{"id":43,"date":"2026-05-27T11:04:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T10:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lenstore.ie\/eye-care\/?p=43"},"modified":"2026-06-02T11:57:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T10:57:22","slug":"can-i-swim-with-contact-lenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lenstore.ie\/eye-care\/can-i-swim-with-contact-lenses","title":{"rendered":"Can I Swim with Contact Lenses?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/figure>\n

Ophthalmologists and opticians recommend not wearing contact lenses while swimming – or even in the shower or bath.<\/p>\n

Water can carry different types of pathogens and bacteria that can come into contact with your lenses and, in turn, your eyes. This can cause irritation and, in more serious cases, even vision loss.<\/p>\n

Swimming with contact lenses<\/h2>\n

Swimming with contact lenses should be avoided wherever possible. It’s recommended not to wear lenses when in contact with any type of water – whether tap water, a swimming pool, or the sea. Even in chlorinated water, harmful bacteria and other organisms can survive and thrive.<\/p>\n

The chemicals in a swimming pool can irritate the eyes and cause various infections, especially when wearing soft contact lenses<\/a>, which are porous and absorb chemicals and bacteria. When exposed to fresh water, soft lenses can also restrict the oxygen available to the eyes, leaving them dry. Although gas-permeable rigid lenses are more breathable, they can easily dislodge from the eye and should therefore never be worn in the pool.<\/p>\n

If your vision doesn’t require much correction, the best option is to remove your daily, fortnightly, or monthly lenses before entering the water. Make sure to have a spare pair ready to use after your swim.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

Prescription swimming goggles<\/h2>\n

Prescription swimming goggles help with vision and protect your eyes from infection while you’re in the water, letting you enjoy a swim in the pool or a dip in the sea.<\/p>\n

Water has a significantly different refractive index to air, and as a result our eyes struggle to see clearly underwater. Even people with perfect vision will experience blurry vision beneath the surface.<\/p>\n

Swimming goggles can be bought ready-made with basic corrections or custom-made to match your exact prescription. Ready-made goggles come in a range of dioptric corrections and are a good option for most people.<\/p>\n

However, if you have a more complex prescription, you may prefer custom goggles. Modern swimming goggles come with a wide range of features, including anti-fog coating, UV protection, and shatterproof lenses, and are widely available from opticians. Ask your ophthalmologist for advice on the best solution for you.<\/p>\n

At the beach or the pool with contact lenses<\/h2>\n

There are two main risks. First, your contact lenses are likely to fall out, leaving you with blurry vision. More importantly, you expose your eyes to the risk of infection.<\/p>\n

If you do need to swim with contact lenses in, consider using daily disposable lenses<\/a> and wear goggles over them for extra protection. Discard the daily lenses immediately after swimming, rinse your eyes with eye drops, and put in a fresh pair. This helps limit the risk of your eyes being exposed to harmful bacteria that may have built up on your lenses while in the water.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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