Wearing contact lenses while swimming should be avoided if at all possible to prevent bacterial contamination of the eye. Swimming while wearing contact lenses can result in eye infections, irritation and potentially sight-threatening conditions such as a corneal ulcer.
 
In fact, it is recommended that contact lenses should never be exposed to any form of water, including tap water and water in swimming pools, oceans and showers.Water can contain an endless variety of viruses and dangerous microbes. One of the most serious is the Acanthamoeba organism, which can attach to contact lenses and cause the cornea to become infected and inflamed. This condition, called Acanthamoeba keratitis, is associated with wearing contact lenses while swimming and can result in permanent vision loss or require a corneal transplant to recover lost vision if not treated early on.
 
If water gets in your teens eyes when swimming, they should remove, clean and disinfect their contact lenses as soon as possible to reduce the risk of irritation and infection. Getting water in eyes when swimming, rinses away the natural tears that lubricate them and can worsen existing eye conditions such as dry eyes.Also, fresh water and water in swimming pools can cause soft lenses to tighten on eyes, causing significant discomfort.If your teen decides to swim with contact lenses in, then daily disposable lenses are the safest option as they can be thrown away afterwards.Always contact your eye doctor immediately if your teen experiences prolonged eye irritation or sensitivity to light after wearing contact lenses in water.
 
Can you swim with contact lenses while wearing goggles?
If your teenager is going to swim while wearing contact lenses, the best way to reduce the risk of eye irritation and infection is to wear waterproof swimming goggles.Swimming goggles will not only decrease the risk of infection but will also help prevent contact lenses from becoming dislodged. 
 

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