As we enjoy water activities, we must know the risks of wearing contact lenses while swimming. Luxton Optical aims to educate our clients on the potential hazards and provide practical solutions to keep their eyes healthy and safe.
Whether a casual swimmer or a competitive athlete, understanding these risks is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and ensuring that your vision remains unimpeded in the water.
Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses
Bacterial Contamination and Infections
Water bodies, whether pools, lakes, or oceans, can contain numerous bacteria and microorganisms, including the notorious Acanthamoeba, which can adhere to your contact lenses and lead to infections.
Acanthamoeba keratitis, although rare, is a serious eye infection that can cause permanent vision impairment or even blindness if not treated promptly. By wearing contact lenses in the water, you significantly increase your risk of introducing these harmful pathogens to your eyes.
Chemical Reactions
Swimming pools contain chemicals like chlorine to keep the water clean. These chemicals can react with your contact lenses, causing them to tighten on your eyes. This causes discomfort and can trap harmful particles against your cornea, leading to irritation or infections.
Increased Risk of Losing Lenses
When you open your eyes underwater, the natural action of water can dislodge your contact lenses, leading to potential vision problems as you lose the corrective support of your lenses. Losing a contact lens in a body of water also leaves you vulnerable to eye injuries as you struggle to see clearly.
Safer Alternatives and Protective Measures
For those who enjoy swimming and other aquatic activities, safeguarding your vision doesn't mean missing out on the fun. Here are several safe alternatives and protective measures to consider:
- Switch to Prescription Swim Goggles: Luxton Optical offers a range of prescription swim goggles that provide the necessary vision correction without the risks associated with contact lenses.
- Daily Disposable Lenses: If you must wear contact lenses, consider using daily disposables that you can discard immediately after swimming. However, always use watertight goggles to minimize water contact.
- Proper Eye Care Post-Swimming: If you accidentally wear your regular contact lenses in water, thoroughly clean them with disinfectant solutions or, ideally, discard them to prevent any risk of contamination.
- Keep a Pair of Watertight Goggles: Even if you don't need vision correction, wearing watertight goggles while swimming can protect your eyes from irritants and harmful microorganisms in the water. They are an essential accessory for both contact lens wearers and non-wearers alike.
- Consult Your Eye Care Professional: Request an appointment at Luxton Optical to discuss personalized solutions and get recommendations tailored to your lifestyle. Our experts can help you choose the best eye protection for swimming and other activities, ensuring your eyes stay healthy year-round.
Request a Consultation at Luxton Optical
Before your next water adventure, visit Luxton Optical to discuss the best eye care practices and products for water-related activities. Our experts will help you choose the safest options for your eyes.