Swimming and Your Eyes: What Are the Risks and What Are Your Options?

If you’re looking for the answer to the question ‘Can I swim in my contact lenses?’ the answer is still no; it’s not safe. But, in this blog, we’re going to look at the reasons you shouldn’t and the alternative options that are available to you, such as prescription swimming goggles.

When water, whether it’s from a swimming pool, hot tub, the sea, or a tap, mixes with your lenses, it makes your eye more vulnerable to contamination by harmful bacteria that are present in the water.

Why are the Risks of Swimming with Contacts?

Your contact lenses can, and will, absorb water extremely quickly. If they’re then left in for a long time, they can trap all sorts of germs, viruses, and bacteria against your eye. Bacteria and microbes thrive in water. Whilst our bodies have an inbuilt defence system to protect us from certain microorganisms, a waterborne eye infection is still possible.

Additionally, freshwater and saltwater sources, such as the sea, lakes, and rivers, can be even more hazardous than a pool, as natural bodies of water are often teeming with bacteria that are not effectively killed by pool chemicals. Acanthamoeba, one of the most dangerous organisms found in these bodies of water, can cause a rare but serious eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. If left untreated, this infection may lead to corneal inflammation, potentially resulting in vision loss in the future.

The chemicals included in swimming pool water still don’t make it safe for contacts. Chemicals like chlorine won’t kill all pathogens, and, because contact lenses are so porous and absorbent, the bacteria and chlorine in pool water can still easily reach and harm your eyes.

Swimming with your contact lenses in can increase your risk of several issues, including:

• Corneal ulcers
• Eye inflammation from the lens sticking to your eye
• Eye infections
• Dry eyes, particularly from saltwater or chlorinated water

 

Symptoms of an Eye Infection

If you have accidentally swum or showered with your contact lenses still in, don’t panic. Remove them and dispose of them as soon as possible, and rinse your eyes out with clean water. Give your eyes a chance to rest and recover by switching to your glasses for the remainder of the day.

Be alert for any signs of an eye infection by monitoring for the following symptoms:
• Itchy eyes
• Teary eyes
• Painful eyes
• Red eyes
• Blurry vision
• Swelling
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye discharge
• Feeling like there’s something stuck in your eye

If you have any of these issues, please see your GP or optometrist as soon as possible.

The Solution: Prescription Swimming Goggles

If you’re a keen swimmer and have trouble seeing without your glasses or contact lenses, you might want to look into getting yourself a pair of prescription swimming goggles.

Prescription swimming goggles can be available as ready-made models and also as custom-made models. They can correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.

Benefits of Prescription Swimming Goggles:

• Premade and custom ordering options
• Ability to customise lens tints and coatings
• Wide range of prescription strengths available
• Some allow prescription lenses to be swapped out

If you have a complex prescription, astigmatism, or require a different strength prescription in each eye, premade prescription swimming goggles may not be suitable for you.

Custom prescription swimming goggles are made according to your exact prescription. They cost more and take longer to make, but the end result is higher quality.

With custom prescription swimming goggles, you can also add on extras, including:

• Lens tint
• Lens polarisation
• Photochromatic lenses
• Anti-fog, anti-scratch, or anti-reflection coating

 

For personalised advice about your swimming goggle options, book an appointment with our friendly team at Opticare Opticians today.