UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi everyone.

I was just hoping to get some opinions on wearing contact lenses at the beach!

I'm going tomorrow and have a soft lens in my intacs eye. I don't really want to take it out as even though it doesn't provide great vision, it's still better than nothing.

Should soft lenses stay in the eye whilst swimming or may I end up with issues?

I'm not used to them.. so don't quite know what to expect.

Thanks

Kirsten

Firstly I would advise again swimming with lenses in unless you have a good set of goggles to keep the water out.

The risk with any lens is if you get dust underneath.

I have found good wrap round safety glasses work best for me and mine have a dark UV protecting tint, so no one knows they are safety glasses, they think they are just normal stylish sunglasses.

Without goggles on you can't swim with lenses in unless they are sclerals and even then they have to be washed well when you get out.

As Gareth said there is a big risk of dust etc which on the beach will be sand! I would wear some glasses to try to keep this out as the wind can cause you problems! With a soft lens i think that sand would stick to it, so take something to wash them with just in case.

Have loads of fun though!!!

Sweet X x X

Thanks to both of you for the replies!

Yeah that's true, I hadn't even considered the sand.. sunglasses are definitely something to think about. I'd just hate them to be stolen from my bag. I don't think where I'm going has lockers.

I'm going to take some systane and refresh with me also - I actually don't go anywhere without both those drops these days.

I think i'll try swimming with the lens in (I always used to wear my hard ones in the water even though I wasn't meant to) and see how I go. I don't open my eyes under the water anyway so I don't think i'll have too much of an issue.

I guess I can only try it once! lol

Thanks again 4 the replies - they're much appreciated.

Kirsten

Hmmm...dreaming of the beach!

I guess goggles is the answer!

How weird, our messages were sent at the exact same time!

Yeah when i'm swimming in a pool I always wear goggles.

I get pretty self conscious though, so goggles at the beach wouldn't be the best look.

I know I shouldn't care.. but that's just me!

I really think my eyes will only be open when i'm up on top of the waves anyway.. so hopefully there wont be a problem.

Hhmm i have never worn a RGP in case it got lost when swimming. The only problem with a soft one though is that soft lenses absorb fluid so it is going to take in all the sea water! I think then that washing it won't be the answer and you will need to throw it.

Sweet X x X

Oh geez yeah.. that's such a good point you have about it absorbing the water.

I think i'd be too scared to swim with no lens though - I find the whole being unable to see thing a bit scary at the best of times!

Hhmm well if you are prepared to throw it then maybe you could try it?

Have loads of fun though!!!

Sweet X x X

I'll take my contact lens case and decide when I get there I think..

I've also sent a message to my friend who is an opthalmologist, so hopefully i'll hear back from her before I go.

How can something as simple as going to the beach end up being so complicated.. geez!!!