Why You Shouldn't Wear Contact Lenses While Swimming Why You Shouldn't Wear Contact Lenses While Swimming The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against wearing contact lenses for swimming due to various reasons: Microscopic Openings: Contact lenses have numerous tiny openings (to allow air passage during regular use), which can provide pathways for bacteria or certain chemicals in the water to come into contact with your eyes. This exposure may lead to eye infections. Natural Water Sources: Natural water bodies, including swimming pools, harbor a significant amount of invisible microorganisms. Wearing contact lenses while swimming increases the risk of infection and potential harm to your eyes. Daily Disposable Lenses: Daily disposable contact lenses are the best choice for swimming. They are designed for one-time use and can be discarded after each use, reducing the risk of infection. However, it's still recommended to wear swim goggles to protect your eyes from any impurities in the water. Chlorine Exposure: Swimming pools are treated with chlorine to maintain water cleanliness. While chlorine is effective in disinfecting water, it can also lead to eye irritation. For the sake of your eye health, it’s best to not to wear contact lenses while swimming. If you must, consider using daily disposable lenses and always wear swim goggles to protect your eyes from potential contaminants. For more eye care tips and information, explore our comprehensive resources.