Can You Swim with Contact Lenses? Here’s Why It’s Not a Good Idea

There’s nothing better than cooling off in the pool during a scorching Las Vegas summer. But if you wear contact lenses, you might want to pause before diving in—because swimming with contacts can put your eyes at serious risk.

Let’s break down why contact lenses and water don’t mix, what to watch out for, and the safer options available to help you enjoy the water without compromising your vision.

Water and Contacts: A Risky Combo

Whether it's the pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean, water can carry harmful microorganisms. One of the most dangerous is a parasite called Acanthamoeba, which can latch onto your contact lens and cause a painful, sight-threatening infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s serious—sometimes requiring months of treatment or even a corneal transplant.

Even if you’re not swimming in natural bodies of water, chlorinated pools still pose risks. Chlorine can’t kill every microbe, and it can also cause lenses to warp slightly, trapping bacteria or irritating your eyes. You may not notice anything right away, but exposure over time can lead to dryness, redness, and increased chances of infection.

What About Swimming with Your Eyes Closed?

Some people think they can get away with wearing contacts if they just keep their eyes shut underwater. But water can still seep in around your eyelids. Even just a small splash to the face can flush contaminants into your eyes. So while it might seem like a harmless workaround, it's still a gamble—one that’s not worth the risk.

Warning Signs to Watch For After Swimming with Contacts

If you’ve accidentally worn contacts in the water, keep an eye out for symptoms like:

●      Redness or irritation
 

●      Persistent eye pain or discomfort
 

●      Blurred or decreased vision
 

●      Excessive tearing or discharge
 

●      Sensitivity to light
 

If you notice any of these, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications.

How to Care for Your Contacts After Water Exposure

If your lenses do get exposed to water, here’s what to do:

●      Remove your contacts as soon as possible.
 

●      Rinse them thoroughly with sterile, disinfecting contact lens solution (never use tap water).
 

●      Clean and disinfect your lenses according to your eye care professional’s instructions before wearing them again.
 

●      Consider switching to a fresh pair if you use daily disposables.
 

●      Give your eyes a break and wear glasses if possible for the rest of the day.
 

The Safe Alternatives

If you can’t see clearly without contacts and still want to swim comfortably, you’ve got options:

●      Prescription swim goggles: These are a great long-term investment. They keep your eyes sealed off from the water while helping you see clearly—perfect for both kids and adults who love to swim.
 

●      Daily disposable contact lenses: If you absolutely must wear contacts around water (say, for water sports or beach activities), use daily disposables. Remove and discard them immediately after swimming, and wear glasses the rest of the day. Still, even disposables shouldn’t be worn in the water if you can avoid it.
 

●      Laser vision correction: For people who swim regularly and don’t want to deal with glasses or contacts at all, LASIK might be an option worth exploring. Your eye doctor can help you determine if you're a candidate.
 

How Drs. Kopolow & Girisgen Can Help

If you’re unsure about the safest way to protect your vision while enjoying pool days and beach trips, we’re here to help.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Drs. Kopolow and Girisgen, by texting GLASSES to 21000, calling us at (702) 452-2020, or booking an appointment online here.