Swimming in the sea can be an invigorating experience, but if you wear contact lenses, it can also be dangerous.
The saltwater in the sea can cause irritation and infection when it comes into contact with your eyes, especially if you’re wearing contact lenses. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun of swimming in the sea.
Understand the Risks
Before you start swimming in the sea while wearing contact lenses, it’s important to understand the risks. Saltwater can cause irritation, infection, and even damage to your eyes if you wear contact lenses.
Additionally, the buoyancy of water can cause your contact lenses to come loose and fall out, which can be a frustrating experience.
Wear Goggles
The easiest way to protect your eyes while swimming in the sea is to wear goggles. Goggles offer a protective barrier between your eyes and the saltwater, reducing the risk of irritation and infection.
Additionally, goggles help to keep your contact lenses in place, preventing them from falling out into the water.
Use Saline Solution
If you don’t want to wear goggles, you can try using saline solution. Saline solution is a sterile solution that’s designed to clean and rinse contact lenses. Before you go swimming in the sea, apply saline solution to your contact lenses.
This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on your lenses, reducing the risk of irritation. Additionally, saline solution can help to keep your contact lenses in place, preventing them from falling out into the water.
Keep Your Lenses Clean
It’s important to keep your contact lenses clean if you’re going to wear them while swimming in the sea. Saltwater can cause bacteria to grow on your lenses, increasing the risk of infection.
Make sure you clean your contact lenses thoroughly before and after you go swimming in the sea. Additionally, avoid wearing your lenses for extended periods of time and make sure you replace them regularly.
Take Breaks
If you’re going to swim in the sea for an extended period of time, make sure you take breaks. Taking breaks will give your eyes a chance to rest and reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
Additionally, taking breaks will help to keep your contact lenses in place, preventing them from becoming dislodged and falling out into the water.
Remove Your Lenses If Necessary
If you experience any discomfort while swimming in the sea, it’s important to remove your contact lenses. Saltwater can cause irritation and infection, and wearing contact lenses can make the problem worse.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort, remove your contact lenses immediately and rinse your eyes with saline solution.
See a Doctor
If you experience any persistent discomfort, redness, or irritation, it’s important to see a doctor. Saltwater can cause a range of eye problems, including bacterial infections and corneal abrasions.
If you’re experiencing any problems with your eyes, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Swimming in the sea can be an enjoyable experience, but if you wear contact lenses, it’s important to take precautions to protect your eyes. Wearing goggles or using saline solution can help to reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
Additionally, keeping your lenses clean and taking breaks can help to keep your contact lenses in place. If you experience any discomfort or problems with your eyes, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.