Can You Swim with Contact Lenses?
The short answer is no.
Swimming in contact lenses is not recommended as there are bacteria and other microorganisms living in water that are absorbed by the contact lens. Contact lenses are porous and once bacteria is trapped in the lens, it’s then able to cause infections due to the increased contact time it has with the eye.
The increased contact time allows the bacteria to break down the surface of the cornea and cause serious damage to the eye. Symptoms of bacterial infections include eye redness, extreme light sensitivity and inability to open eyes, sharp pains and blurred vision.
While most bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics, scarring and other permanent vision loss can occur.
If you swim frequently and cannot see without contact lenses, the best way to go is by wearing daily disposable lenses and to throw them away after swimming.
Contact Lens Alternatives:
Swimming goggles
LASIK or PRK if you’re old enough
If you experience any redness, pain, irritation, light sensitivity, unusual discharge, or blurred vision after swimming with contact lenses, this could be the sign of an eye infection. If you have any of these symptoms, remove the contact lenses right away. If the symptoms persist for more than a few hours, contact your eye doctor immediately. Be sure to tell your eye doctor that your symptoms may be related to swimming in contact lenses.