Wearing standard prescription glasses in a pool or hot tub is a common dilemma for anyone who relies on corrective lenses. While it might seem convenient, regular eyewear is not designed for aquatic environments. They can be severely compromised by exposure to water and chemicals. Understanding the specific hazards helps in choosing safer alternatives for maintaining sight around the water.
Why Standard Eyeglasses Are Not Pool-Friendly
The chemicals used to keep pools clean present a direct threat to standard eyeglasses. Chlorine, pool sanitizers, and salt in saltwater pools are corrosive agents that degrade the integrity of both frames and lenses. Metal hinges, screws, and wire components can corrode with prolonged exposure, leading to rust and structural failure.
Lens coatings are particularly vulnerable to chemical damage. Anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and blue light coatings can be stripped or weakened by pool water, resulting in a hazy appearance that permanently impairs vision. When mineral-rich water dries on the lens surface, it leaves deposits causing permanent water spotting. Wiping away these dried residues often results in micro-scratches, which reduce clarity and shorten the usable life of the glasses.
Safety and Visibility Issues for the Swimmer
Beyond damaging the eyewear, wearing glasses while swimming creates practical hazards for the wearer. Eyeglasses are not designed to be secured during activity and can easily be dislodged by splashing or quick movements. This sudden loss of vision can be dangerous if the wearer cannot clearly locate the edge of the pool or other swimmers.
The immediate loss of visibility is compounded by the physical properties of the lenses in water. Water droplets clinging to the surface, combined with temperature changes causing fogging, instantly obscure vision when transitioning between air and water. If glasses are knocked off or broken during impact, the sharp edges of a fractured frame or lens pose a direct risk of injury to the eye area.
Vision Correction Options for the Water
For those who require vision correction to safely navigate the pool environment, several alternatives exist. The safest and most effective solution is the use of prescription swimming goggles. These are specifically designed with watertight seals to protect the eyes from chemicals and bacteria, and the lenses are manufactured to match the wearer’s exact prescription.
Contact Lenses and Risks
Contact lenses can be worn in the pool, but they carry a severe risk of infection, as soft lenses readily absorb chemicals and microorganisms. The most serious concern is exposure to Acanthamoeba, which can cause a devastating eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. If contacts are absolutely necessary, they should only be worn under tight-fitting, waterproof goggles, and daily disposable lenses should be discarded immediately after swimming.
Swimming Without Correction
Individuals with a mild prescription may also find that swimming without any correction is a viable option. The water itself provides a mild magnifying effect that can slightly improve distant vision underwater.