Wearing contact lenses in the shower increases infection risk and is generally unsafe due to waterborne microbes and lens contamination.
Why Wearing Contacts in the Shower Is Risky
Showering with contact lenses might seem harmless, but it’s a risky move that can lead to serious eye infections. Water contains a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and amoebas like Acanthamoeba, which thrive in moist environments. These microbes can cling to your lenses during a shower and cause infections that are difficult to treat.
Contact lenses act as a sponge, absorbing water and trapping pathogens against the eye’s surface. This creates a perfect breeding ground for infections such as keratitis—an inflammation of the cornea. The cornea is delicate and any infection here can result in pain, vision impairment, or even permanent damage if left untreated.
Beyond infections, water exposure causes lenses to swell or change shape slightly. This affects their fit and comfort once you’re out of the shower. Swollen lenses may reduce oxygen flow to your eyes, leading to dryness, irritation, or redness.
The Science Behind Water and Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are designed to sit on the tear film covering your cornea. This tear film provides oxygen and nutrients while flushing away debris. When you introduce tap or shower water into this environment, it disrupts the natural balance.
Tap water isn’t sterile; it carries countless microscopic organisms harmless when outside the body but dangerous when trapped beneath a lens pressed against your eye. Acanthamoeba keratitis is especially notorious because this amoeba forms cysts resistant to treatment and can cause severe pain and vision loss.
Additionally, chlorine or other chemicals in tap water can alter lens material properties. Soft contact lenses absorb more water compared to rigid gas permeable ones, increasing their susceptibility to contamination.
Common Eye Infections Linked to Showering with Contacts
Eye infections from contaminated contacts aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be vision-threatening emergencies. Here are some common infections linked directly to water exposure while wearing contacts:
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Caused by a rare amoeba found in tap water and pools; leads to severe corneal inflammation.
- Bacterial Keratitis: Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa can infect the cornea causing redness, pain, discharge, and blurred vision.
- Fungal Keratitis: Fungi present in moist environments may infect eyes exposed through contaminated lenses.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Though often viral or allergic, bacterial conjunctivitis can occur from dirty lenses.
These infections typically require prompt medical treatment with antibiotics or antifungal drops. Delays increase risks of scarring or permanent vision loss.
Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored
If you’ve worn contacts in the shower even once, watch for these symptoms:
- Eye redness that worsens over time
- Pain or discomfort beyond typical lens irritation
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- A feeling that something is stuck under your eyelid
Any of these signs warrant immediate consultation with an eye care professional.
The Impact of Water on Different Types of Contact Lenses
Not all contact lenses react the same way when exposed to water during showering. Understanding how your lens material interacts with moisture helps clarify why avoiding water contact is crucial.
| Lens Type | Water Absorption Level | Risk When Showering With Lenses |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Contact Lenses (Hydrogel) | High (up to 38-75%) | Lenses swell significantly; trap microbes easily; increased infection risk. |
| Scleral Lenses (Large Diameter Soft) | Moderate (depends on material) | Larger surface area exposed; risk of contamination higher; harder to disinfect. |
| Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses | Low (non-absorptive) | Lenses don’t absorb much water but still risk microbial contamination on surface. |
| Hybrid Lenses (RGP center + soft skirt) | Mixed absorption depending on part of lens | Both materials vulnerable; increased chance of infection if exposed. |
Soft lenses are particularly vulnerable because they absorb water like a sponge, swelling and trapping pathogens against your eye’s surface. Rigid gas permeable lenses absorb less but don’t eliminate microbial risks.
The Role of Lens Care Solutions vs Water Exposure
Contact lens solutions are specifically formulated with disinfectants designed to kill microbes without harming your eyes or lenses. These solutions maintain lens hygiene through cleaning cycles after removal.
In contrast, tap or shower water contains unknown microorganisms and minerals that cannot disinfect but instead contaminate lenses instantly. Even brief exposure allows pathogens to hitch a ride into your eyes.
Using saline solution alone does not disinfect lenses either—it only rinses them without killing germs—so it’s not safe for cleaning after shower exposure either.
The Practical Consequences of Showering With Contacts Daily
Repeatedly wearing contacts while showering compounds risks beyond occasional exposure:
- Cumulative Microbial Build-Up: Each exposure deposits more bacteria and amoebas onto lens surfaces.
- Lens Degradation: Water chemicals degrade lens polymers faster causing warping or tearing.
- Diminished Comfort: Swollen or damaged lenses irritate eyes leading to dryness & redness.
- Poor Vision Quality: Distorted shape reduces sharpness & clarity over time.
- Treatment Burden: Frequent infections require antibiotics which may harm natural eye flora.
- Cumulative Corneal Damage: Recurring keratitis episodes increase chances of scarring & vision loss.
- Lifestyle Disruptions: Painful flare-ups interrupt daily activities including work & driving.
- Economic Costs: Medical visits, medications & replacement lenses add up financially.
This paints a clear picture: even if you feel lucky once or twice after showering with contacts, long-term consequences can be severe.
The Role of Proper Lens Hygiene Habits
Avoiding shower use with contacts is just one part of good hygiene habits that protect your eyes:
- Always wash hands thoroughly before handling contacts;
- Avoid sleeping in daily disposable lenses;
- Replace storage cases every three months;
- Avoid swimming pools or hot tubs while wearing contacts;
- If accidental exposure occurs, remove contacts immediately;
- If discomfort arises after any water exposure, seek professional advice promptly;
- Never rinse contacts with tap water;
- Diligently follow prescribed replacement schedules for lenses;
These simple steps dramatically reduce infection risks far beyond just avoiding showers.
The Safer Alternatives: How To Protect Your Eyes While Showering With Contacts On Your Mind
If removing your contact lenses before every shower seems inconvenient or impractical, consider these safer alternatives:
- Sunglasses-style goggles: Waterproof goggles create a seal around your eyes preventing any water entry during showers.
- Avoid direct spray on face: Angle yourself so water doesn’t hit your face directly while rinsing hair/body.
- Suspend contact use temporarily: Switching to glasses during periods involving frequent showers reduces risk.
- Counsel from an eye care professional: They might recommend daily disposables for easier removal/replacement.
- Lubricating drops post-shower: Use preservative-free artificial tears after removing wet lenses for comfort.
Though these options require some adjustment habits-wise, they offer significant protection against microbial contamination.
The Role of Eye Care Professionals in Educating Patients About Shower Risks
Optometrists and ophthalmologists emphasize educating patients about not exposing their contact lenses to any kind of non-sterile water sources—including showers.
During routine checkups, eye care providers often discuss proper handling techniques along with potential risks associated with poor hygiene practices.
They may also provide personalized advice based on individual lifestyle needs such as sports participation or occupation requiring frequent washing.
This proactive guidance helps patients make informed decisions rather than risking complications unknowingly.
Key Takeaways: Can I Shower In Contacts?
➤ Showering with contacts increases infection risk.
➤ Water can introduce harmful bacteria to eyes.
➤ Remove contacts before showering when possible.
➤ Use daily disposables if you must shower in contacts.
➤ Always clean and store lenses properly afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Shower In Contacts Without Risk?
Showering while wearing contact lenses is not recommended due to the risk of eye infections. Water can carry harmful microorganisms that cling to lenses, increasing the chance of serious infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Why Is It Dangerous To Shower In Contacts?
Water exposure causes lenses to absorb microbes and swell, disrupting their fit and comfort. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and amoebas, which can lead to painful and potentially vision-threatening eye infections.
What Eye Infections Are Linked To Showering In Contacts?
Common infections include Acanthamoeba keratitis, bacterial keratitis, and fungal keratitis. These infections cause inflammation, pain, redness, and may result in permanent vision damage if untreated.
Do Contact Lenses Change When Exposed To Shower Water?
Yes, contact lenses can swell or change shape when exposed to water. This affects oxygen flow to the eyes and can cause dryness, irritation, and discomfort after showering.
How Can I Protect My Eyes If I Must Shower With Contacts?
The safest option is to remove contacts before showering. If removal isn’t possible, using waterproof goggles can help prevent water from contacting your lenses and reduce infection risk.
The Takeaway – Can I Shower In Contacts?
The simple answer is no—showering while wearing contact lenses invites unnecessary risks that could jeopardize eye health significantly.
Waterborne pathogens latch onto wet lenses causing painful infections requiring urgent treatment.
Lens materials swell and warp after exposure reducing comfort and clarity.
Repeated exposures compound dangers leading potentially to permanent damage.
Instead, remove contacts before showers whenever possible, or adopt protective measures like goggles if removal isn’t feasible.
Maintaining rigorous hygiene routines combined with professional guidance offers the best defense against avoidable complications.
Your eyes deserve better than risking infection for convenience—keep those peepers safe by steering clear of showers in contacts!