How Should Contact Lens Use Be?

Swimming with contact lenses in the sea or pools can lead to serious infections. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz, a specialist in ophthalmology at Anadolu Health Center, states, “Swimming with contact lenses can cause eye infections, irritation, and potentially sight-threatening conditions like corneal ulcers. Those who have significant vision problems and must wear lenses should use disposable lenses along with waterproof swimming goggles.” It is beneficial to consider Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz's recommendations for lens use for our eye health.

Water can harbor countless microbes, one of the most serious being the Acanthamoeba organism, which can adhere to contact lenses and cause infection and inflammation of the cornea. This condition, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, is associated with exposure to contact lenses during swimming and may require a corneal transplant if not treated early enough to restore vision. In such cases, even with a corneal transplant, success may not be guaranteed, and the eye could be lost.

Disposable Lenses Should Be Preferred in Mandatory Situations

If the vision problem is not significant, meaning that vision can be managed without glasses or lenses, it is recommended to swim in pools or the sea without using lenses. However, individuals who have very high prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses will have significantly reduced vision, necessitating the use of lenses. In this case, disposable lenses must always be used together with waterproof swimming goggles. If water enters the eyes while swimming, contact lenses should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of eye irritation and infection.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Should Not Be Worn While Swimming

Swimming with contact lenses can irritate the eyes and may even cause damage. Wearing swimming goggles helps prevent contact with water, protecting against possible infections and irritation while also providing clearer vision underwater.

Rigid gas permeable (GP) contact lenses should not be worn while swimming, as they are more likely to fall out. Although soft contact lenses have a higher chance of staying in the eyes while swimming, they are porous and can absorb chemicals and bacteria, increasing the risk of eye irritation and infection. Additionally, fresh water in swimming pools can cause soft lenses to adhere to the eyes, leading to significant discomfort.

Risks of Lens Use: If There Is a Sensation of Foreign Body in the Eye, the Lens Should Be Removed Immediately

Water entering the eyes while swimming can wash away the natural tears that lubricate the eyes, worsening existing eye conditions such as chronic dry eye. If you decide to swim with contact lenses, daily disposable lenses are the safest option. They are intended for single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and disinfecting. Even when using disposable lenses, if there is any sensation of discomfort or burning, the first action should be to remove the lens immediately. If burning or discomfort persists after removing the lens, it is essential to consult an eye doctor.

Disposable Lenses Should Be Disposed of Immediately After Swimming

To be safe, it is important to dispose of daily disposable lenses immediately after swimming, use moisturizing drops for the eyes, or rinse with approved artificial tears for use with contact lenses. Although disposable lenses may be more expensive than monthly lenses, this cost difference can be overlooked when considering the existing risks.

Prescription Swimming Goggles Can Also Be an Option

Using swimming goggles while swimming prevents contact with water and the risk of contact lenses falling out and getting lost. Another option is specially designed prescription swimming goggles that correct refractive errors. These goggles are designed like the glasses you use in everyday life. Their disadvantage is that they generally do not correct astigmatism. However, the advantage is that they contain UV filters, protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun while swimming. Some brands produce ready-made optical swimming goggles that correct refractive errors, offering various prescription options. Another alternative for those who do not want to deal with all this is to correct refractive errors with laser treatment, provided that the cornea is suitable. In this case, there will be no need for corrective lenses or glasses to see well in the sea or pool, just as in everyday life.

Last Updated Date: 21 February 2024

Publication Date: 21 February 2024

MD. Surgeon Yusuf Yılmaz

Ophthalmology Department

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