Swimming with Contact Lenses: Is It Safe?

The Risks of Wearing Contacts in Water

Numerous harmful germs are circulating in many types of water, such as tap water, ocean water, and lake water. One of the particularly dangerous germs that form in water is a microscopic parasite known as Acanthamoeba. If water containing this germ meets soft contact lenses, it can change the lenses’ shape or even cause it to stick to your eye. Soft lenses are incredibly porous and absorb more water than other lenses, making them more susceptible to harmful bacteria. If the cornea, which is the clear dome covering the colored area of your eye, is scratched, it is easier for germs to enter your eye and cause a severe infection.  

Caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite, a common eye infection affecting swimmers is known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This condition can be quite painful and difficult to treat, sometimes persisting for a year or more. In rare cases, it can lead to blindness. Wearing contact lenses in water can increase your risk of developing a variety of eye issues, such as:

• Eye irritation 

• Dry eye syndrome, especially from contact with chlorine or saltwater 

• Eye infections 

• Painful scratches or corneal abrasions 

• Eye inflammation 

• Corneal ulcers 

Everyday Precautions for Wearing Contacts Around Water

If you wear contacts, you should avoid wearing them in any water. This decreases your risk of developing an eye infection, as the water may be teeming with dangerous pathogens. According to the FDA, you should avoid wearing your contacts in:

• Showers 

• Sprinklers 

• Baths 

• Hot tubs 

• Swimming pools 

It's best to remove contact lenses before any of these activities. If water does enter your eye while wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses as soon as possible. After removing your lenses, make sure to clean and disinfect them with solution overnight. You can discard your lenses and start with a fresh pair the next time you wear contacts. Make sure to always carry a contact case with the solution. This allows you to take your contacts out as needed safely. We also recommend keeping a pair of eyeglasses with your current prescription handy.

The Dangers of Wearing Contacts in a Swimming Pool

Although the chemicals in a pool eliminate harmful germs, they aren’t effective on all germs found in swimming pools. Swimming pools can harbor many dangerous germs due to the constantly changing environment, creating a risk of eye infection for all who enter. The risk of infection increases if you wear contacts in a pool. Contact lenses can irritate and expose the surface of your eye, making it a more friendly environment for an infection to develop. Even if you don't wear contact lenses, chlorine can irritate your eyes, making them red, irritated, and light-sensitive. Flushing your eyes with a saline solution after swimming can help ease your discomfort.

Accidentally Swam with Contacts? Here’s What to Do Next

Water and contact lenses don’t mix, but mistakes happen. Acting fast after swimming with contacts can lower the risk of infection and inflammation. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Clean your hands with soap and water then take the lenses out immediately. 

2. Throw away or deep-clean your lenses. If you use daily disposables, discard them on the spot. If you use two-week or monthly lenses, rub, rinse, and soak them overnight in fresh disinfecting solution before wearing them again. 

3. Use preservative-free artificial tears to flush out microscopic irritants trapped under the lens’ surface. 

4. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as friction can drive pathogens deeper into the cornea. 

5. Watch for warning signs like redness, pain, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, or blurred vision. These symptoms call for a visit with an eye care professional. 

6. When in doubt, wear glasses for the rest of the day and schedule an eye exam with Clarkson Eyecare. 

Symptoms of an Eye Infection

Not sure if you contracted some unwanted germs from swimming or other water sources? Here's what symptoms to look for:

• Redness or pain 

• A yellow or mucus-like discharge 

• Light sensitivity 

• Swelling 

• Vision disturbances 

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor to schedule an appointment. If left untreated, an eye infection can lead to permanent vision loss.

Swim-Friendly Prescription Vision Options

Prescription swim goggles offer the simplest, most infection-proof solution. They combine a watertight seal with lenses that match your exact prescription, allowing you to see clearly without exposing your contacts to microbes in the water. Ready-made “step diopter” models start around $20–$40, making them an affordable way to keep your eyes dry and free from germs.

If you prefer to keep your favorite contacts out of the pool but don’t want to swap to glasses, over-goggle frames (sometimes called swim masks with Rx inserts) bridge the gap. These larger masks create a broad field of view while an internal clip holds lightweight prescription lenses. You can get fog-reducing coatings, UV protection, and the flexibility to update only the insert when your prescription changes.

Finally, many avid swimmers consider a permanent fix: laser vision correction (LASIK or PRK). By reshaping the cornea itself, surgery removes the need for contacts or prescription goggles altogether, eliminating water-related lens risks. Clarkson Eyecare can evaluate candidacy, outline recovery timelines (typically back in the pool within two to four weeks for LASIK, a bit longer for PRK), and compare long-term costs to years of disposable lenses or multiple sets of goggles.