The #1 Risk of Swimming in Colored Contacts (And What to Do Instead)
It's a summer dilemma: you're heading to the pool or beach, and you want your look to be complete. Your colored contacts make your eyes pop, so why not wear them while you swim? It seems harmless, right?
Wrong. While it might be tempting, swimming in your colored contact lenses is one of the most dangerous things you can do for your eye health. The biggest risk isn't just discomfort—it's a serious, vision-threatening infection.
Let's dive into the #1 risk and, more importantly, what you can do to keep your eyes safe and beautiful all summer long.
The #1 Risk: A Serious Eye Infection
The single greatest danger of swimming in contacts is exposure to harmful microorganisms found in all types of water.
The Prime Culprit: Acanthamoeba.
This is a microscopic organism that is commonly present in tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans. When you wear contact lenses in water, the soft lens material can trap this amoeba against the surface of your eye.
Once trapped, the Acanthamoeba can burrow into your cornea, the clear front part of your eye, causing a severe and incredibly painful infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Why This is So Serious:
-
It's Painful: Often described as excruciating pain that doesn't match the clinical signs.
-
It's Difficult to Treat: The amoeba is resistant to many standard antibiotics and antifungal treatments.
-
It Can Threaten Your Vision: The infection can lead to permanent scarring, vision loss, and in severe cases, even require a corneal transplant.
Other Major Risks in the Water
Beyond Acanthamoeba, water exposes your lenses to other hazards:
-
Bacteria & Other Pathogens: Water can be teeming with bacteria like Pseudomonas, which can also cause rapid and severe infections.
-
Lens Dislodgement: A splash or dive can easily wash a soft lens right out of your eye.
-
Chemical Irritation: Chlorine and salt can bind to your lens material, causing intense irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling. Chlorine does not reliably kill all germs, especially Acanthamoeba.
What to Do Instead: Your Safe & Stylish Alternatives
You don't have to choose between great vision and eye health. Here are your smart alternatives:
-
The Best Option: Take Them Out.
Simply remove your colored contacts before you get in the water. Pop them into fresh solution in your case. If you need vision correction to swim, this makes the next option essential. -
Invest in Prescription Goggles.
This is the ultimate solution for swimmers who need vision correction. You get crystal-clear vision underwater and complete protection from microorganisms and irritants. It’s a game-changer. -
Use Daily Disposable Lenses (With Watertight Goggles).
If you must wear lenses in the water (e.g., for a photoshoot), use daily disposable colored contacts and pair them with watertight swim goggles that prevent water from reaching your eyes. Discard the lenses immediately after you get out of the water. This is not a zero-risk option, but it significantly reduces it compared to re-wearable lenses. -
Embrace Your Natural Eye Color.
Give your eyes a break! A day at the pool is the perfect time to let your natural beauty shine. Pair your look with a chic pair of UV-protection sunglasses when you're out of the water.
If You Accidentally Swim in Your Contacts:
Don't panic, but act quickly.
-
Remove the lenses as soon as possible.
-
Discard them. Do not try to clean and re-wear them.
-
Rinse your eyes with a sterile, preservative-free saline solution.
-
Monitor for symptoms like redness, pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.
-
See an Eye Doctor Immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
The Bottom Line:
No Instagram photo or temporary convenience is worth a serious eye infection that could jeopardize your vision. Your eyes are irreplaceable. By making a simple, smart choice, you can protect them and enjoy the water safely all season long.
Protect your vision. Explore our collection of daily disposable colored contacts for the safest wear option, and always remember to take them out before you dive in!