If you ask an ophthalmologist whether it's safe to go swimming with contact lenses, you might get a resounding "no." Water is a natural habitat for bacteria and other microorganisms, which can be found in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs, and even tap water.

These microorganisms are constantly present around us, and our body's normal defense system usually helps us interact with them safely. However, when contact lenses are worn, they can interfere with our body's natural ability to protect itself.

Contact lenses act like tiny sponges that absorb everything they come in contact with. When they are exposed to water, the water is absorbed into the lens and sticks to the surface of the eye. This allows microorganisms in the water to attack the surface of the eye.

The natural defense mechanism of the eye is to blink, which flushes out microorganisms with tears. However, with contact lenses attached to the eyes, microorganisms can hide under the lens and cause infection. The contact lens also reduces the natural defense mechanism of the eyes by inhibiting blinking and the flushing of microorganisms.

This infection is found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans. Microorganisms that occur naturally in these bodies of water can lead to eye infections. Chemicals found in swimming pools and hot tubs can also cause eye irritation. These factors increase the risk of infection as microorganisms can infect the eye even through treated and filtered tap water.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a serious infection that can cause permanent damage to the eye, including blindness. It is essential to avoid swimming or wearing contact lenses in bodies of water that are not regularly treated, filtered, or disinfected.

In conclusion, it is not safe to swim with contact lenses because microorganisms can stick to the lens and attack the surface of the eye, causing serious infections. It is important to remove contact lenses before swimming and take the necessary precautions to prevent eye infections when engaging in water-related activities.

While it's challenging to outright prohibit wearing contact lenses while swimming or bathing, it's crucial to acknowledge the associated risks. Despite many individuals choosing to wear contact lenses in these situations, it's strongly advised against due to the high risk of infections.

• Prescription swim goggles: These are a safer alternative to wearing contact lenses while swimming. Prescription swim goggles can also protect against UV radiation if you swim outdoors frequently. The drawback of prescription swim goggles is that they may be difficult to find for people with complex prescriptions.
• Daily disposable contact lenses: If you must wear contact lenses while swimming, using daily disposable lenses and discarding them after swimming is the safest option. For more tips on preparing for swimming trips during the summer, you can visit here. However, this is still not recommended due to the remaining risk of infection.
• LASIK eye surgery: This is a permanent vision correction solution that can eliminate the need for corrective lenses. 

The best way is to remove contact lenses before swimming, playing in the water, or bathing. If you do swim with contact lenses, wear swimming goggles over the lenses or remove the lenses after the activity. If you experience any problems after swimming, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Remember, your eye health is important. Don't risk serious infections for the convenience of wearing contact lenses while swimming.