Contact Lenses and Swimming: An Essential Precaution to Protect Your Eyes
With the arrival of summer, swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean is back in season. If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with contact with water.
Water—whether fresh, saltwater, or chlorinated—is never completely sterile. It may contain bacteria, fungi, or microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, a rare but particularly dangerous pathogen that can cause a serious infection of the cornea (keratitis). This infection is painful, difficult to treat, and can, in some cases, lead to a significant loss of vision.
The risk is even higher with extended-wear contact lenses (day and night). Because they remain in the eye for several days, they reduce oxygen supply to the cornea and make it easier for germs to adhere, thereby increasing the risk of infection.
Our Tips
- Avoid swimming while wearing your contact lenses.
- If absolutely necessary, opt for daily disposable contact lenses and wear a well-fitting pair of swimming goggles.
- Remove your contact lenses as soon as possible after swimming, and throw them away if they are daily disposable lenses.
- Never use tap water to rinse your contact lenses or their case. Use only a suitable cleaning solution.
- If you experience pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision after swimming, remove your contact lenses immediately and see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
A few simple steps can help you enjoy the summer while keeping your eyes healthy.