Swimming with contact lenses may seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right care and preparation, you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool without having to worry about your contacts falling out. Keep reading to learn how you can safely swim with contact lenses.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can swim with contact lenses. However, it is important to wear goggles or a swimming mask to protect your eyes from any bacteria in the water and to prevent the lenses from coming out of your eyes.
Can You Swim With Contact Lenses?
When it comes to swimming with contact lenses, there is a lot of misinformation out there and plenty of people who are unsure about the safety of submerging their eyes in water while wearing them. The answer to this question isn’t always clear-cut but if you take the right steps, it can be done safely.
The first thing you need to consider before attempting to swim with contacts is whether your particular type of lens allows for swimming in the first place. Regular soft lenses do not provide an adequate seal when they become wet and therefore should never be submerged. On the other hand, daily disposable contacts have been designed specifically for use in water sports and are perfectly safe when worn while swimming or taking part in other aquatic activities.
Apart from selecting an appropriate type of contact lenses for swimming, it’s also important that you take certain precautions depending on how often you plan on doing so. If you’re only planning on occasionally going for a dip then all that’s needed is some extra cleaning after each time – make sure any debris has been removed from both sides of your lens along with any solution deposits which may have built up during use. If however, frequent immersion is expected then a more advanced product such as a silicone hydrogel lens would be preferable due to its superior durability and comfort even through prolonged exposure to moisture – these can last up two weeks without needing replacement!
Finally, regardless of what kind of lenses you choose or how often you swim with them; regular eye exams should still taken place at least once per year (or more frequently if recommended by your optician). This way potential issues can be identified early before they develop into something more serious – plus contact wearers will receive advice tailored specifically towards them regarding proper care and maintenance whilst engaging in aquatic activities!
Pros and Cons of Swimming with Contact Lenses
Swimming with contact lenses can be a great way to enjoy the water without having to wear glasses or goggles, allowing you to feel more secure in the aquatic environment. However, there are some potential drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before heading out for a swim with your contacts.
The pros of wearing contact lenses while swimming include improved vision and comfort underwater. Wearing contacts while swimming allows you to see clearly without having to worry about fogging up goggles or dealing with annoying crooked frames on prescription eyeglasses. Contacts also provide superior comfort compared to glasses when it comes to activities like diving and lap swimming due to their snug fit and lightweight design. Additionally, those who have corrective surgery such as Lasik may still want the option of being able to see better during certain types of aquatic activities; wearing contact lenses can offer this type of temporary relief from poor eyesight underwater.
On the downside, there is an inherent risk involved in swimming with contact lenses since these devices are not designed specifically for aquatic use. Contact solutions contain preservatives which could potentially irritate sensitive eyes if exposed directly through pool water or other sources such as lake/ocean water (which may contain bacteria). Swimmers should also take caution against losing their contacts during dives or flips, as they will likely sink beneath even shallow depths if they come off while underwater – leading them vulnerable to infection by microorganisms present in freshwater environments and ruining any chance at retrieving them later on land-based retrieval attempts!
Furthermore, some individuals experience eye dryness after spending extended periods in chlorinated pools because chlorine evaporates faster than air near the surface of water; this means that prolonged submersion can lead dewetting and irritation due increased levels of evaporation around lens surfaces which could cause discomfort upon reemerging from liquid mediums where moisture is less consistent than air temperatures outside pools/lakes/seas etc..
Advantages of Wearing Contacts in the Water
Swimming with contact lenses may seem like an odd concept to some, but for those who wear them regularly, it can be a huge advantage. By wearing contacts in the water, you can keep your sight precise and clear while also avoiding the irritation of having to constantly adjust and rub at a pair of goggles.
The primary benefit of swimming in contacts is that there will be no obstruction or distortion caused by wearing goggles. This allows for more precise vision when navigating through water and greater confidence when diving beneath the surface. It also prevents fogging on your lenses from happening as often which makes maintaining visibility easier overall. Contacts are much thinner than goggles so they don’t impede on vision quality either; allowing swimmers to better track any objects or obstacles in their path while making turns or executing flips underwater.
Another benefit is that swimmer’s eyes won’t get as irritated over time due to being covered up by goggles all day long – The constant eye friction caused by adjusting straps can begin to cause itchiness after a few hours and unavoidably lead to redness if left unchecked. Wearing contacts instead eliminates this issue altogether since they allow full freedom of movement around the eyes without any additional parts getting in their way – this not only reduces discomfort but gives swimmers greater control over their movements too! Finally, once finished using them; contacts are much simpler than cleaning out wet sticky goggle frames every single time used – just gently remove them from your face and discard accordingly after each use!
How to Safely Swim with Contact Lenses
Swimming with contact lenses is a great way to enjoy the pool or beach; however, it can come with its own challenges. It is important to take extra precautions when swimming while wearing contacts in order to keep your vision and eyes safe and healthy. With just a few tips, you will be able to safely swim without having to worry about damaging your lenses or your eyes.
The first step for swimming safely with contact lenses is investing in a pair of quality goggles that fit snugly around each eye. This will help keep any bacteria or debris from entering the eyes and getting under the lens which can cause irritation, redness, and even infection if not properly cared for. Goggles should also have UV protection so that you can stay comfortable outdoors all day long without worrying about damage from the sun’s rays. Additionally, make sure you always wash your hands before handling contacts because dirt and oil on fingers can transfer onto lenses causing them to become uncomfortable as well as risking an infection when they come into contact with water during swimming activities.
Another important tip for protecting yourself while swimming is making sure never to wear contacts underwater – this includes pools, lakes or oceans! The pressure of being submerged too deep could damage contact lenses beyond repair – putting strain on your already delicate vision system – so it’s best avoided altogether if possible! Furthermore, after exiting out of a body of water (pool/lake/ocean), immediately remove any wet clothing including socks & shoes since these articles may contain bacteria that can easily get trapped between the lens surface & cornea leading not only discomfort but potential infections as well! Lastly remember never sleep overnight wearing contacts – no matter how tired one may be after rigorous outdoor activity – this habit should be avoided at all costs as sleeping with them on creates an ideal breeding ground for germs which increases risk of serious eye issues like conjunctivitis (pink-eye).
These simple steps are easy enough follow and they go along way towards keeping both our bodies safe while out enjoying aquatic activities such as swimming! Taking time now understand safety measures before taking plunge later down road certainly pays off in end since awareness prevents situations where our precious ocular health put jeopardy due needless negligence near open waters