{"id":1672,"date":"2026-07-08T03:15:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T03:15:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/?p=1672"},"modified":"2026-07-08T03:15:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T03:15:21","slug":"swimming-with-contacts-pool-beach-hot-tub-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/swimming-with-contacts-pool-beach-hot-tub-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming With Contacts: Pool, Beach, and Hot Tub Safety Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Swimming with contact lenses may seem convenient during pool days, beach trips, and summer getaways. It can feel easier than switching to glasses, especially when you want clear vision outdoors. Still, water and contact lenses are not a safe mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says contact lens wearers should remove their lenses before water activities, including swimming and showering. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/strong> also warns that swimming in contacts can raise the risk of eye infection from bacteria in pool water, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For pool days, beach trips, and hot tub plans, a safer routine starts with knowing when to take your lenses out and what to do if they accidentally get wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Water and Contact Lenses Don\u2019t Mix<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Water can carry bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms. These can be found in pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, and even tap water. Once water touches your lenses, germs may get trapped between the lens and the surface of your eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft contact lenses can also absorb water. The CDC notes that water can cause soft lenses to change shape, swell, and stick to the eye. That can cause discomfort and may scratch the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One infection linked to water exposure is Acanthamoeba keratitis. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism that can cause a rare but serious eye infection. The CDC says the condition is most common among contact lens wearers, and risk may increase when lenses are worn while swimming, showering, or using a hot tub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quick Safety Table for Summer Water Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n