Can You Wear Contacts In The Ocean? What Are The Risks

If you wear contacts, you could believe that they are necessary for clear vision while swimming. Can you wear contacts in the ocean? Wearing contacts while swimming can be risky in a variety of ways, even while having clear vision may prevent you from slamming into walls.

Actually, getting your contacts wet with any type of water, whether it be in the shower, a lake, or a pool, can increase your risk of developing a number of different eye problems.

The dangers of swimming while wearing contact lenses are examined here, along with the precautions you can take to keep your eyes safe.

Can You Scuba Dive While Wearing Contacts?

The size and shape of the masks are very similar between diving and snorkeling. Since you won’t go as deep, mask floods are less likely, and this is the main distinction between snorkeling and diving. Additionally, it is simpler to return to the boat or to land in case any contact lens issues arise.

If you typically wear hard contacts, you can wear them while snorkeling with no issues. Don’t let any water get in your eyes, please. To prevent losing the lens, do so while closing your eyes. Clean your lens and put some eye drops in after the activity is finished for safety’s sake.

Can You Surf While Wearing Contact Lenses?

Can I surf while wearing contacts? Generally, optometrists advise against wearing contact lenses while participating in water sports, especially when surfing. This is due to the fact that your lenses will unavoidably become wet. especially when they splash in your face. In particular, near the shore, seawater can have nasty contamination from microbes. Tears typically quickly wash away this contamination for those without contact lenses. However, if you wear contact lenses, the moisture may be absorbed and left next to your eye. 

The eye is a very delicate organ that readily absorbs gases and liquids that come into contact with it. Therefore, if you choose to wear contact lenses while surfing, it is advised to use daily lenses and to try to take them out as soon as you are done. 

If you experience any itching at all, stop surfing, get out of the water, take your contacts out, and put some eye drops in. Consult a doctor as soon as you can if you think you have an infection in your eye. 

Horror stories abound about people who have lost their vision as a result of microbial infections brought on by contact with seawater. Consider wearing goggles over your contact lenses to ensure you are even safer. This will stop water from getting inside and contacting the lens. You might no longer be the coolest surfer on the beach from a fashion standpoint, of course!

Read about: Can You Swim In The Lost Sea? What You Must Remember – The Grace Sports

Can You Wear Contacts In The Ocean? 

So, is it possible to wear contacts in the sea? Yes, and there are also a ton of different alternatives available for correcting your underwater vision. For individuals who are already accustomed to wearing them, contact lenses are perhaps the easiest option. Prescription masks may seem fantastic, but they are pricey. Don’t you prefer to have a brand-new dive computer?

Whatever approach you decide to use to improve your vision, be sure you are comfortable with it. Don’t attempt to put in your first pair of contacts while being rocked back and forth on the speedboat ride to the dive site!

The waters offer some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. Make sure you have the clearest vision possible as you encounter these events.

What Dangers Do Swimming With Contacts Present?

While swimming while wearing contacts can be particularly risky due to the prolonged exposure to water, exposure to any type of water isn’t advised for contact lenses. The water can be absorbed by the lenses, trapping any potential bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens against your eye.

Furthermore, swimming in rivers, lakes, and oceans may be riskier than swimming in a pool. That’s because naturally occurring bodies of water are more likely to contain a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous pathogens that could be eliminated by pool chemicals.

However, that does not imply that wearing contact lenses while swimming in a pool is secure. Pathogens cannot all be eradicated by chlorine and other pool chemicals. Pathogens and pool chemicals can still get into your eyes because soft lenses in particular are porous.

Wearing your contact lenses while swimming may raise your risk of the following eye issues:

• eye irritation due to lenses sticking to your eyes
• corneal abrasion or scratch
• eye inflammation (uveitis)
• corneal ulcers
• dry eye syndrome, especially when swimming in a chlorinated pool or salt water
• eye infections

The Best Advice For Wearing Contacts When Scuba Diving

Is it possible to use contacts in the sea? Yes, just heed our advice for contact lens wearers below:

If you can, use soft lenses.

Instead of monthly lenses, attempt to wear daily ones.

Always disclose your contact lens wear to your dive partner and your dive master.

Always rinse your eyes with eye drops after diving.

Always keep an extra pair of contact lenses on hand in case you misplace them while diving.

Squint to assist keep the contact lens in place if your mask floods.

Avoid Using Tap Water For Rinsing Or Storing Contacts

There’s a reason why we should clean and disinfect contacts that we take out and put back in using the right products recommended by your eye doctor: It helps get rid of microorganisms and maintain the health of your eyes.

Even if your solution says “no rub,” follow the “rub and rinse” regimen for the best results.

Contact lenses that are used daily and thrown away could lower your risk of developing eye infections. But remember that wearing them doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of contracting an infection. Wearing daily disposables, however, will benefit you in other ways, such as eliminating the need for daily cleaning rituals and giving you a brand-new pair every day.

When it comes to wearing and caring for your contact lenses, always abide by your eye doctor’s advice. Avoid trying to save a few dollars by topping off the old contact lens solution with the new. 

The AOA also suggests changing your contact lens storage case at least every three months. Keep the case open and dry in between cleanings, and try to keep it away from the bathroom. 

When using contacts, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene.  

After Ocean Water, Contact Care

You made the decision to swim while wearing your contacts. The contacts should be thrown away right away after swimming, your eyes should be washed with artificial tears, and you should get a new pair of contacts.

Call your eye doctor right away if you have eye sensitivity to light or inflammation after wearing your contacts in the water.

Do you need advice on what eye care necessities to bring on your spring break trip? Do you have more questions concerning swimming and contacts? We would be delighted to assist you!

Conclusion

Can you wear contacts while doing a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion in the ocean? Yes is the clear answer! Many divers have some kind of vision impairment. The most prevalent is short-sightedness, which causes objects farther away to look hazy.