Got a question about contact lenses? We’re here to answer it.
The latest in our range of FAQ blogs has all you need to know about wearing your contact lenses while swimming.
If you have any other questions, get in touch with us and we can cover it in our next article.
Can you wear contact lenses in the pool?
No. Unfortunately, it is not safe to wear your contact lenses while swimming. It may result in loss or damage to your lenses as well as a bacterial infection in your eye. There are other options for people who need prescription lenses to swim.
-
Losing your lenses
Wearing contact lenses in the pool is not a great idea if you plan on wearing your lenses again. When you expose your contacts to water, it makes it really easy for them to fall out.
Once you’ve lost your lenses in a pool, it’s going to be really hard to find them again. Then there’s the matter of cleaning them! -
Eye infection
You can wear contact lenses in the pool if you want to get an eye infection. When you expose your lenses to liquid, it absorbs it. This means that your contacts will be full of pool chemicals and bacteria by the time you've finished your swim.
This could result in irritation or infection in your eye.
What do you do if you need to wear contact lenses in the pool?
If you need prescription lenses to see clearly, you can invest in some prescription goggles. You can order these through an optometrist.
You can also order special prescription lenses that are made for water sports through your optometrist.
If you’re wearing coloured contact lenses for aesthetic purposes, be prepared to take them out while you’re swimming. And make sure you store them properly so you can put them back in when you're done.
Check out our range of lens solution and contact holders.
Can you wear contact lenses in the ocean?
Unfortunately, the same rules apply to the sea! You will absolutely lose your contacts in the ocean and there are just as many bacteria present in seawater.
You can try wearing goggles over the top of your coloured contacts but there is no way to ensure water won’t leak in — especially in rough ocean waves!
If you happen to forget and somehow expose your eye contacts to water while you’re wearing them, take them out as soon as possible and rinse your eyes out with artificial tears or eye drops.
Make sure you throw your exposed contacts away or give them a VERY thorough clean.
Can you wear contact lenses in the shower?
No. Try to remember to take them out before you shower.
Tap water should be fine though right? Surely it’s cleaner than pool or ocean water? WRONG.
Tap water has chemicals in it as well as bacteria from whatever piping system has delivered it to (and through) your house. Now, this is fine for drinking, but your eyes are pretty sensitive.
If you can avoid exposing them to extra chemicals via your contact lenses, just take them out before you shower.
It’s really common for people to forget and leave them in. It won’t be the end of the world, just make sure you wash your eyes out after removing and cleaning the lenses.
Premium Contact Lens Care
Be sure to browse through our collection of contact lens accessories and get everything you need to keep your lenses clean.
Look good and feel amazing with contact lenses from Mesmereyez.