Swimming is more complicated when contacts are involved. Glasses are not practical for use in a swimming pool, and although contacts are easier to handle and let you see clearly, they can also present potential problems and hazards in the wrong situation. Still, many people prefer to swim with contacts to retain clear vision while in the water. Most eye doctors do not recommend this, but you may be able to do so safely if you have the proper equipment.
Step 1
Wear goggles. The only way to fully protect your contact lenses from being lost in the water and/or damaged by the chlorine is to use goggles when swimming. These are inexpensive and also make it easier to see underwater when swimming.
Step 2
Keep your eyes closed. Water is full of chlorine and potentially dangerous microbes. Although it is rare, these can cling to your contacts or get trapped underneath them and cause irritations, infections or corneal scratching. The chlorine itself can attach to the contacts and damage them. The safest measure is to keep your eyes closed and avoid splashing water into them to minimize the chlorine getting to your contacts.
Step 3
Rinse your contacts with a saline contact solution after getting out of the water. Even if you think you have kept your eyes closed and have protected your contacts, it is wise to rinse them and get rid of any chlorine or other unwanted materials that may have found their way onto your lenses.
Tips and Warnings
- Even if you are OK with losing your contacts in the water -- for example, if they are daily-use contacts -- still talk with your eye doctor about safety measures. All contacts are different, and if you have any eye conditions, the dangers of swimming with your contacts could be greater. Consider getting prescription goggles which allow you to see with the corrective strength of contacts without placing anything on your eye.
Things You'll Need
- Swimming goggles
- Contact solution
