Contact Lens FAQs

Can I wear contact lenses while swimming?

While many people do swim with contact lenses in, it can be dangerous. All water contains bacteria, which can get into the contact lenses and cause an eye infection. The difference between wearing contacts and not wearing contacts while swimming is that contact lenses can trap bacteria in the eye (see bacterial eye infection), making contact lens wearers more susceptible to infection. If you do decide to swim with contact lenses in, it is advisable that you either wear goggles or make sure to close your eyes tight when you are under water. This will minimize the chance of developing an eye infection.

Also of concern is the increased risk of actually losing a contact lens in the water. For the most part, contact lenses adhere to the eye because of the tear film - it kind of "holds on" to the contact lens. When you are underwater with your eyes open, it is more difficult for the tear film to hold on to the contact lens because water from the environment is essentially tugging on the contact lens. Swimming in contact lenses is a topic that should be discussed with your optometrist.