Swimming With Contact Lenses: Why Is It Dangerous?
Clear vision matters in the water, but contact lenses and water are a poor combination. Whether you are heading to the pool, swimming in the sea or relaxing in a hot tub, leaving your lenses in can expose your eyes to potentially harmful microorganisms.
This applies to both soft and rigid contact lenses. Soft lenses can absorb water, swell and change shape, while any lens can hold contaminated water against the eye. A lens that moves or no longer fits correctly may also cause tiny scratches to the cornea, creating an opportunity for infection.
Acanthamoeba: A Small Organism With Serious Consequences
One of the greatest concerns is Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba found in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, seawater, hot tubs, tap water and soil.
If it reaches the cornea, Acanthamoeba can cause a rare but extremely painful infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Although uncommon, the condition can lead to corneal scarring, permanent sight loss or, in severe cases, the need for a corneal transplant. Treatment may continue for up to 12 months because the organism can form resilient cysts that are difficult to eradicate.
Research reinforces the importance of keeping lenses away from water. A 2023 case-control study found that reusable soft-lens wearers had nearly four times the odds of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis compared with daily-disposable users. Rigid-lens wearers also had increased odds, while showering in daily-disposable lenses was associated with more than three times the odds of infection.
It Is Not Just Swimming Pools
The same advice applies when showering or using a hot tub. The British Contact Lens Association recommends never allowing water to come into contact with your lenses or storage case and identifies swimming, showering and hot-tub use as risk factors for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Never rinse lenses or their case with tap, bottled or distilled water. Only use the care products recommended by your contact lens practitioner.
What Should You Do With Your Lenses?
The safest approach is to remove your contact lenses before entering the water. Prescription swimming goggles can provide clear vision without exposing your lenses to water.
If you take your lenses out during a swimming session, do not put them straight back in:
- Discard daily disposable lenses and use a brand-new pair afterwards, once your face and thoroughly washed hands are completely dry.
- Clean, disinfect and store reusable soft or rigid lenses correctly in the recommended solution before wearing them again.
Symptoms of an eye infection can include irritation, pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, watering or a persistent gritty feeling. Remove your lenses and seek prompt professional advice if you experience any of these symptoms.
At Rawlings Opticians, we want you to enjoy the freedom and clear vision that contact lenses provide—safely. If you have questions about swimming, lens care or suitable prescription goggles, our team will be happy to offer advice tailored to your eyes and lifestyle.
