Can you swim while wearing Contact Lenses?

At Urquhart Opticians, we often get asked by patients as to whether they can wear Contact Lenses while swimming. Our advice would be to avoid this whenever possible. 

Why?

Swimming with Contact Lenses can result in eye infections, irritation and the potential for bacterial contamination of your eye. 

Water is often home to many viruses and dangerous microbes which can attach themselves to the contact lenses – increasing the risk of serious conditions such as Acanthamoeba Keratits. This can result in a loss of vision.

Rigid gas permeable (GP) contact lenses should never be worn while swimming.

Prevention...

If water gets in your eyes when swimming, you should remove, clean and disinfect your contact lenses as soon as possible to reduce your risk of eye irritation and infection.

What are the options?

If you're going to swim while wearing contact lenses, the best way to reduce your risk of eye irritation and infection is to wear waterproof swim goggles.

At Urquhart Opticians we can also provide prescription swimming goggles. Prescription goggles are custom-made, just like eyeglasses or contact lenses, enabling you to see clearly underwater without any of the risks associated with swimming with contacts.

If you are in any doubt, please get in touch with one of our qualified Opticians who will be happy to provide some advice.