Keep water away from contact lenses

Remove lenses before water activities

A contact lens sits against the tear-covered front of the eye. Water that looks clean can still contain microorganisms, and a lens can hold contaminated water close to that surface. Contact with water may also change the behaviour of some soft lenses. Drinking-water safety and contact-lens disinfection are different standards. A lens that looks clear after rinsing has not therefore been disinfected, and boiling water at home does not turn it into a validated care product.

CDC advises removing contact lenses before showering or swimming. Water can carry organisms that cause serious eye infections. Tap water is not a contact lens disinfectant.

Plan for accidental exposure

If lenses touch water, remove them as soon as possible. CDC advises discarding them or cleaning and disinfecting them overnight before reuse. Keep your glasses available as a backup.

A worked example

If you arrive at a pool wearing contact lenses, the practical decision is not which goggles let you ignore lens care. Remove lenses before swimming and consider prescription swimming goggles for vision. If reusable lenses accidentally contact water, remove them promptly and follow professional and product guidance on discarding or full cleaning and disinfection before reuse. Never transfer advice about washing spectacle lenses to lenses that will touch the eye.