Wearing contact lenses is a great alternative to glasses or Lasik vision correction surgery. Nowadays there are some advanced contacts on the market that retain moisture and feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.
No matter how wonderful contact lenses are you still need to be careful of wearing them in the swimming pool or ocean. For example, anyone who wears contact lenses in Cape Coral or another coastal town has to take extra precautions when swimming. Here are a few tips for swimmers who wear contact lenses while in the water.
Clean your lenses once getting out of the pool or ocean
The water is a host for a variety of contaminants and microorganisms so you should really avoid wearing lenses when swimming whenever possible. If you must wear them and can’t avoid it, then wash your hands and your lenses as soon as you get out of the water.
Do this by first thoroughly washing your hands with antibacterial soap. Then take each contact out and soak them in your case with the regular solution you use. After a minute or two in the solution you can put them back in your eyes or choose to wear glasses the rest of the day.
Choose daily disposable lenses instead of weekly or monthly ones
If you know that regular swimming is for you it is time to invest in daily disposable lenses and move on from the longer-term ones. Brands like DAILIES and Acuvue 1-Day Lenses are ideal for all contact wearers but especially for swimmers.
With daily lenses you don’t have to worry about losing a contact that you are supposed to keep for another week in the water. You simply throw the lenses away once the day is over so there is essentially no risk with swimming in them.
Invest in prescription goggles if you swim regularly
Regular swimmers or divers with poor eyesight should invest in a quality pair goggles or a SCUBA mask. This way you can take your contacts out before you get in the water but you’ll still be able to see perfectly. Your new goggles will be custom made to not only fit your eyesight but also provide optimal comfort for your face and head shape.
If you’re going to spend the money on custom-made prescription goggles be sure to spend a bit extra on UV-protected goggles. There is a good chance that some of your swimming will be done outdoors while the sun is shining bright. Don’t just protect your contacts but do your best to promote overall eye health.
Even when not swimming always maintain proper lens care practices
You should not just practice healthy contact lens habits when you plan on swimming. Taking care of your eyes and lenses should be a common daily practice. If you have daily lenses always throw them away after one day of use. Always try to remove your lenses with clean hands and take them out every evening before bed.