Vision Source Mandan Blog

Why Swimming and Contacts are Risky Business

Some people swim while wearing contact lenses, risking serious damage to their vision.

Eye Irritation Isn’t Just Caused By Chlorine

While many of us associate swimming pools with the smell with chlorine, the real culprits are chemicals that form when chlorine mixes with sweat, dirt, and urine. This concoction–known as chloramine–is the real cause for eye irritation, and puts our eyes at risk for irritation and serious infection.

Contacts Are Breathable And Absorb

Soft contact lenses are absorbent and breathable to allow oxygen into the eye. They also absorb water—along with bacteria and chemicals in that water. A serious risk associated with contacts absorbing impure water is a sight-threatening condition called acanthamoeba keratitis. Although rare, it is caused by an organism found in all impure water sources including pools and lakes.

Keep your eyes healthy and safe from harmful bacteria while you’re in the pool. To help avoid risk, here are a few tips to keep your eyes safe while you swim:

  • Remove your contacts before swimming. Removing contacts eliminates the risk factors explained above.
  • Wear protective goggles. If you must wear contacts, water-tight goggles can protect your eyes. Prescription goggles are also available.
  • Rinse your eyes. Swimmers should rinse their eyes immediately after swimming to remove chemicals or bacteria.
  • Exercise good pool hygiene. Shower before and after you swim, don’t swallow pool water, and encourage children to use the restroom before entering the pool.

Clean Contacts Preserve Good Vision

Our eyes are especially sensitive to bacterial infection, and the impurities in pools can leave your eyes feeling irritated, itchy, and even threaten long-term vision health. Our aim, as your lifelong vision partner, is to help you establish good habits that will keep your eyes healthy and comfortable!

Thanks for reading our blog posts, and for being a valued patient and friend! 

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Top image from Big Stock Photo. Image cropped and modified from original.

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What Our Clients Say

My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

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