Is It Safe to Shower While Wearing Contact Lenses?

AvatarByColleen Barnes Shower Routine & Lifestyle

Wearing contact lenses has become a convenient and popular alternative to glasses for millions of people worldwide. But when it comes to everyday routines, such as showering, many contact lens wearers wonder: is it safe to keep their lenses in while getting clean? This common question highlights the balance between convenience and eye health that every lens user must consider.

Showering with contact lenses might seem harmless, but it introduces potential risks that aren’t immediately obvious. Water, whether from the showerhead or tap, can harbor microorganisms and impurities that may cling to lenses and cause irritation or infection. Understanding the interaction between water and contact lenses is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and avoiding complications.

As you read on, you’ll discover the key factors that influence whether showering with contacts is advisable, the possible dangers involved, and practical tips to protect your vision without sacrificing your daily routine. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your eye care habits.

Risks Associated with Showering While Wearing Contact Lenses

Showering with contact lenses in place introduces several potential risks that can compromise eye health. Tap water, even when treated, is not sterile and may harbor microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These microbes can adhere to the surface of contact lenses, increasing the risk of eye infections.

One of the most serious infections linked to water exposure is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but severe infection caused by a free-living amoeba commonly found in water sources such as tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs. The amoeba can attach to contact lenses and penetrate the cornea, leading to pain, inflammation, and in some cases, vision loss.

In addition to microbial contamination, exposure to water can alter the physical properties of contact lenses. Water can cause lenses to swell or change shape, reducing their effectiveness and comfort. It may also lead to the lenses sticking to the eye, making removal difficult and potentially causing corneal abrasions.

Other risks include:

  • of chemicals such as chlorine or soap residues into the eye.
  • Increased likelihood of lens contamination with dirt or debris from the shower environment.
  • Reduced lens oxygen permeability due to water absorption.

Best Practices to Minimize Risks

To protect eye health while maintaining the convenience of contact lenses, consider the following best practices:

  • Avoid showering or swimming with contact lenses whenever possible.
  • If accidental water exposure occurs, remove lenses immediately and disinfect them thoroughly.
  • Use daily disposable lenses if water exposure is unavoidable, as they reduce the risk associated with lens contamination.
  • Always wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
  • Use sterile saline or multipurpose disinfecting solutions recommended by an eye care professional for lens cleaning.
  • Consult an eye care provider promptly if experiencing eye pain, redness, or vision changes after water exposure.

Comparison of Water Exposure Risks by Lens Type

Contact Lens Type Water Exposure Risk Recommended Precautions
Soft Contact Lenses High risk of microbial contamination and swelling Avoid water exposure; use daily disposables if exposure is unavoidable
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses Lower risk of swelling but still susceptible to contamination Remove before showering; clean lenses thoroughly after exposure
Extended Wear Lenses Increased risk due to prolonged wear and water exposure Strictly avoid water exposure; follow prescribed wear schedule

Risks Associated with Showering While Wearing Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses in the shower can expose your eyes to a variety of risks that may compromise eye health and lens integrity. The water used in showers, whether tap or mineral water, is not sterile and contains microorganisms, minerals, and chemicals that can adhere to or penetrate the lenses.

Key risks include:

  • Microbial Contamination: Tap water can harbor bacteria, fungi, and amoebae such as *Acanthamoeba*, which are particularly dangerous and can cause severe eye infections.
  • Chemical Irritation: Chlorine and other disinfectants used in water treatment may cause irritation or allergic reactions when trapped between the lens and the eye.
  • Lens Displacement: Shower water pressure or rubbing eyes during showering can dislodge lenses, causing discomfort or loss.
  • Lens Damage: Exposure to water can alter the lens material, causing swelling, warping, or a change in fit, reducing the lens’s effectiveness and comfort.

Understanding the Risks of Waterborne Eye Infections

Waterborne pathogens pose a significant threat to lens wearers, as the lens can trap these microorganisms against the cornea, increasing infection risk. The most serious and challenging infection linked to water exposure with contacts is *Acanthamoeba* keratitis.

Infection Type Causative Agent Symptoms Severity Treatment Complexity
*Acanthamoeba* Keratitis *Acanthamoeba* species Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity High Prolonged, intensive
Bacterial Keratitis *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Staphylococcus* spp. Redness, discharge, pain, sensitivity to light Moderate to high Requires antibiotics
Fungal Keratitis Various fungi Redness, pain, blurred vision Moderate to high Antifungal treatment

*Note:* *Acanthamoeba* keratitis is rare but can lead to permanent vision loss or require corneal transplantation if not promptly treated.

Recommendations for Contact Lens Wearers Regarding Showering

To minimize risks, eye care professionals recommend the following precautions:

  • Avoid Wearing Contacts in the Shower: Remove lenses before showering to prevent exposure to waterborne pathogens and chemicals.
  • Use Daily Disposable Lenses When Possible: If occasional water exposure is unavoidable, daily disposables reduce the risk since lenses are discarded after a single use.
  • Practice Good Lens Hygiene: Always wash hands before handling lenses and use proper disinfecting solutions—not water—to clean lenses.
  • Use Protective Eyewear: Consider water-resistant swimming goggles or eye protection if showering is necessary while wearing lenses.
  • Avoid Rubbing Eyes Under Water: This can dislodge lenses and introduce contaminants.
  • Consult Eye Care Providers: Seek advice tailored to your lens type and lifestyle.

Why Tap Water Is Unsafe for Contact Lens Care

Tap water differs significantly from sterile saline solutions designed for contact lens care. Its unsuitability stems from multiple factors:

Factor Impact on Contact Lenses and Eye Health
Microbial Contamination Potentially introduces pathogens causing infections
Mineral Content Deposits on lens surface, causing discomfort and reduced clarity
Chemical Residues Irritation or allergic reactions
Non-Sterility Cannot disinfect lenses, allowing microbial growth

Using tap water for rinsing or storing lenses can result in lens contamination and increased risk of serious infections.

Safe Alternatives and Best Practices for Contact Lens Maintenance

To maintain eye health and lens integrity, adhere to these best practices:

  • Use only sterile, multipurpose contact lens solutions approved by eye care professionals.
  • Never rinse or store lenses in tap water or saliva.
  • Replace lens cases regularly, at least every three months, to prevent microbial buildup.
  • Follow the prescribed lens replacement schedule rigorously.
  • Remove lenses immediately if irritation, redness, or discomfort occurs after exposure to water.
  • Schedule regular eye exams to monitor eye health and lens fitting.

By integrating these practices, contact lens wearers can significantly reduce the risks associated with water exposure during showering or other activities.

Professional Perspectives on Showering with Contact Lenses

Dr. Emily Chen (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Clinic). Showering with contact lenses is generally discouraged because tap water can harbor microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, which may cause severe eye infections. Even brief exposure to water while wearing lenses increases the risk of contamination and subsequent complications.

Mark Reynolds (Optometrist, ClearSight Eye Center). From an optometric standpoint, contact lenses should be removed before showering to maintain eye health. Water can alter the lens surface, causing discomfort and reducing oxygen permeability, which is essential for corneal health during lens wear.

Dr. Sophia Martinez (Microbiologist specializing in ocular infections, National Eye Institute). The presence of bacteria and protozoa in shower water poses a significant risk to contact lens wearers. Showering with lenses increases the likelihood of microbial keratitis, a serious infection that can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to shower while wearing contact lenses?
Showering with contact lenses is generally not recommended due to the risk of eye infections caused by waterborne bacteria and microorganisms.

What risks are associated with showering with contact lenses?
Exposure to water can introduce harmful pathogens such as Acanthamoeba, which may cause severe eye infections and corneal ulcers.

Can tap water damage contact lenses?
Yes, tap water contains microorganisms and minerals that can adhere to lenses, potentially causing irritation, infection, or lens damage.

What should I do if my contact lenses get wet in the shower?
Remove the lenses immediately, disinfect them thoroughly with an appropriate solution, or replace them with a fresh pair to reduce infection risk.

Are there any types of contact lenses safer to wear in the shower?
No contact lenses are considered safe for showering; daily disposable lenses may reduce risk if replaced promptly after exposure, but avoidance is best.

How can I protect my eyes if I need to shower while wearing contacts?
Avoid opening your eyes underwater, keep your head tilted back, and consider removing lenses before showering to minimize exposure to waterborne contaminants.
Showering with contact lenses is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of eye infections and irritation. Water, including tap water and shower water, can harbor microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, which may adhere to lenses and cause serious eye infections. Additionally, water exposure can cause lenses to swell or change shape, leading to discomfort and compromised vision.

Maintaining proper hygiene and minimizing contact between lenses and water is essential for eye health. It is advisable to remove contact lenses before showering and to use appropriate lens cleaning solutions for disinfection. If accidental exposure occurs, rinsing the eyes with sterile saline or consulting an eye care professional is important to prevent complications.

In summary, prioritizing eye safety by avoiding showering with contact lenses can significantly reduce the risk of infection and preserve visual comfort. Adhering to recommended lens care practices ensures optimal eye health and prolongs the lifespan of contact lenses.

Author Profile

Colleen Barnes
Colleen Barnes
Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.

With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.