If your eyesight is weak, you may feel like you need contacts to see well while swimming. Although they may help you to avoid bumping into walls or other things it’s important to know that wearing contacts while swimming can be dangerous for your eyes in a number of ways.
Swimming with contacts in isn’t advised at all. The lenses can absorb water, trapping potential bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens against your eye. Swimming in the ocean, lakes, and rivers is riskier than swimming in a pool. It’s because natural water bodies are more prone to various viruses, bacteria, and harmful pathogens that may get killed by pool chemicals. This doesn’t mean swimming in a pool with your contacts in is safe. Your lenses can absorb chlorine and other pool chemicals that can lead to various eye issues, including:
If you swim while wearing your contact lenses, make sure to look out for eye infection symptoms, such as:
If you have any of these symptoms after your contact lenses get wet, see your doctor. Early diagnosis is essential for any eye infection.
If you can’t swim safely without wearing your contact lenses, here are some precautions you must follow to reduce the risk of an eye infection:
If you’re a professional swimmer, consult with your doctor about rigid gas permeable contact lens. You can wear these lenses at night to reshape your cornea, eventually leading you not needing contact lenses during the day. You can also consider LASIK surgery to help correct your vision.
Swimming with your contacts in can damage your eyes. It’s better not to wear them while you’re in the water to reduce the risk of any eye infection. However, if you have to wear your lenses while swimming, don’t forget to follow the tips mentioned above. Also, get in touch with your doctor immediately if your eyes are itchy, red, excessively watery, or painful.
If you still have any doubts about wearing your contact lenses while swimming, get in touch with Life Saver Poolfence experts today!