cause tiny abrasions on the corneal surface, creating an entry point for trapped microorganisms.
Practical Alternatives for Vision Correction at the Water Park
For individuals requiring vision correction, several alternatives exist to ensure clear sight without the risks posed by contact lenses. The safest and most effective option for water activities is using prescription swim goggles. These goggles are fitted with corrective lenses that match your prescription, allowing for clear underwater vision. They create a watertight seal that protects the eye from direct water contact, eliminating the risk of infection and physical discomfort.
Another option is to wear standard eyeglasses when you are out of the water and accept slightly reduced vision while actively participating in slides or wave pools. If you choose to wear glasses during activities, they should be secured with a retention strap to prevent them from being lost or knocked off. This strategy ensures your eyes are not exposed to water while wearing a lens, allowing you to navigate the park safely when not immersed.
If removing contacts is not feasible for the entire day, daily disposable lenses offer a compromise. These lenses must be immediately removed and discarded upon any water exposure, even a small splash. Never attempt to clean or reuse a lens that has come into contact with water, as the trapped pathogens cannot be reliably removed with standard solution. Temporarily accepting reduced vision while in the water remains a safer choice than risking a severe eye infection.