Can You Wear Contacts in the Ocean: A Comprehensive Analysis

Can you wear contacts in the ocean? Nope, not a great idea. The issue here is that wearing your contacts in the ocean can be very dangerous. For example, it could expose your eyes to a microscopic amoeba known as Acanthamoeba. This amoeba has the power to trap bacteria against the surface of your eye.

In worst-case scenarios, this can lead to a dangerous eye infection. Get this – it can cause permanent vision loss if not dealt with promptly. So, whether you’re swimming or just splashing around water, it’s smart to take your contacts out before you get those feet wet. Your line of sight may seem a little out-of-focus, but you’ll be protecting your eyes. That’s a fair trade-off, right? 

Good news, there are alternatives if you don’t want to take out your contacts. However, after you’re done, take them out immediately. Diitch the contacts for the day if they’re the disposable kind. And, if they aren’t? Clean and store them properly using a reliable contact lens solution. So, let’s dive in, answer the question and explore all the other alternatives to contact lenses.

Can You Wear Contacts in The Ocean?

No, it is not advisable to wear contacts in the ocean. Going for a scuba diving adventure? Sadly, this isn’t a time to wear your lenses. Contacts just aren’t cut out for the perfect underwater odyssey. Don’t take it too hard; there’s a backup. You can get a reliable pair of daily disposable contact lenses. That way, you can put them in once you’re done for the day. Simple and safe.

So, let’s break it down. Picture your contacts as little sponges in your eyes – can you see the issue? The moment you dive underwater with your lenses, be it an ocean or swimming pool, it’s like inviting troublesome guests in. Bacteria have a bad habit of latching onto your soft contact lenses the surface of your eye, and potentially causing discomfort. Also, saltwater can irritate your eyes. Not the best sensation at all.

Worse, they settle in the lens, potentially leading to a severe eye infection. Now, we’re talking corneal abrasions and other lens problems here. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, objects can also get stuck under your lens and disturb your eyes. And an eye exam after you’ve been swimming around with your contacts in? It’s not a pleasant experience at all.

Wearing Contacts in the Ocean: Possible Alternatives

Now, you may be asking, “what are the alternatives to wearing contacts in the ocean?” Well, you can get prescription sunglasses or wear goggles. In consideration of your contacts, if they’re not daily disposables, clean them real good after their underwater adventures. The routine is simple. 

Once they’re out, keep them in a sanitised case filled with fresh contact solution. Give them a good cleaning before popping them back in your eyes to keep them spotless. These cleaning tips will protect your eyes during (and after) swimming. It also reduces the chance of that degree of sensitivity to light, which is a pain for sure. Keep reading  to find other possible alternatives to wearing contacts in the ocean.

Can You Wear Contacts in Fresh Water?

Can you wear contacts in freshwater? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Your contacts might have a field day with certain substances in fresh water. For all the purity fresh water represents, it isn’t necessarily so, see? It’s got its own elements to throw at your contacts. They include microorganisms, like Acanthamoeba, that might cause havoc if they stick to your contacts. Leave them unchecked, and you’re facing blurred vision, or worse, Acanthamoeba keratitis. So, ditch wearing only contacts when going underwater. 

Analysis of Salt vs. Fresh Water Impact on Contact Lenses

It’s probably a good time to shed some light on whether fresh water is any kinder than its salty cousin, the ocean. Long story short – the answer is a resounding ‘Nope’. Be it the free-flowing rapids or the endless ocean – the contacts still act like a magnet for bacteria, clinging onto the surface of your eye. 

In comparing the salty seas and serene lakes, the impact on your contact lenses varies like day and night. In the ocean, the salt can interact with your lenses causing discomfort and potentially affecting the effectiveness of your lenses. Fresh water, on the other hand, may seem soft and harmless but it has unwelcome guests that your lenses absorb too.

So, before you take that dive, convey the importance of protecting those peepers. An option is to wear daily disposable lenses before you swim, then switch to a fresh pair once you’re done. And always remember, sensitive eyes need extra care, so don’t try to pull Mount Everest on your eyeballs by rinsing your lenses in the shower, mates.

Tips for Swimming With Contact Lenses Safely

Navigating the rough seas or the quiet brooks with contacts can be tricky, but we can steer clear of trouble. Follow these tips to ensure safety when swimming with contact lens.

1. Wear Goggles Over Contacts

First, wear tight-fitting goggles over your contacts. Think of them as umbrellas for your eyes, keeping all that yucky water at bay. Strap on those goggles tight over your contacts before dipping into the water. These little shields defend your eyes from the invaders lurking in the water. Think of them as your knights in shining plastic armor, guarding the kingdom of your eyes from the enemies within the swimming pools.

But all knights aren’t created equal, remember? Look for swim goggles that envelop your entire eye. Teaming them up with daily disposable contact lenses forms a formidable defense force, and upgrading to the waterproof variety just seals the deal.

2. Find Waterproof Contact Lenses 

Alright, so waterproof contact lenses aren’t a thing yet. But, don’t throw in the towel just yet. There are so many other contact lenses out there that are tailor-made for you. Get the ones that suit your eyes and lifestyle the best. After all, it’s your precious eye health we’re talking about here, mates.

Science hasn’t turned the miracle of waterproof contact lenses into reality yet. Thankfully, there’s still an alternative if you’re dead set on retaining your vision clarity while keeping your eye health in check. Some lenses, when worn overnight, can temporarily tweak your cornea. Now, these may not be waterproof, but they sure give you crystal clear sight when you hit the water during the day.

3. Get Prescription Sunglasses

Another option you can explore is to get prescription sunglasses. Although, here, you ditch the contacts totally. If you don’t mind using just the sunglasses, then you can go for this. However, if you still want to wear your contacts but protect it then you can go with the first and second options in this list. Either way, what matters most is the safety of your eyes.

4. Clean Your Lenses After a Swim

Lastly, treat those lenses with some TLC. Pull an exit strategy on those lenses as soon as you step out of the water. Not leaving them in to dry off could be an invitation for irritation and discomfort. If you’re a fan of convenience and hygiene, team up your goggles with daily disposable contact lenses that can be tossed post-swim. No muss, no fuss. 

Handle them with clean, dried hands and give them a soothing spa session in a disinfectant-rich contact lens solution. And remember, all the shiny broadband laser fibre-optic light might not compare to an in-person, medically reviewed eye safety, or just listening to your own eyes. Yes, listen to your eyes and take professional medical advice when it comes to anything affecting your vision.

What if You Already Went Swimming With Your Contacts In?

Did you forget to take your contacts out before taking a dip? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. So, what happens now? Do you start seeing in technicolor or grow an extra eye? Nah, but you’ll need to monitor your eyes for any sign of a tantrum, like dryness, irritation, or, God forbid, an infection.

If your eyes start showing signs of distress, give them a break. Take a day off from your contacts and let your eyes relax with a fetching pair of glasses. If things start looking dicey, don’t play hero – schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. And sadly, the contacts you swam with? You should consider disposing of them for the sake of your eyes.

However, to avoid repeating this, keep your eyes very safe while swimming. Consider wearing goggles over your contacts. Sure, it might make you look strange, but imagine the peace of mind. Plus, they protect your eyes from harsh UV rays when scuba diving. And remember, folks – better safe than sorry. Don’t justify that blurry vision or persistent eye strain; take precautions to protect your precious eyes from potential eyesight issues.

Contact lenses give you eyes like a hawk without the hassle of glasses. Still, they need decent care to stay safe to wear, especially after a good swim. You may want to know the right way to care for your lenses post-swim, continue reading to find out.

How to Take Out Contacts After Swimming

If you prefer to swim with contact lenses and don’t want to trade them for cloudy vision, you can do things to protect your eyes and contact lenses. You can shield them with tight-seal goggles. They’re the best bodyguards your eyes can have from chlorine, sand, or any unwelcome particles.

Step 1: Act With a Sense of Urgency

Alright, so you’re done plunging, and it’s time to say goodbye to water, yeah? It’s time to treat those eyes with respect. So, let’s jump right into the post-swim marching orders for your contact lenses. The moment you step out of the water, and your feet touch the dry ground, you should start thinking about getting the contacts out of your eyes.

Step 2: Wash Your Hands

First, always wash and dry your hands before you even think about touching your contact lenses. Your contacts are built to last but require the right care to stay in tip-top shape. Don’t just yank them out all willy-nilly, though. Treat ’em with some respect, like they’ve been your eyes’ best buddies all day because, well, they have. Kickstart your proceedings with a thorough cleanup of your hands. Yeah, the rule of thumb is – clean hands lead to clean contacts. 

Step 3: Gently Remove the Contacts

Gently slide that lens to the edge of your eye and use your clean hands to lift it off. Do the same with the other eye. And remember, you’re not trying to snatch a gold medal in a speed contest here. The process needs finesse, not speed. Now, some of you might be wearing daily disposables. If you are, your job’s done here. Tos the used lenses off into the garbage bin after you take them out, and you’re free. But if you’re using extended-wear lenses, there’s one more step left just for you.

Step 4: Start the Cleaning Process

After taking out your contacts, place them in a clean case filled with fresh contact solution. Just make sure to clean them again before you put them back on later. Because you don’t want salty ocean water lingering in their eyes, right?

Keep these steps in mind, and practicing them will become as easy as floating on water. Protecting your eyes doesn’t have to be rocket science! Just a bit of care, and soon enough, taking care of your contacts will be as second nature as crushing a can of soda on a hot summer day. So, snug up that swim cap on your next dip and let the good times roll! 

Contacts vs Glasses: The Ultimate Choice

Contacts and glasses have their charm, but it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Glasses, they’re the classic route. They are easy to use, easy on the pocket, and they give a certain aura of intellectual sophistication. Plus, they can double as a head accessory. On the downside, they can be a bit of a drag on an active day, getting foggy, falling off, or breaking. And did we mention they obstruct peripheral vision as well?

Moving on to contact lenses, they’re the modern, hip solution. They fit well with an active lifestyle, give a full field of vision, and don’t fog up in cold weather, making them a top-tier choice when water is involved. However, they require a more comprehensive care regimen. Plus, contacts have a greater risk of infection if not cared for properly, so hygiene is crucial.

What Is the Better Option for the Ocean?

So, the big question is – is it better to swim in glasses or contacts? Well, glasses might help keep water outta your eyeballs, but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly the most comfortable or practical solution. Also, imagine the horror of losing your glasses in the deep sea.

On the other hand, lenses when swimming might seem like a great idea at first glance. But, the ocean isn’t selective about what gets in the water. Salts, bacteria, tiny particles – your contacts can attract them like a moth to a flame, which could end up causing eye infections and discomfort.

We have to warn you, it’s not all fun and games when it comes to swimming with contacts. Somewhere between the splashing and the diving lurk the risks of swimming with those tiny circles in your eyes. Bacteria and other harmful substances can play with your contacts and your eyes when you swim with your contacts in.

If all this talk about contacts has left you cross-eyed, remember that there’s always the option of wearing goggles over the contacts or using prescription sunglasses. They won’t disappear into the ocean and give you a panic attack like contact lenses might. 

Final Thoughts: Swimming With Contacts in the Ocean and Beyond

Taking a plunge in the ocean, or even a cheeky dip in the swimming pools, while sporting your contact lenses might seem like a great idea, but it’s more like an invite to a party nobody wants to attend. Knowing that the ocean and swimming pools are riddled with microbes is crucial. Nature has designed spectacular defences for our bodies, but these microbes? They can squirm their way anywhere, even into contact lenses.

So, you can use goggles over your eyes instead of using only contacts. The ball is in your court to decide between them. However, always remove and clean your contacts after a deep dive to prevent any bacteria.  If you’re using daily disposable contacts, as the name suggests, bid them a hearty farewell without any guilt at the end of the day. On the other hand, if your lenses are the extended wear type, clean and disinfect them before inserting them back into your eyes.