The convenience of contact lenses makes them a popular choice for vision correction, but eye care professionals consistently advise against wearing them while swimming or showering. This recommendation applies to any body of water, including pools, lakes, and oceans. This advice stems from significant risks posed by the interaction between water and the lens material, which can lead to serious eye infections and discomfort.
Why Water and Contacts Don’t Mix
Soft contact lenses are highly porous and contain water, causing them to act like a sponge when exposed to external water sources. The lens material readily absorbs water from pools or natural bodies of water. This absorbed water contains various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and the dangerous parasite Acanthamoeba.
When soft lenses absorb water, they can change shape, swell, and tighten against the cornea. This physical change can cause minor abrasions on the surface of the eye, providing an entry point for pathogens. The lens then traps these contaminants directly against the eye, creating an ideal environment for microbial growth.
The Acanthamoeba parasite is a major concern because it causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe, sight-threatening infection. This condition is notoriously difficult to treat, often requiring months or even years of intensive care. In rare instances, it can lead to blindness or the need for a corneal transplant. Although chlorine in pools eliminates many germs, it is largely ineffective against resilient Acanthamoeba cysts.
Water chemistry also contributes to the problem, as chemicals in pool water can bind to the lens material, causing irritation and dry eye symptoms. Even hard or rigid gas permeable lenses, which do not absorb water, carry the risk of contaminants becoming trapped between the lens and the eye. All types of water, including tap water, harbor potentially harmful organisms, making it necessary to avoid contact lens exposure in aquatic settings.
Immediate Steps Following Water Exposure
If water accidentally splashes into your eyes while wearing contacts, remove the lenses immediately. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them completely with a lint-free towel before touching your eyes.
Any soft contact lens exposed to water should be discarded immediately to minimize infection risk. Reusable lenses, such as two-week or monthly wear options, must be cleaned using the rub-and-rinse method and disinfected by soaking them overnight in fresh, multipurpose solution. Never attempt to rinse or store contact lenses using tap water, as this reintroduces harmful microbes.
Following lens removal, monitor your eyes closely for any symptoms of infection over the next few days. Signs warranting an immediate visit to an eye care professional include persistent redness, increased pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or discharge. Early detection and treatment are paramount for managing potential microbial contamination.
Safe Alternatives for Water Activities
The safest and most reliable alternative for vision correction during water activities is the use of prescription swim goggles. These goggles are custom-made to match your vision prescription and create a watertight seal. They eliminate the risk of infection while ensuring clear vision underwater and on the surface.
If you prefer the convenience of contact lenses, wearing daily disposable lenses is a safer option, provided you also wear tightly fitting, waterproof swim goggles. Daily disposables must be discarded immediately after the activity, preventing absorbed contaminants from causing long-term issues. Remember that daily lenses should never be worn without protective goggles.
For activities near the water, such as sunbathing, wearing regular eyeglasses provides necessary vision correction without the risk of water exposure to the lenses. Using dedicated protective gear like prescription goggles offers the highest degree of safety for clear vision in aquatic environments.