Swimming, Bathing, Showering with Contact Lenses: Everything You Need to Know

Swimming with contact lenses can be convenient, especially if you rely on them to see clearly without glasses. Many contact lens wearers use their lenses at the beach, in swimming pools or during other water activities. However, water and contact lenses are not an ideal combination, so there are a few important precautions to take.

Water can contain microorganisms and particles that may become trapped between the contact lens and the surface of the eye. Pool chemicals, salt water and freshwater can also irritate the eyes or make lenses feel uncomfortable. The safest option is to avoid getting water directly into your eyes, but if you choose to swim with contact lenses, good hygiene and a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk.

Can You Swim with Contact Lenses?

Yes, it is possible to swim with contact lenses, but you should try to minimise direct contact between the lenses and water. Wearing well-fitting swimming goggles is one of the best ways to protect your eyes while still being able to see clearly.

Avoid opening your eyes underwater without goggles and try not to rub your eyes while swimming. Water can sometimes cause a soft contact lens to move, become uncomfortable or stick more closely to the eye.

If you swim regularly, daily disposable contact lenses can be particularly practical because you can remove and discard them after swimming and insert a fresh pair later.

Swimming in a Pool with Contact Lenses

Swimming pools contain chlorine and other chemicals designed to keep the water clean. These substances can still irritate the eyes and affect contact lens comfort.

If you choose to wear contact lenses in a pool, use swimming goggles where possible and avoid deliberately opening your eyes underwater. After swimming, remove your lenses as soon as practical.

If you wear daily disposable lenses, it is sensible to discard them after swimming and use a fresh pair. Popular daily lenses include Dailies Total 1 and Biomedics 1 Day Extra.

If you use reusable lenses, remove them and follow the recommended cleaning and disinfection procedure before wearing them again.

Swimming in the Sea with Contact Lenses

You can also wear contact lenses at the beach, but seawater can cause irritation and dryness. Salt, sand and wind can all make contact lenses less comfortable, particularly during a long day outdoors.

Swimming goggles help reduce direct exposure to seawater. Avoid rubbing your eyes if you get salt water or sand in them, as particles trapped underneath a lens may cause discomfort.

If your lenses become uncomfortable after swimming, remove them. Daily disposable lenses can simply be replaced with a fresh pair.

Swimming in Lakes and Freshwater

Extra care is sensible when swimming in lakes, rivers and other natural freshwater environments because the water can contain naturally occurring bacteria, microorganisms and other particles.

If you need to wear contact lenses, use well-fitting swimming goggles and avoid opening your eyes underwater. Remove your lenses afterwards and either discard daily lenses or thoroughly clean and disinfect reusable lenses.

Are Daily Contact Lenses Better for Swimming?

For occasional swimming and beach days, daily disposable contact lenses are often the most convenient option. They do not need to be cleaned or stored, and if they are exposed to water you can simply remove them and use a fresh pair.

This does not mean that daily contact lenses make water exposure risk-free. Swimming goggles and avoiding direct water contact remain sensible precautions. The main advantage is that you do not need to reuse a lens that has been exposed to pool, sea or lake water.

Can You Shower with Contact Lenses?

It is generally better to remove your contact lenses before showering when possible. Tap water can contain microorganisms, and shampoo, soap or other products can also irritate the eyes.

If you do shower while wearing contact lenses, keep your eyes closed when water is running over your face and avoid directing the shower stream towards your eyes. A small accidental splash is normally not a reason to panic, but pay attention to how your eyes and lenses feel afterwards.

If a lens feels uncomfortable, remove it. Replace a daily disposable lens or properly clean and disinfect a reusable lens before wearing it again.

What Should You Do After Swimming with Contact Lenses?

If your lenses have been exposed to water, what you do afterwards depends on the type of lenses you wear.

• Daily disposable lenses: remove them and use a fresh pair.
• Reusable lenses: remove, clean and disinfect them thoroughly using an appropriate contact lens solution.
• Never use tap water to clean or store contact lenses.
• Wash and dry your hands before removing or inserting your lenses.

If the lens feels unusually tight after swimming, give your eyes a short time to recover before trying to remove it. Lubricating eye drops that are suitable for use with contact lenses may also help if your eyes feel dry.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses with Swimming Goggles?

Yes. For people who need clear vision while swimming, wearing contact lenses underneath well-fitting swimming goggles can be a practical solution. The goggles help reduce the amount of water reaching the eyes and lenses.

For regular swimmers, prescription swimming goggles are another option. Which solution is most convenient depends on how often you swim and how much vision correction you need.

When Should You Contact an Optician?

Mild dryness or irritation after swimming may improve after removing your contact lenses. However, take your lenses out and seek professional advice if you experience persistent redness, significant pain, sensitivity to light, unusual discharge or changes in vision.

If you regularly swim with contact lenses, your optician can also advise you on the most suitable lens type and wearing routine for your needs.

Swimming and Showering with Contact Lenses: What to Remember

You can swim with contact lenses, but it is important to minimise their contact with water. Well-fitting swimming goggles, good hygiene and changing or disinfecting your lenses afterwards can help reduce the risks.

Daily disposable lenses are often particularly convenient for swimming and beach activities because they can be discarded after use. When showering, remove your lenses when practical or at least avoid getting water directly into your eyes.

With a little preparation, contact lenses can still be a practical option for swimming, travelling and active days around the water.