Can I swim with contact lenses?

Pool, sea, lake and river water all carry microorganisms that can cause keratitis. The contact lens holds them against the cornea for hours afterward.

Sensible options, in order of safety:

1. Prescription swim goggles: zero infection risk, perfect vision. Custom prescription goggles for sphere up to about −7.00. Best long-term solution for regular swimmers.
2. Tightly sealed swim goggles + daily disposables: low infection risk. Discard lenses immediately after the swim.
3. Goggles + reusable lenses: do a thorough rub-and-rinse afterwards and check carefully for any irritation in the next 24–48 hours.
4. No goggles: never. Even chlorinated pool water has caused contact-lens-associated infections.

Hot tubs are particularly risky — the heat fosters microbial growth and high body density per litre. Wear glasses, not contacts, in any hot tub.