The Risks of Swimming and Showering with Contacts
Lindsay Knake
| 2 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
More than 45 million Americans wear contact lenses to correct their vision. Although contacts are typically safe, many wearers may not realize the risks of showering and swimming in contacts.
Water can carry bacteria and germs into the eye and trap them behind the contact lens. Most sources of water, including city water, well water and lakes, contain bacteria and germ such as Acanthamoeba. This microscopic ameba can cause a serious infection in the cornea called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is painful and difficult to treat. In rare circumstances, it can result in visual impairment, blindness or the need for a corneal transplant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
More than 75% of cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis are found in people who wear contact lenses, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAP). There are about 1,500 cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis a year.
Symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis include:
- Pain
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- The sensation of something in your eye
- Discharge
See your eye doctor as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms. The infection is serious and can result in blindness in rare cases, but it is treatable if caught early. Various treatments for the infection include:
- Antibiotics
- Antiviral medications
- Antifungal medications
- Antiparasitic medications
- Surgery
How should I take care of my contacts?
Prevention is the best way to avoid infections and eye damage. Practicing safe contact lens care is an essential part of keeping your eyes healthy. Wash your hands thoroughly and remove contacts before swimming or showering.
Follow all instructions from your eye doctor and from manufacturers. Only store contacts in a clean case with new, sterile contact solution, not in water or homemade saline solution, according to the CDC. Replace your contacts case every three months.
If water gets into your eyes, remove your contacts as soon as possible and throw them away or disinfect them overnight to reduce risk of infection. Discard your contacts and replace your case if you get an infection.
While contact lenses are generally more convenient than glasses when showering or enjoying the outdoors, prescription goggles can help you see safely while swimming.
To keep your eyes healthy, note any changes in your vision and see your eye doctor for annual exams.
Image: Getty Images
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