For contact lens wearers, swimming in the ocean can be a challenging experience.

It’s important to take certain precautions and follow some basic tips to ensure that your eyes stay healthy and your contacts stay in place while you’re enjoying your time in the water. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:.

Tips for Swimming with Contacts in the Ocean

1. Wear Goggles.

Wearing goggles is the most important tip for contact lens wearers who plan on swimming in the ocean. Goggles create a barrier between your eyes and the water, preventing the lenses from floating away or being displaced by the flow of ocean water.

Make sure to adjust your goggles properly to prevent water from getting in.

2. Use Daily Disposable Lenses.

If you plan on swimming frequently, consider using daily disposable lenses that you can discard after each use.

This way, if your lenses become dislodged or damaged while swimming, you won’t have to worry about cleaning them and can simply replace them with a fresh pair. Remember to bring an extra pair of lenses with you, just in case.

3. Plan Ahead.

Before you go swimming, make sure to take your contact lens case, solution, and any other necessary items with you. If you lose a lens while swimming, you’ll need to have everything you need to clean and sanitize it before you put it back in.

It’s also a good idea to put some eye drops in your eyes before you go swimming, to help keep them lubricated.

4. Avoid Submerging Your Head.

If possible, avoid submerging your head completely while swimming in the ocean, especially if you wear contact lenses. This way, you’ll reduce the risk of getting water in your eyes that could displace the lenses or cause irritation.

Precautions to Take When Swimming with Contacts in the Ocean

1. Remove Your Lenses if Necessary.

If your eyes start to feel dry, scratchy, or irritated while you’re swimming, it’s better to remove your lenses than to risk damaging your eyes.

If you’re near the shore, you can put your lenses in your contact lens case and clean them with solution later. If you’re out in the open water, you may need to dispose of your lenses and put on a new pair once you get back to the beach.

2. Don’t Rub Your Eyes.

Rubbing your eyes while wearing contact lenses can cause them to dislodge or become damaged. If your eyes feel itchy or irritated, use eye drops instead of rubbing them to alleviate the discomfort.

3. Clean Your Lenses Properly.

After you’re finished swimming, it’s important to clean your contact lenses properly. Use a daily cleaner or multipurpose solution to get rid of any debris or bacteria that may be on the lenses.

Make sure to follow the instructions that come with your solution, and use clean hands and a clean surface to avoid introducing new bacteria to your lenses.

4. Take Breaks.

If you plan on spending a lot of time in the water, take breaks every once in a while to give your eyes and your lenses a rest.

You can take your goggles off and gently splash your face with clean water to rinse away any salt or sand that may have collected around your eyes.

In Conclusion

Swimming in the ocean can be a fun and exhilarating experience, but it can also be challenging for contact lens wearers.

By following these tips and taking proper precautions, however, you can enjoy your time in the water without having to worry about your eyes or your lenses.