Part of enjoying summer is impromptu plunges into the swimming pool on a sweltering day. As you check your pockets for anything to remove at the last minute, don’t forget your contact lenses as well. The pool isn’t an optimal environment because of the chemicals and pathogens. Here is a comprehensive guide to the topic.

Problems From Swimming With Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are composed of hydrogels that keep lenses hydrated so oxygen can reach the eyes and prevent irritation. Pool water can be packed with chlorine, algae, bacteria, and water-borne pathogens, like Cryptosporidium.

When you put your contact lenses in, you then introduce these bacteria and contaminants to your eyes, which can result in a painful infection. When taking contacts out later, you transfer these bacteria to your fingers and could contract an illness.

Chlorine trapped in the contacts may also cause chemical burns on your eyes, resulting in inflammation and prolonged eye pain because the hydrogels absorb chlorinated water. At the very least, it’s likely that your contacts will slip off of your eye while you swim and become lost in the pool due to water getting between the lens and your eyeball.

What to Do After Wearing Contacts in the Pool

If you’ve accidentally swam with contact lenses, wash your hands with warm water and a mild soap, and remove the lenses. Cleaning them won’t make them safe again, so toss them out. The lenses have already absorbed pool chemicals and are damaged because these irritants break down the lens material. 

If you’re experiencing eye pain or irritation, rinse your eyes with eyedrops to remove irritants. Eyedrops rehydrate your eyes and will also flush contaminants from them, similar to when you cry. Monitor your eyes for redness and irritation and wait to put a new pair of lenses in until the irritation is gone. 

Remember, if pain and inflammation continue, it’s wise to speak with your eye doctor. They can take a closer look to see what's causing the irritation, such as bacteria, and will provide prescription eye drops to reduce the irritation.

Whether you’re due for an eye exam or need new contacts, the team at Abel, Klecker & Robbins can address all your eye care needs. This Lexington, KY, practice has welcomed patients for over 60 years and is led by Drs. Steven Klecker and Kathryn Robbins. Learn about their services, such as astigmatism treatment, and dry eye treatment, on their website. Call (859) 269-6921 today to schedule an exam with an optometrist.