Can I Swim While Wearing My Contact Lenses?

May 19, 2026

2 mins read

Swimming with contact lenses is not safe and should be avoided entirely. Exposure to water significantly increases the risk of eye infections and damage to your lenses, always remove contacts before swimming.

Avoid water and hidden dangers

Contact lenses thrive in their sterile solution or blister pack, which helps maintain their optimal condit
However, water environments, such as pools or the ocean, can introduce invisible threats like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which are attracted to contact lenses. These microbes can lead to infections, making them a risk to your eyes.

Pools can harbor bacteria despite the use of chlorine, which may not fully eliminate all harmful organisms.
Bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and protozoa such as Acanthamoeba can attach to contact lenses and cause corneal infections. Though rare, in severe cases, this can lead to vision loss or permanent eye damage.  

Clarity and safety underwater

Another option is to invest in prescription swimming goggles or a prescription dive mask. These allow you to see clearly underwater, just as you would above the surface, providing both visual clarity and an additional layer of protection.

The takeaway

Do not wear contact lenses while swimming. Should you experience any irritation, redness, blurred vision, or discomfort after swimming, it's important to consult your eye doctor right away.