Can You Swim with Colored Contact Lenses? Risks and Precautions

Quick Answer

No, you should not swim with colored contact lenses. Water—whether from a pool, lake, or ocean—can introduce harmful microorganisms and cause lenses to adhere to your eye, increasing the risk of infection and discomfort. If you must be in the water, wear airtight swim goggles over your lenses or remove them beforehand.

Many people wonder if they can keep their colored contacts in while swimming, especially during summer trips or beach vacations. The short answer is that it's risky, but understanding why can help you make safer choices.

Water and contact lenses don't mix well. Even if you're wearing daily disposables, exposure to water can compromise the lens material and your eye health. Let's break down the specific risks and what you can do instead.

Why Water and Contact Lenses Don't Mix

Contact lenses are designed to sit on the tear film of your eye, and their porous nature can absorb water. When lenses absorb water from a pool, lake, or ocean, they can change shape and stick to your cornea. This makes removal difficult and can scratch your eye.

Water also contains microorganisms like bacteria and amoebas that can bind to the lens surface. If these microbes get trapped between the lens and your eye, they can cause infections, some of which are serious. Even treated pool water isn't sterile.

What Happens If You Wear Contacts in Water?

Wearing contacts in water increases the risk of eye infections, including microbial keratitis, which can lead to pain, redness, and blurred vision. Lenses may also become less comfortable, causing irritation and a feeling of dryness.

Another issue is that water can wash away the natural proteins and lipids that help lenses move comfortably. This can lead to lens dehydration and a higher chance of lens sticking to the eye. In addition, chlorine and other chemicals can degrade the lens material over time.

Safer Alternatives for Water Activities

If you need vision correction while swimming, the safest option is to wear prescription swim goggles. These provide clear vision without exposing your contacts to water. If you prefer not to wear goggles, consider removing your contacts and using a spare pair of glasses on the pool deck.

If you absolutely must wear contacts in the water, use daily disposable lenses and wear tight-fitting waterproof goggles to minimize water exposure. Afterward, remove and discard the lenses immediately, and clean your eyes with lubricating drops. However, even with these precautions, the risk remains.

Verdicts on Common Claims

• Claim: It's okay to swim with colored contacts if you close your eyes underwater.: Even with eyes closed, water can seep in when you open them. Splashes, water droplets, and humidity can also expose lenses to water. Verdict: False. Avoid any water exposure.
• Claim: Daily disposable lenses are safe to swim in because you throw them away after.: While daily disposables reduce long-term risk, they still absorb water and can cause immediate irritation or infection during wear. The risk isn't eliminated. Verdict: Not entirely safe. Use goggles and discard immediately if they get wet.
• Claim: Wearing airtight goggles over contacts makes swimming risk-free.: Goggles significantly reduce water contact, but they aren't perfect. If they leak or fog up, you may need to adjust them, allowing water to enter. Verdict: Mostly true but not 100% safe. Check fit and avoid underwater eye opening.

Considerations for Colored Contact Wearers

• Romantea Tokyo 1Day Brown: 1 Day, 20pcs per box (Hazel Brown 10p + Khaki Brown 10p), Total Dia 14.0mm, Graphic Dia 13.5mm, Base Curve 8.5mm, Material HEMA. Daily disposables are a better choice if you ever swim with lenses, as you can discard them immediately after water exposure. The Romantea Tokyo 1Day Brown offers a bold color change and is designed for a single day of wear, reducing the risk of contamination from long-term use.



• Davivi2 Brown: 1 Month, 2pcs per bottle, Total Dia 14.3mm, Graphic Dia 13.7mm, Base Curve 8.8mm, Material Silicone Hydrogel. Monthly lenses like Davivi2 Brown are not recommended for swimming because they are reused, and water exposure can introduce bacteria that persist over the month. If you accidentally wear them in water, it's best to replace them immediately to protect your eye health.

Swimming with colored contact lenses carries real risks that aren't worth the temporary convenience. Protect your eyes by removing lenses before water activities or wearing proper swim goggles. If you do get water in your eyes with contacts, remove and replace them as soon as possible. Your eye health is more important than any look.