Nothing beats a refreshing swim, especially in Virginia Beach. But if you’re a contact lens wearer, there’s one habit you should avoid: swimming with your contacts in. At Morgan Vision Care, we regularly educate patients about why contact lenses and water simply don’t mix — and how swimming with lenses can put your vision at serious risk.
Here’s everything you need to know before your next dip in the pool, ocean, or lake.
The Hidden Dangers of Swimming with Contacts
While it might seem harmless to wear contacts while swimming, water exposes your eyes — and your lenses — to harmful microorganisms and chemicals.
Even clean-looking water can harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites. One of the biggest threats is a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba, which can attach to your contact lens and cause a severe, sight-threatening infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Symptoms of this dangerous infection can include:
- Eye pain and redness
- Blurry vision
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- A sensation that something is stuck in your eye
Treatment is often difficult and may require months of intensive therapy —and in extreme cases, it can lead to permanent vision loss or even the need for a corneal transplant.
Why Water and Contacts Don’t Mix
It’s not just the germs you have to worry about. Water can also:
- Change the shape of your contact lenses, causing discomfort or blurry vision
- Wash away the natural tear film that keeps lenses comfortable
- Trap particles and debris against your eye, leading to irritation
- Increase the risk of your lenses sticking to your eye’s surface
Whether you’re in a pool, hot tub, ocean, or freshwater lake, your contact lenses act like a sponge, soaking up whatever’s in the water—and holding it against your eye.
Chlorine Won’t Protect You
Many swimmers assume that chlorinated pools are safe for contact lenses. Unfortunately, chlorine doesn’t kill all harmful microbes—and it can cause other problems.
Chlorine and other pool chemicals:
- Can irritate and dry out your eyes
- May leave deposits on your lenses, leading to discomfort
- Don’t eliminate resistant organisms like Acanthamoeba
At Morgan Vision Care, we advise patients that even well-maintained pools pose a risk when you’re wearing contacts.
How to Protect Your Eyes While Swimming
Want to keep your eyes safe without giving up your swim time? Here’s what we recommend:
- Wear prescription swim goggles. They keep water — and bacteria—out of your eyes while helping you see clearly.
- Remove contacts before swimming. Even a quick dip can introduce harmful microbes.
- Consider daily disposable lenses. If you absolutely must wear contacts near water (though we advise against it), discard them immediately afterward.
- Rinse your eyes with sterile saline after swimming if water accidentally gets in your eyes.
Your eyes — and your long-term vision — are worth protecting.
Symptoms to Watch for After Swimming
If you’ve accidentally worn your contacts in the pool, ocean, or hot tub, keep an eye out for:
- Redness that doesn’t go away
- Pain or discomfort
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling like something is in your eye
If you notice any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and schedule an eye care appointment with Morgan Vision Care as soon as possible.
Prioritize Your Eye Health at Morgan Vision Care
At Morgan Vision Care, we’re passionate about helping you enjoy life’s activities safely—without compromising your eye health. Our eye care team in Virginia Beach is here to answer your questions, provide personalized care, and help you find solutions like prescription swim goggles to keep you seeing clearly and comfortably.
Remember, clear water doesn’t always mean safe water — especially for contact lens wearers. Protect your vision every time you take a swim!