Why You Absolutely Shouldn't Swim In Your Contacts

Huffpost - Mar 14th, 2025

Swimming with contact lenses poses significant risks due to potential exposure to waterborne bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which can lead to serious eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. Experts such as Dr. James Kelly and Dr. Thomas J. Stokkermans highlight the dangers of these microorganisms becoming trapped under contact lenses, resulting in painful conditions that could lead to vision loss or require extensive medical treatment. Even with protective measures such as goggles, the risk remains high, prompting eye health professionals to recommend prescription goggles for those needing vision correction while swimming.

The implications of these findings emphasize the importance of proper eye care and awareness of the risks associated with contact lens use in water. The difficulties in diagnosing and treating infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis, coupled with the potential need for corneal transplants or rare medications, underscore the significance of preventive measures. The story highlights the broader context of eye health and safety, encouraging individuals to consult with eye care professionals to avoid the severe consequences of swimming with contact lenses.

Contact Lenses Eye Infections Acanthamoeba Keratitis Swimming Eye Health Experts Dr. James Kelly Dr. Thomas J. Stokkermans Prescription Goggles Eye Care

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the risks associated with swimming while wearing contact lenses, supported by expert opinions and factual accuracy. It provides practical advice and alternatives, making it relevant and useful for contact lens wearers. The article is well-structured and clear, though it could benefit from additional transparency regarding the methodology behind expert claims and more diverse perspectives to enhance balance. While it addresses a common concern and has the potential to influence individual behavior, its broader impact is limited by the lack of policy implications or widespread controversy. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness and providing guidance on a pertinent health issue.

Accuracy

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with swimming while wearing contact lenses, supported by expert opinions and specific medical conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis. It accurately describes the potential for infections, the mechanisms by which contact lenses can trap pathogens, and the chemical interactions that can irritate the eyes. The factual claims align well with known medical advice and literature on the topic, such as the risks of bacterial infections and the potential for contact lenses to absorb harmful chemicals. The article's claims about the difficulty in diagnosing and treating Acanthamoeba keratitis, and the logistical challenges in obtaining treatment, are also supported by medical sources. However, the article could be more precise in differentiating between the risks in different types of water environments and the effectiveness of using goggles as a protective measure.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly cautionary perspective on swimming with contact lenses, focusing on the risks and potential health implications. It provides a balanced view by including expert opinions from multiple eye health professionals, which adds depth and credibility to the narrative. However, the article could improve balance by including perspectives from individuals who may have swum with contacts without experiencing adverse effects, or by discussing the prevalence of such infections to give readers a sense of risk magnitude. Additionally, while the article briefly mentions alternatives like prescription goggles and refractive surgery, it could further explore these options and their feasibility for the average person.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language to convey complex medical information. It logically progresses from discussing the risks of swimming with contact lenses to offering practical advice and alternatives. The use of subheadings and expert quotes helps break down the information into digestible sections, aiding reader comprehension. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of medical terms and conditions, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, for readers who may not be familiar with them. Additionally, a summary or conclusion reiterating the key points could enhance overall clarity.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including ophthalmologists and optometrists, to substantiate its claims about the risks of swimming with contact lenses. These sources are authoritative in the field of eye health, providing a strong foundation for the article's assertions. The inclusion of direct quotes from these experts enhances the reliability of the information presented. However, the article does not provide specific references or links to studies or data that could further support the claims, such as the 2011 study mentioned regarding goggles reducing infection risk. Including such references would strengthen the article's source quality.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of expert opinions and the potential risks associated with swimming in contact lenses. It clearly attributes information to named professionals and organizations, enhancing trust. However, the methodology behind the experts' claims, such as the specifics of the 2011 study on goggles, is not fully disclosed. More detailed information on how the risks were assessed and the prevalence of such infections would improve transparency. Additionally, the article could benefit from disclosing any potential conflicts of interest of the experts or the publication itself.