Swimming with Contact Lenses: Tips for Eye Health in Summer
The summer brings about a lot of fun, but some adventures can put your eyes at risk if you’re not careful. To ensure you enjoy the best parts of the remaining summertime without damaging your eyes, here are some tips.
Remove Contacts Before Swimming
Swimming with contact lenses is one of those choices many people make without really considering the consequences. After all, if you’re a regular contact lens wearer, your contacts are practically part of you. It might not occur to you to take them out before dipping in the pool or ocean, or you may just think that leaving them in isn’t such a big deal.
The truth is that swimming with contact lenses in can actually be quite harmful, even exposing you to a high risk of corneal infection. According to the AAO, bacteria can develop on the lenses after just a single swim.
Since contact lenses remain in the eyes for extended periods, they keep your eyes exposed to chemicals, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. This can lead to painful infections, corneal damage, and even vision loss.
Wear Quality Sunglasses with UV Protection
We’ve written about the importance of protecting your eyes from UV rays before, but we can’t beat this drum enough. Sunglasses are one area in which spending a little more money in order to get a high-quality product is worth it–in spades.
Ensure that you choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection. If possible, opt for polarized lenses as well. Looking for maximum protection and style? Visit Horizon Optical—we even offer a virtual try-on feature! Our experts can help you find the right style while remaining optimally protected.
Use Goggles for Water Sports
Swimming doesn’t just impact your eyes if you wear contact lenses; it can also introduce chlorine, saltwater, bacteria and other irritants to your eyes at any time. For this reason, it’s important to consider wearing protective goggles when you swim or engage in water sports.
Using goggles can prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from getting in your eyes and causing issues. You can even get prescription goggles, if poor vision is a problem for you.
Want to get your eyes as healthy as possible, and your vision as clear as can be? Schedule an eye exam online today!