Salt, Chlorine & Contact Lenses Don’t Mix: What Every Swimmer Should Know

Let’s talk about something that comes up every summer in Boca Raton and beyond: swimming with contact lenses.

I get it—when you or your kids wear contacts, it feels easier to just leave them in for that beach day, pool party, or water park adventure. But here’s the truth: salt, chlorine, and contact lenses don’t mix. And I want to help you understand why—without guilt, and with options.

Why It’s Risky to Swim in Contacts

Whether you’re cooling off in the ocean, diving into a backyard pool, or soaking in a hot tub, any kind of water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, and chemicals. Contact lenses, especially soft lenses, act like sponges—absorbing everything they touch, including things your eyes definitely don’t want inside them.

When water gets trapped between the lens and your eye, it creates a perfect little pocket for bacteria to grow—and that can lead to infections, irritation, or even more serious issues like acanthamoeba keratitis (a rare, painful condition that can cause vision loss).

What’s in the Water?

Let’s break it down a bit:

Ocean water = Salt + bacteria
Pool water = Chlorine + sweat, sunscreen, and sometimes (yes) urine
Hot tubs = Warm, chemical-heavy water that fast-tracks bacteria

When chlorine mixes with sweat and dirt in a pool, it creates something called chloramine, which can be extra irritating to your eyes—especially when it’s soaked up by your contacts.

“But Gisele… We Still Swim With Them Sometimes.”

You’re not alone! As a mom and optician, I know that sometimes your teenager won’t take them out, or you forget a lens case at the beach. Life happens. That’s why I always say: if you’re going to wear contacts while enjoying the water, go with daily disposables.

Here’s why:

You wear them once and toss them—no reusing.
If they get wet, you can remove them immediately without worrying about cleaning and storing.
They lower your risk of long-term irritation or infection compared to monthlies or weekly lenses.

It’s not a free pass to swim with contacts—but it’s a lower-risk option for those “we’re jumping in anyway” moments.

Gisele’s Top Tips for Safe Summer Vision

1. Always remove your contacts before swimming
This is the safest route—no debate.

2. Use daily disposables if contact lenses are a must
And toss them out right after water exposure. No exceptions.

3. Pack backup glasses in your beach bag
They’re great for dry land, and you won’t be stuck if your contacts have to come out.

4. Rinse your eyes with sterile saline if they feel irritated after swimming
And watch for signs like redness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision. If anything feels off, come see us.

Summer Shouldn’t Mean Skipping Eye Safety

At Mango Optic, we’re here to help you and your family enjoy every sun-soaked day—without putting your eyes at risk. Whether it’s talking about daily disposables, eye-safe sunscreen tips, or helping you find a stylish pair of prescription sunglasses, you can always count on us for honest advice and expert care.

So before your next pool day or beach trip, give your eyes a little love.
Take the contacts out. Keep a fresh pair handy. And let us know if you need anything at all—we’re always happy to help.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy your summer with clear, healthy vision.

– Gisele Crespo
Optician, Owner, Mom