{"id":1020,"date":"2022-09-29T09:59:20","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T13:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1020"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:27","slug":"can-you-swim-with-contacts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/can-you-swim-with-contacts","title":{"rendered":"Can You Swim With Contacts In?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Swimming with contact lenses in your eyes is not recommended, no matter how tempting it is to have crystal-clear vision as you cannonball into the pool. The associated risks<\/a>\u2014eye infection, irritation, losing your lenses, and even more serious issues\u2014just aren\u2019t worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But why don\u2019t contact lenses<\/a> and pool parties mix well together? Isn\u2019t chlorine a disinfectant? And what about swimming in the ocean? We\u2019ll answer these questions in more detail so that you can better care for your eyes, both on land and offshore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Swimming With Contacts In Safe? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No, swimming with your contacts in puts you at risk for multiple eye issues<\/a>, including dryness, irritation<\/a>, and infection<\/a>. In rare cases, it can lead to serious infections or corneal ulcers that endanger your vision and eye health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might think that your contact lenses would act as a shield between your eyes and the water. But contact lenses are actually porous\u2014they need to be, to let your eyes breathe. This means that bacteria and other substances present in a body of water<\/a> can get stuck in the contact lens material, or they can even get past your contact and onto your eye. What\u2019s worse, they can become trapped between the lens and your eye, causing more damage than they would if you weren\u2019t wearing contacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Risks of Swimming With Contact Lenses in Your Eyes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Swimming with contact lenses in your eyes can cause the following problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Irritation, redness, and\/or dryness: <\/strong>When exposed to water, soft contact lenses can tighten or stick to the surface of your eye and cause discomfort. Chlorine and saltwater can also irritate your eyes, especially once they get under a contact lens. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Eye infection:<\/strong> Bacteria and other microorganisms that live in water have a better chance of giving you an eye infection<\/a> if you\u2019re swimming while wearing your contacts. They can attach to the contact lens itself or have an easier time adhering to the surface of your eye because the contact lens helps to hold them there. A severe eye infection can lead to a corneal ulcer, which may require surgical intervention to treat and can cause vision loss. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Corneal abrasions: <\/strong>Tiny particles or debris in the water can become trapped under your contact lens and rub against your eye, scratching the cornea\u2019s surface<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. The loss of your lenses: <\/strong>Your contact lenses can easily fall out of your eyes if you wear them in a body of water. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Symptoms To Look for After Swimming With Contacts In<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019ve been in the water while wearing your contacts, look out for these possible signs of trouble:<\/p>\n\n\n\n