What Not to Do When Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a convenient and safe alternative to glasses in most cases. However, contacts are not suitable for some activities. Contacts should always be removed before swimming, showering or using a hot tub or sauna.

Swimming

• Do not wear contact lenses when swimming. Swimming with contacts lenses may cause lenses to become contaminated with bacteria found in the water. Some bacteria can be very dangerous and lead to severe infections or blindness. Also, the chlorine in pool water can cause contacts to adhere to the eyes.

  If you must swim while wearing contacts, wear airtight goggles to prevent pool water from getting into the eyes. The contact lenses should be thrown away after swimming, even when wearing goggles. Another option, is to purchase prescription goggles.

Showering

• Do not wear contacts when taking a shower. Tap water can contain bacteria or amoebas that can cause eye infections. If contents are accidentally left in during a shower, dispose of them after completing the shower.

Hot Tub and Sauna Use

• Do not wear contact lenses in a hot tub. Hot tubs pose the same risk as swimming pools. The water in the hot tub may be contaminated and the chlorine in the water may cause the contacts to adhere to the eyes.

  Do not wear contacts in a sauna. The sauna environment can cause contacts to dry out. Also, contacts may adhere to the eyes in a sauna.