Wearing Contacts in the Water: Why Is It a Bad Idea?

After a visit to your local eye clinic, you will know if you have a refractive error. You can choose between eyeglasses and contact lenses if you have astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness. Some people prefer the latter due to their convenience. Modern contacts are significantly more comfortable to wear and provide better peripheral and central vision.

If you decide to wear contacts, you must care for them properly. Failure to do so can cause discomfort and increase your risk of eye infections. Eye doctors strongly discourage wearing contact lenses in the water. Continue reading to learn why. 

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Contact Lenses While in the Water

High Risk of Infection

Swimming or showering with your contact lenses can cause discomfort because they can stick to the surface of your eyes when wet. Saltwater and chlorinated water can also irritate and dry out your eyes. Moreover, water in pools, lakes, oceans and even showers contain harmful bacteria and microorganisms. 

 

It’s a common misconception that contacts provide extra protection against pathogens. The truth is contact lenses are porous to allow your eyes to breathe. It means that the bacteria and viruses in the water can cling to the lenses, increasing your likelihood of developing infections. A corneal ulcer can result from a severe eye infection, which may require surgery and cause vision loss. 

 

Increased Likelihood of Corneal Abrasion

Some bodies of water have small particles or debris that can get lodged in your contact lenses and scratch the surface of your cornea. When this happens, a corneal abrasion can occur. Blurry vision, tearing, redness, pain and a gritty sensation are among its common symptoms. Some patients also suffer from headaches and light sensitivity. 

 

If you are experiencing symptoms of corneal abrasion, you must see an eye specialist immediately. The affected area can get infected, and a corneal ulcer could develop without immediate treatment. Never attempt to remove the foreign object yourself or rub the injured eye. It’s also best to discontinue contact lens wear until your eye recovers.

 

What if You Accidentally Wear Contacts During Water Activities?

Did you go swimming but forgot to remove your contact lenses? If so, look out for signs of irritation and infection. Don’t wear your contacts for a day, and switch to eyeglasses. Set an appointment with your eye doctor if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort. Also, it’s ideal to dispose of the lenses exposed to water.  

What Are Your Alternatives?

Today, there is still no type of contact lens that you can use while swimming. Luckily, you can wear goggles over your contacts, allowing you to see well under the water. If you are a competitive swimmer, ask your eye doctor about prescription swim goggles. 

 

Your eye specialist might also recommend orthokeratology. It involves wearing a special type of rigid gas-permeable lenses at night to reshape your cornea. These lenses will allow you to see clearly during the day. Another option is LASIK eye surgery, which permanently changes the cornea’s shape. Your eye doctor will have to assess you first to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. 

 

When Should You See an Eye Specialist?

The most common type of eye infection due to wearing contact lenses is keratitis. It happens when the cornea gets infected. Prompt treatment is necessary to avoid damage and scarring on the cornea, which could impact your vision. If your cornea gets severely scarred, you may need a transplant. 

 

Eye redness, pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, light sensitivity and a feeling of having something in your eye are among the most usual signs of a contact lens-related eye infection. To avoid irreversible vision loss, seek professional care immediately as soon as you experience these symptoms. 

 

What Can You Do to Avoid Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections?

Good Hygiene Is Key

Wearing contacts in the water isn’t the only cause of eye infections. Harmful microorganisms can also travel to your eyes through your hands. It’s why you should always wash and dry them before handling contact lenses. Think about all the surfaces you touch throughout the day and how much bacteria and viruses they can contain. 

 

Only Use the Solution Recommended by Your Eye Doctor

The only liquid that should touch your contacts is the solution your eye doctor recommended. Never use tap water to rinse, clean or store your lenses. Like water from pools and lakes, it has germs that can infect your eyes. 

Give Your Eyes a Break

Your eyes will benefit from having breaks from contact lens wear. Temporarily swapping to eyeglasses will allow more oxygen to reach your eyes. There’s nothing wrong with wearing contacts during the day, but you should take them off before going to bed. If you sleep with your lenses in, your eyes could get deprived of oxygen. It also heightens your risk of getting an eye infection. 

 

Get New Lenses as Recommended

Do you wear daily disposables? If so, you should throw them away at the end of the day. Never attempt to use lenses that are past their prescribed wearing period. It can harm your eyes and affect your vision. Aside from increasing the chances of eye irritation and infection, it can also lead to corneal abrasion. 

 

Schedule Routine Eye Exams

You’ll know if your prescription has changed by seeing your eye doctor regularly for a contact eye exam. Keep in mind that only your specialist can detect changes in your vision. Routine eye checks can also help catch eye conditions that don’t show early signs, like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. How often you must schedule eye exams depends on age, family history of eye disease and existing health conditions.