People who wear contact lenses must confront a dilemma when it comes to swimming.
Unsurprisingly, ‘Can you wear contact lenses in a swimming pool?’ is a frequently asked question.
Whether you’re wanting to take a dip in your own pool at home or planning a trip to a public pool, having an answer is reassuring.
Can you wear contact lenses in a swimming pool?
You can, of course. But it’s not recommended.
Water from the pool can dislodge your contact lenses, particularly if you put your head beneath the surface.
Not only that, there’s a risk of bacteria and other pathogens getting entering your eyes.
Is chlorine bad for contact lenses?
Aside from the obvious possibility of a lens falling out while swimming, another reason people wonder if they can wear contact lenses in a pool is the presence of chlorine.
Chlorine is a strong chemical that could irritate your eyes, which is doubly uncomfortable for contact lens users. There’s also a chance that chlorine will reduce the effectiveness of your lenses.
While chlorine itself kills some pool chemicals, it’s not completely effective in neutralising all pathogens, meaning there’s still a possibility those chemicals to cause irritation too. For more tips on keeping your pool clean and safe for swimming, check out our complete guide to swimming pool maintenance here
Can I wear contact lenses with swimming goggles?
As mentioned above, it’s not advisable to wear contact lenses in a swimming pool.
However, wearing goggles does provide a layer of protection. Of course, they should be tightly-fitted and well-sealed to prevent water from entering your eyes while swimming.
Is it better to swim with glasses or contacts?
While swimming, it’s not advisable to wear either glasses or contact lenses. Clearly, glasses enhance your vision while swimming if you usually wear them.
However, they can fall off and become damaged, incurring extra costs to replace while temporarily destabilising your vision.
Although they offer better protection from bacteria and chemicals in the water than contact lenses, it could be worth considering prescription goggles while making sure that your head stays above the water when you’re in the swimming pool.
Prioritise pool safety with Portrait Pools
When we design and install a pool at your property, we put safety at the top of a list of priorities. Our range of swimming pools are built to meet precise specifications and exacting standards.
Have any questions about the safety of swimming at home? Just ask a team member.
Contact us by dialling 01625 466200 or send an email to newwebenquiries@portraitpools.com and begin a conversation about your swimming pool project.
