Contact lenses, swimming, showers and saunas

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Keep water away from lenses

Do not shower, bathe or swim in contact lenses. Moorfields guidance ↗ warns about infection and advises against rinsing lenses or cases with tap water.

This applies even to lenses that usually feel comfortable. A clean-looking pool, the sea or a household shower does not remove risk. A daily disposable is still a contact lens.

Arrange an alternative

Discuss prescription swimming goggles for the pool. Remove lenses before a spa or sauna and bring ordinary spectacles for moving around if needed. A Gloucestershire NHS leaflet ↗ specifically identifies showers, swimming, jacuzzis and saunas as risk situations with lenses.

If you have a particular medical requirement, seek individual advice from your contact-lens practitioner beforehand. Another person's habit is not a sound reason for an exception.

After accidental exposure

Remove the lenses safely and contact the practitioner if symptoms develop or you are unsure what to do with your lens type. Do not simply rinse with water and reinsert the same pair.

Discuss replacement and reusable-lens care in advance. Use the recommended system: sterile saline alone does not replace every disinfection step.

When to get urgent help

Redness, pain, light sensitivity or worsening vision following water exposure needs urgent assessment. Explain lens use and the type of water involved. Do not wait until pain prevents ordinary activities.

Keep spare glasses, the case and necessary supplies away from swimming equipment. The important preparation is being able to remove lenses, rather than finding a product claiming to make every water exposure safe.