If you’ve been wondering how safe it is to wear contact lenses while swimming or playing water sports, our expert in-house opticians’ answer is very clear: Swimming with contact lenses should be avoided.
Whether it’s a pool, hot tub, sea, lake, or even tap water, exposing your lenses to water makes your eyes more vulnerable to harmful bacteria and serious eye infections.
To protect your eye health and vision, here’s what you need to know, plus safer alternatives.
No, you should not swim with contact lenses in, as water can contain bacteria and parasites that may cause serious eye infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Contact lenses absorb water quickly, trapping germs against the eye and increasing the risk of irritation, inflammation, and vision threatening eye infections.
Key takeaways:
Avoid swimming or showering with lenses in
Water can cause serious infections and corneal damage
If you must swim, use daily lenses + tight goggles
Remove lenses immediately if they get wet
Contact lenses are great for dry-land sports because they provide:
Better peripheral vision
Freedom of movement
No fogging like glasses
However, water exposure is a major risk.
Soft lenses are porous and absorb water quickly. When exposed, they can trap:
Bacteria
Viruses
Germs
Pool chemicals like chlorine directly against the surface of your eye.
Freshwater and saltwater sources (lakes, rivers, the sea) often contain bacteria that are not killed off by chemicals.
One of the most serious organisms is Acanthamoeba, which can cause:
A rare but severe infection that can inflame the cornea and potentially lead to long-term vision loss if untreated.
Corneal ulcers
Corneal abrasions or scratches
Eye inflammation from lenses sticking to the eye
Eye infections
Dry eye syndrome (especially from salt or chlorine)
Blurred or distorted vision from lens shape changes
Accidentally swam or showered with your lenses? Don’t panic.
Dispose of them (do not reuse)
Rinse your eyes gently
Wear glasses for the rest of the day
Then monitor for symptoms such as:
Itchy eyes
Redness
Pain or discomfort
Excess tearing
Swelling
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
Eye discharge
If symptoms persist, contact your GP or optician promptly. Early treatment is essential.
Although swimming with exposed lenses is not recommended, some people may still need vision correction while in the water.
If swimming is unavoidable, opticians recommend:
Tight-fitting waterproof swimming goggles
Daily lenses are more hygienic because you can remove and discard them immediately after swimming.
If your eyes feel dry or irritated after swimming, rewetting drops can help soothe discomfort by acting like artificial tears.
Always remove lenses if discomfort starts.
Exclusive to Vision Direct, everclear ELITE daily disposable contact lenses are designed for comfort and hydration.
They feature:
Breathable silicone hydrogel material
Ultra-hydrating moisture-lock formula
UV blocking for extra sun protection
Ideal for wearers prone to dry eyes.
For regular swimmers, prescription swimming goggles are an excellent investment.
They correct vision while sealing water away from the eyes, reducing contamination risk.
They can correct:
Myopia (short-sightedness)
Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
Always ensure the goggles match your optician’s prescription.
No, showering with contact lenses is also risky.
Tap water can contain microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, and germs may also build up in shower heads.
Removing lenses before showering is the safest option.
Monthly wearers may find it helpful to keep a lens case in the bathroom for easy storage.
Keep lenses away from water when swimming, showering, or bathing
Discard any lenses that become wet or damaged
Store lenses overnight in multipurpose solution, never water
Replace your lens case every 3 months
Wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses
Remove contact lenses before sleeping unless advised otherwise
Follow the wearing schedule recommended by your optician
Use UV-blocking lenses and sunglasses for sun protection
Wear protective goggles for swimming or extreme sports
Remove lenses immediately if you feel discomfort or discharge
No, chlorine does not eliminate all pathogens, and lenses can still trap bacteria against the eye.
Yes, if lenses are exposed to water, discard them to reduce infection risk.
Prescription swimming goggles are the safest long-term solution.
