October 5, 2025
Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities in Alberta, whether in outdoor lakes during the summer, community pools year-round, or the occasional hot springs getaway. If you wear contact lenses, you have probably wondered whether it is safe to swim with them in. The short answer is that eye care professionals strongly advise against it, and the reasons are more serious than you might expect.
Why Contact Lenses and Water Do Not Mix
Contact lenses are designed to sit on a thin layer of tear film on the surface of your cornea. When water comes into contact with your lenses, several problems can occur:
Microbial Contamination
All bodies of water, including chlorinated pools, hot tubs, lakes, and ocean water, contain microorganisms. The most dangerous of these for contact lens wearers is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found in virtually all fresh water sources. Acanthamoeba can attach to contact lenses and cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and difficult-to-treat corneal infection that can lead to permanent vision loss.
Chlorine in swimming pools does reduce many bacteria and viruses, but it does not eliminate Acanthamoeba or all other pathogens. Hot tubs are particularly risky because warm water accelerates microbial growth, and the steam and splash make it nearly impossible to keep lenses dry.
Lens Adhesion to the Cornea
Pool chemicals and freshwater can cause soft contact lenses to tighten against the cornea. This restricts oxygen flow to the eye and can make the lens difficult to remove afterward. Forced removal of a tightly adhered lens can damage the corneal surface, leaving it more vulnerable to infection.
Irritation and Discomfort
Chlorine, salt, and other dissolved substances in water can be absorbed by the lens material, causing burning, redness, and blurred vision. Even if you do not develop an infection, the discomfort can linger for hours after swimming.
The Safest Approach: Prescription Swim Goggles
The gold standard for swimming with vision correction is prescription swim goggles. These are available in standard dioptre increments and can be ordered to match your prescription closely. They provide clear underwater vision, full eye protection from water, chemicals, and microorganisms, and a comfortable, watertight seal.
Prescription swim goggles are available at most optical retailers and swim specialty shops. For complex prescriptions that include significant astigmatism or a large difference between eyes, custom-made options are also available, though they come at a higher price point.
If you do not have a current prescription, schedule an eye exam before purchasing swim goggles. An accurate, up-to-date prescription ensures the goggles provide the clearest possible vision in the water.
If You Must Swim with Contacts
While removing your contacts before swimming is always the safest choice, we understand that there are situations where that is not practical, such as a spontaneous lake visit or an unexpected water activity. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these guidelines to minimize your risk:
- Wear daily disposable lenses. If you know you will be near water, switch to daily disposables for the day. You can discard them immediately after swimming, removing the contaminated lenses and any microorganisms they have collected. Brands like Acuvue and Alcon offer excellent daily disposable options.
- Wear waterproof swim goggles over your contacts. This is the next-best approach. Tight-fitting goggles prevent water from reaching your lenses and eyes, combining the convenience of contacts with the protection of goggles.
- Discard lenses immediately after swimming. If your contacts get wet, remove and dispose of them as soon as possible. Do not attempt to clean and reuse them, as microorganisms can embed in the lens material and survive standard disinfection.
- Use rewetting drops after swimming. If you cannot remove your lenses right away, lubricating eye drops can help flush away irritants and keep the lens hydrated until you can remove it.
- Monitor for symptoms. For several days after swimming with contacts, watch for redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or excessive tearing. If any of these occur, remove your lenses and see your optometrist promptly.
Water Activities Beyond the Pool
Lake and River Swimming
Natural bodies of water carry higher microbial loads than treated pools, making the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis even greater. Alberta's many lakes and rivers are wonderful for recreation, but the warm, shallow water along shorelines is exactly where these organisms thrive. Prescription goggles or removing contacts entirely are strongly recommended for lake swimming.
Water Sports
Activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing create significant splash exposure. Even if you are not fully submerged, spray can reach your eyes and lenses repeatedly. Sport-specific eyewear with retention straps is the safest option. For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy multiple activities, having a pair of sport sunglasses with a prescription can cover both water sports and dry-land activities.
Hot Tubs and Saunas
Hot tubs combine warm water, steam, and lower chlorine effectiveness at high temperatures, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and amoebae. Always remove contact lenses before using a hot tub. The steam in saunas can also cause contacts to dry out and adhere to the cornea, so it is best to remove them in those settings as well.
Protecting Your Eyes Year-Round
Water safety is just one aspect of contact lens care. Proper daily hygiene, including washing hands before handling lenses, using fresh solution each day, and replacing lenses on schedule, is essential for preventing infections in all settings. If you are a regular swimmer, discuss your water activities with your optometrist so they can recommend the best lens type and replacement schedule for your lifestyle.
UV protection is also important around water. Sunlight reflects off water surfaces, increasing your UV exposure significantly. Quality sunglasses from brands like Maui Jim and Ray-Ban protect your eyes during the time you spend poolside, on the dock, or in the boat. If you wear prescription lenses, prescription sunglasses ensure you have both clear vision and full UV protection.
Talk to Your Optometrist
Every swimmer's situation is different, and your optometrist can provide personalized advice based on your prescription, lens type, and the types of water activities you enjoy. At Fantastic Glasses in Okotoks, Alberta, we carry contact lenses from top brands including Acuvue and Alcon, and we can help you find the right balance between convenience and safety for your water activities. We also offer a free Essilor R800 eye test with every eyewear purchase. Book your appointment or call us at (587) 997-3937.