Can You Swim With Contacts In? Risks, Tips, Water Safety, More

You’re at the pool. The water is sparkling. Your friends are yelling “CANNONBALL!” and your glasses are doing
that fun little thing where they slide down your nose like they’re trying to escape the situation.
So you think: “I’ll just keep my contacts in. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Not to be dramatic, but the worst-case scenario is… pretty dramatic. Swimming with contact lenses can trap
germs and chemicals against your eye, increasing the risk of painful (and sometimes serious) infections.
And while most people won’t end up starring in a medical cautionary tale, eye doctors and public health
agencies generally agree: water and contacts are not a power couple.

This guide breaks down the real risks, what “water exposure” actually means (spoiler: it’s not just lakes),
and how to lower your odds of trouble if you absolutely, positively can’t avoid swimming in contacts.
We’ll keep it practical, a little funny, and very focused on keeping your eyeballs happy.

Quick answer: Can you swim with contacts in?

The safest choice is no. Major U.S. health and eye-care organizations advise removing contact
lenses before swimming (and before other water activities like showering or hot tubs), because water isn’t sterile
and can carry microorganisms that may cause eye infections.

If you’re thinking, “But it’s a chlorinated pooldoesn’t chlorine nuke everything?” Chlorine helps, but it doesn’t
guarantee sterile water, and contacts can hold irritants and microbes close to the eye. Plus, pool chemicals can
amplify dryness and irritation when trapped under a lens. Translation: your contacts are vision correction, not
underwater safety equipment.

Why swimming with contacts is riskier than it feels

1) Contacts can trap germs against your cornea

Your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) is sensitive and likes oxygen, cleanliness, and respectful personal
space. A contact lens sits directly on that surface. When water sneaks underneath, it can bring bacteria, parasites,
or fungi along for the rideand your lens can hold them there longer than a quick splash would.

2) Water can change how your lenses behave

Soft contact lenses can act like tiny sponges. Water exposure may cause swelling or shape changes that make lenses
feel sticky, gritty, or just “off.” Even small irritation matters, because a scratched or inflamed cornea is more
vulnerable to infection.

3) Pool chemicals + lenses = extra irritation

Ever gotten “swimmer’s eye” after a long pool dayredness, burning, that sandy feeling like you blinked into a
beach? Pool water can irritate the eyes, and contacts can worsen that irritation by trapping chlorinated water
underneath the lens. If you already deal with dry eye, the combo can feel especially brutal.

The actual risks: What can go wrong?

Let’s talk about the stuff that makes eye doctors say, “Please don’t do that,” in their calmest voice.
Most issues start as irritation… and then can escalate if germs get a foothold.

Microbial keratitis (corneal infection)

This is one of the big reasons water exposure is discouraged. Microbial keratitis is an infection of the cornea.
It can be painful, cause redness and light sensitivity, and may threaten vision if not treated quickly.
In severe cases, it can lead to a corneal ulcer (an open sore on the cornea).

Acanthamoeba keratitis (rare, but serious)

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism found in many water sources (including tap water). In contact lens wearers,
water exposure and improper lens care behaviors are well-known risk factors discussed in public health guidance and
ophthalmology literature. While this infection is uncommon, it’s notorious for being difficult to treat and for
potentially causing scarring and vision loss.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) and general infection

Conjunctivitis can happen for many reasons, but water exposure and trapped irritants can increase the odds of redness,
discharge, and discomfort. It’s not always dangerous, but it’s always annoyingand it’s sometimes a sign of something
more serious.

“Swimmer’s eye,” dryness, and inflammation

Even without a true infection, chemicals, salt, and contaminants can trigger redness and irritation. Contacts may
increase the sting-factor by keeping that irritant soup pressed up against your eye.

Pool vs. ocean vs. lake vs. hot tub: Which water is “safer”?

If you’re hoping for a loophole, here’s the tough love: none of these are ideal with contacts.
The risk profile changes, but the basic problem stays the samewater isn’t sterile.

Chlorinated pools

Chlorine reduces some germs, but it can also irritate eyes. Contacts may trap chlorinated water, increasing dryness
and irritation. Pools also aren’t perfectly sterileespecially during busy swim times.

Oceans

Saltwater can sting and dry out your eyes. It also contains microorganisms. Surf, waves, and splashing increase the
chance water gets under your lens. If you rub your eye after, you can make things worse.

Lakes, rivers, and natural freshwater

Natural water can carry a wide variety of microbes. Visibility is often lower, and people are more likely to open
their eyes underwater or wipe their face with wet hands. It’s a higher-risk setting for contamination.

Hot tubs

Warm water can be a great environment for microorganisms, and hot tubs often have a lot of chemical additives.
If there’s one place to be extra strict about removing lenses, it’s the hot tub.

Showers (yes, this counts)

Many people forget that “water exposure” includes showering and rinsing your face. Tap water isn’t sterile, and
shower spray can push water under your lens. If you’ve been casual about showering in contacts, consider this your
friendly wake-up call.

If you absolutely must swim with contacts: how to reduce the risk

Sometimes you’re traveling, you forgot your glasses, and you can’t exactly lifeguard a pool squinting like you’re
trying to read a menu in a dark restaurant. If you’re going to do it anyway, aim for “least risky,” not “totally safe.”

Choose the “disposable mindset”

• Daily disposables are often considered a safer option for one-off situations because you can remove and discard them right after water exposure.
• If you wear reusable lenses, you’ll need strict hygiene afterward (more on that below). Never “stretch” wear time after a swim day.
• Never, ever rinse contacts with wateruse proper contact lens solution only.

Wear swim goggles that actually seal

Fashion goggles that leak are basically just face jewelry. Look for snug, watertight swim goggles (or a properly
fitted snorkel mask for snorkeling) to keep water from hitting your eyes. If you swim often and need clear vision,
consider prescription swim goggles.

Keep your eyes closed underwater

If you’re swimming casually, resist the urge to open your eyes underwater. The more water pressure and splashing
you have, the higher the chance water slips under the lens.

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Rubbing can trap debris under the lens or scratch your cornea. If your eye feels irritated, get out, wash your hands,
and handle the situation calmlyyour cornea is not impressed by panic.

What to do immediately after swimming (this part matters a lot)

If your contacts were anywhere near water, treat them like they just attended a germ convention.

Step-by-step “post-swim” routine

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses.
2. Remove your contacts as soon as you can.
3. If you wear daily disposables: discard them and switch to glasses.
4. If you wear reusables: clean and disinfect them exactly as directed with fresh solution.
   Many eye-safety resources advise discarding lenses that were exposed to water when possible; if you don’t discard,
   at minimum disinfect properly and avoid “topping off” old solution.
5. Pay attention to symptoms over the next 24–72 hours: worsening redness, pain, light sensitivity,
   discharge, or blurry vision is a reason to call an eye doctor promptly.

Bonus tip: If you travel or swim often, pack a tiny “contact lens emergency kit” with a case, fresh solution, and
backup glasses. It’s cheaper than replacing lost lensesand way cheaper than treating a preventable infection.

Water safety checklist for contact lens wearers

Here’s the practical, non-preachy checklist you can actually follow:

• Best: Swim without contacts (wear glasses poolside, then remove before getting in) or use prescription goggles.
• If contacts are unavoidable: Wear sealed goggles and keep eyes closed underwater.
• Never: Use tap water to rinse lenses or your lens case.
• Never: Store lenses in water or “homemade” saline.
• Do: Use fresh disinfecting solution each time; don’t reuse old solution.
• Do: Replace your lens case regularly and keep it clean and dry.
• Do: Remove lenses before showers, hot tubs, or baths.

What if water splashed your contactsdo you have to throw them out?

It depends on the lens type and the situation, but the safest approach is: remove the lenses ASAP.
If they’re daily disposables, toss them. If they’re reusable, many safety resources recommend either discarding or
disinfecting thoroughly (for example, disinfecting overnight) before wearing again. When in doubt, choose the option
that’s kinder to your eyeseven if it’s slightly meaner to your wallet.

Warning signs you should not ignore

Call an eye doctor urgently if you have any of the following after swimming with contacts (or after any water exposure
while wearing lenses):

• Moderate to severe eye pain
• Persistent or worsening redness
• Light sensitivity that feels intense or unusual
• Blurry vision that doesn’t quickly improve
• Discharge or a gritty “something’s stuck” sensation

Eye infections can move fast. Quick evaluation can protect your vision and shorten recovery time.

FAQ: Quick answers to common “pool day” questions

Can you swim with contacts in a chlorinated pool?

It’s still not recommended. Chlorine doesn’t make pool water sterile, and contacts can trap irritants and microbes
against your eye. If you do it anyway, wear sealed goggles and remove lenses right after swimming.

Will my contacts fall out if I swim?

Sometimes. If water hits your eyes hard (diving, splashing, wave impact), lenses can shift or even wash out.
That’s not just inconvenientit can be a safety issue if you suddenly can’t see clearly in the water.

Are hard contacts (RGP) safer than soft lenses in water?

Some sources note that soft lenses may be more prone to trapping water and microbes because they’re more porous.
But any lens can trap contaminated water against the eye, and water exposure is still discouraged
for both types. “Safer than” is not the same as “safe.”

What about swimming with contacts under goggles?

This is the “least risky” way to do a not-recommended thing. Tight, watertight goggles reduce water exposure to the
lens. They don’t make the risk zero, but they can help.

Can I wear contacts in a hot tub?

Strongly discouraged. Hot tubs combine warm water (microbes like that), chemicals, and splashingbasically an obstacle
course for contact lens safety.

What if I opened my eyes underwater by accident?

Don’t panicjust act quickly. Get out, wash your hands, remove the lenses, and discard or disinfect properly.
Then monitor for symptoms over the next couple of days.

Experiences & lessons learned (the part everyone wishes they read before the pool)

Below are common real-life scenarios people run intoplus what tends to go right (or wrong). Think of these as
“experience-based reminders” so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

Experience #1: The “I’ll just float for a minute” pool day

This is the classic: you’re not even really swimming. You’re chatting, floating, maybe doing the world’s slowest lap.
It feels harmless, so you keep your contacts in. Then someone splashes you mid-sentence and you do that dramatic blink
like a startled cartoon character.

The lesson: the risk isn’t only from deep dives or opening your eyes underwater. Random splashes are enough to push
water under a lens. If you’re going to be in a pool environment, sealed goggles are your best friendeven if you feel
slightly like an Olympic hopeful. And if you get splashed, remove the lenses as soon as you can instead of wearing
them “until later.” “Later” has a way of turning into “tomorrow,” which is when irritation tends to show up.

Experience #2: The lake weekend where everyone forgets basic hygiene

Lakes are fun because they’re natural, scenic, and filled with friends. They’re also fun because nobody knows where
their towel is, everyone’s hands are wet 100% of the time, and someone is always offering snacks that require you to
touch your face right after touching… everything.

The lesson: if you’re wearing contacts around natural water, your hygiene needs to be extra intentional.
Don’t handle lenses with damp hands. Don’t “rinse” anything with lake water (please don’t). If your contacts get wet,
plan to remove them and switch to glasses. A travel-size bottle of solution and a clean, dry case can save your eyes
from a weekend of regret.

Experience #3: The beach day where saltwater and wind team up

Ocean water can sting, and wind can dry your eyes. Add contacts, and it’s like your eyeballs are running a marathon
in a desert while tiny sand particles cheer them on. People often rub their eyes because they feel grittyexactly the
move that can scratch your cornea or shove debris under a lens.

The lesson: if you’re at the beach, consider wearing glasses and using non-prescription (or prescription) sunglasses
for comfort. If contacts are necessary, bring lubricating drops approved for contact lens wearers, avoid rubbing, and
use sealed swim goggles if you’re going in the water. The ocean is not the place to test your luck with “maybe it’ll
be fine.”

Experience #4: The “but I’m training for a triathlon” dilemma

Performance goals can make safety feel negotiable. Athletes often want sharp vision for navigation, pacing, and
confidence. That’s understandable. But open-water swims bring unpredictable splashes, waves, and exposureplus you’re
likely to keep your lenses in longer afterward because you’re exhausted and focused on the rest of the race.

The lesson: plan like a pro. If you must swim with lenses, consider daily disposables + sealed goggles, then remove
and discard immediately after. Have backup glasses ready. Think of it like sunscreen: you don’t “wing it” because the
consequences are miserable.

Experience #5: The “I wore goggles… but they leaked” plot twist

Not all goggles fit all faces. A small leak can turn into repeated micro-splashes into the eye area, which defeats the
point. People then adjust goggles with wet hands and accidentally press water closer to the eye.

The lesson: test your goggles fit before you’re in the water. A good seal should feel secure without being painfully
tight. If your goggles leak, don’t keep powering through for an hourget out and fix the fit. The goal is to keep
water away from your lenses, not to create a tiny, personal water park inside your goggles.

Bottom line from these experiences: most “contact lens + water” problems don’t start with a dramatic decision.
They start with a small compromiseone quick dip, one splash, one lazy showerfollowed by wearing the same lenses
for hours afterward. If you’re going to break the rules, at least be disciplined about the cleanup.

Conclusion

Can you swim with contacts in? People do itoften without immediate consequencesbut the safer, smarter move is to
avoid it whenever possible. Water can carry microorganisms and irritants, and contacts can trap that exposure directly
against your eye, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation. If swimming is part of your life, the best long-term
upgrade is simple: get a pair of prescription swim goggles, keep backup glasses handy, and treat water exposure as a
“remove lenses now” situationnot a “hope for the best” situation.