Can You Swim While Wearing Contacts?
PSA: There Are Real Risks to Swimming in Your Contacts, So You Should Take Precaution
There might be a small part of you that wonders whether it's safe to wear contacts in the pool — a part that's inevitably cast aside when you simply do it anyway. After all, what's the point of booking a gorgeous spot for holiday or Spring break if you can't take in the sights? And if you swim more regularly, isn't it safer to be more aware of your surroundings?
While those are valid points, it's important to know the risks. "Swimming pools have Acanthamoeba, a type of amoeba that lives in the water, which can get trapped under contact lenses," Arian Fartash, OD, a VSP network optometrist, told POPSUGAR. "Swimming with contacts can result in eye infections, irritation, and corneal issues." That's why doctors recommend against it.
However, there are steps you can take to make it safer. "If you still need to swim while wearing contact lenses, use daily disposable contacts," Dr. Fartash said. "Be sure to also wear fitting goggles to avoid getting water in your eyes, and reduce your risk of eye irritation and infection."
It might take some effort to find a pair that fit comfortably (if you find they run big, try goggles made for kids), but it'll be worth to save you from an emergency visit to your eye doctor.
