Can You Shower in Contacts Without Damaging Your Eyes?

AvatarByColleen Barnes Shower Routine & Lifestyle

Wearing contact lenses offers unparalleled convenience and freedom, allowing millions to enjoy clear vision without the hassle of glasses. But when it comes to daily routines like showering, many contact lens wearers wonder: can you shower in contacts safely? This common question touches on eye health, comfort, and the best practices to protect your vision.

Understanding the relationship between water and contact lenses is crucial, as exposure to moisture in certain forms can impact the lenses and the delicate environment of your eyes. While showering might seem like a harmless activity, it introduces factors that could affect lens hygiene and eye safety. Exploring this topic helps clarify what risks exist and how to mitigate them, ensuring your eyes stay healthy without sacrificing convenience.

As you delve deeper into the subject, you’ll discover important considerations about wearing contacts in the shower, potential complications, and expert recommendations. Whether you’re a new wearer or have been using contacts for years, gaining insight into this everyday scenario will empower you to make informed decisions about your eye care routine.

Risks Associated With Showering in Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses while showering significantly increases the risk of eye infections and other complications. Water, including tap water, can harbor harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. One of the most concerning pathogens is *Acanthamoeba*, a microscopic amoeba that can cause a severe eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection is difficult to treat and can lead to permanent vision loss.

Contact lenses can trap water against the eye’s surface, providing a breeding ground for microbes. This environment compromises the natural defense mechanisms of the eye, increasing the likelihood of contamination.

Other risks include:

  • Corneal ulcers: Open sores on the cornea caused by infections.
  • Inflammation: Redness, pain, and swelling resulting from irritation or infection.
  • Reduced lens integrity: Water exposure can alter the shape and surface of lenses, affecting comfort and vision.

Guidelines for Contact Lens Wearers Regarding Water Exposure

To minimize risks, eye care professionals generally advise against exposing contact lenses to water. This includes:

  • Avoiding showering or bathing while wearing lenses.
  • Not swimming or using hot tubs with lenses in place.
  • Refraining from rinsing lenses with tap water.

If accidental water exposure occurs, it is important to:

  • Remove the lenses immediately.
  • Disinfect lenses with an appropriate multipurpose solution before reinsertion.
  • Replace lenses if any discomfort or visual changes occur.

Safe Alternatives and Best Practices

For those who prefer to shower without removing their lenses, alternatives exist to protect eye health:

  • Use daily disposable lenses: These can be discarded after exposure, reducing infection risk.
  • Wear prescription swimming goggles: These create a waterproof barrier to protect lenses during water activities.
  • Remove lenses before water exposure: The safest option to avoid contamination.

Eye hygiene is paramount. Always wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses and avoid touching eyes with wet hands.

Comparison of Water Exposure Risks and Lens Types

Lens Type Water Exposure Risk Recommended Action if Exposed Suitability for Water Activities
Daily Disposable Moderate – single use limits contamination Discard immediately after exposure Better than other types but removal advised
Monthly/Reusable Soft Lenses High – water can contaminate and damage lenses Remove, clean, and disinfect thoroughly Not recommended
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Moderate – less porous but still vulnerable Remove and clean immediately Not recommended without protective eyewear

Signs of Infection and When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact lens wearers who have been exposed to water should be vigilant for symptoms indicating infection or irritation. Common signs include:

  • Redness and eye pain
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Feeling of something in the eye

If any of these symptoms develop, it is critical to seek prompt evaluation from an eye care professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and preserve vision.

Risks of Showering While Wearing Contact Lenses

Showering with contact lenses in your eyes is generally discouraged by eye care professionals due to several significant risks. Water, including tap or shower water, is not sterile and can introduce harmful microorganisms or contaminants that may lead to eye infections or complications.

  • Increased Risk of Eye Infection: Water can carry bacteria, amoebae (such as Acanthamoeba), and other pathogens that adhere to contact lenses. These microorganisms can cause severe infections like microbial keratitis or Acanthamoeba keratitis, which are difficult to treat and may result in permanent vision damage.
  • Lens Contamination and Damage: Water exposure can cause contact lenses, especially soft lenses, to swell or change shape. This alters their fit and comfort, potentially leading to irritation or reduced oxygen transmission to the cornea.
  • Reduced Lens Effectiveness: Shower water may contain chlorine or other chemicals that can degrade the lens material or leave residues, impacting visual clarity and comfort.
  • Increased Risk of Lens Displacement: Water pressure and movement during showering can dislodge lenses, increasing the likelihood of losing a lens or causing eye trauma if the lens shifts abruptly.

Expert Recommendations for Contact Lens Wearers

Eye care professionals suggest the following best practices to minimize risks related to water exposure while wearing contact lenses:

Recommendation Description
Remove Contacts Before Showering Always take out your lenses prior to showering to avoid exposure to waterborne pathogens and chemicals.
Use Daily Disposable Lenses If showering with lenses is unavoidable, daily disposables reduce the risk since lenses are discarded after one use, minimizing buildup of contaminants.
Wear Prescription Glasses in the Shower Using glasses instead of contacts when showering eliminates the risk of water exposure to lenses and provides eye protection from water sprays.
Clean and Disinfect Lenses After Water Exposure If lenses accidentally get wet during showering, remove and thoroughly clean with recommended contact lens solution before reinsertion.
Consult Your Eye Care Provider Discuss your lifestyle and lens use with your optometrist or ophthalmologist for personalized advice on water exposure and lens care.

Understanding the Specific Dangers of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection strongly associated with exposure of contact lenses to water sources such as tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and showers. This infection is caused by Acanthamoeba, a microorganism commonly found in water and soil.

Key facts about Acanthamoeba keratitis include:

  • Symptoms: Severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and excessive tearing.
  • Treatment Difficulty: The infection is resistant to many common antimicrobial treatments and often requires prolonged therapy with specialized medications.
  • Potential Consequences: If untreated, it can lead to corneal scarring, vision loss, or the need for corneal transplantation.
  • Prevention: Avoiding water exposure to lenses by not showering or swimming while wearing contacts is a primary prevention strategy.

Alternative Eye Protection Options During Showering

For individuals who require vision correction during showering or who prefer not to remove lenses for short periods, alternative solutions may be considered, though these should be discussed with an eye care professional first.

  • Prescription Swim Goggles: These goggles protect eyes from water and allow clear vision while bathing or swimming without risking lens contamination.
  • Daily Disposable Lenses with Immediate Removal: If contact lenses must be worn, using daily disposables and removing them immediately after showering reduces risk.
  • Waterproof Glasses or Shields: Specialized eyewear designed to keep water away from the eyes can provide a barrier during showering.

Ultimately, the safest practice remains to remove contact lenses before any water exposure and to use appropriate eye protection when necessary.

Expert Perspectives on Showering with Contact Lenses

Dr. Emily Chen (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Clinic). Showering while wearing contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections due to exposure to waterborne bacteria such as Acanthamoeba. Water can cause lenses to trap harmful microorganisms against the eye, leading to serious complications. Therefore, it is strongly advised to remove contacts before any water exposure.

Michael Torres (Optometrist, ClearSight Eye Center). From a clinical standpoint, showering with contacts compromises lens hygiene and eye health. Even if the water appears clean, it can introduce contaminants that degrade the lens surface and irritate the eye. Patients should always remove lenses prior to showering and use fresh solution for storage afterward.

Dr. Sarah Patel (Corneal Specialist, National Eye Institute). Wearing contact lenses in the shower poses a heightened risk of microbial keratitis, a severe corneal infection. The warm, moist environment promotes bacterial growth on lenses exposed to tap water. To maintain ocular safety, patients must avoid showering with contacts and adhere strictly to recommended lens care protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you shower while wearing contact lenses?
It is generally not recommended to shower with contact lenses in, as water can introduce harmful microorganisms to the eyes and increase the risk of infection.

What risks are associated with showering in contacts?
Showering in contacts can expose your eyes to bacteria, amoebae, and other pathogens found in tap water, potentially leading to serious eye infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Is it safe to rinse contacts with tap water after showering?
No, tap water is not sterile and can contaminate contact lenses. Always use sterile contact lens solution for rinsing and storing lenses.

How can I protect my eyes if I must shower with contacts?
If unavoidable, consider wearing waterproof goggles to prevent water from contacting your lenses and eyes during showering.

What should I do if my eyes feel irritated after showering in contacts?
Remove the lenses immediately, rinse your eyes with sterile saline or artificial tears, and consult an eye care professional if irritation persists.

Are daily disposable lenses safer for showering than reusable lenses?
Daily disposables reduce the risk of contamination since they are discarded after one use, but it is still best to avoid exposing any contact lenses to water.
Showering while wearing contact lenses is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of eye infections and irritation. Water, including tap water and shower water, can contain microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, which can adhere to contact lenses and cause serious eye infections that are difficult to treat. Additionally, water exposure can cause lenses to swell, change shape, or become uncomfortable, potentially compromising vision and eye health.

Experts advise removing contact lenses before showering to minimize these risks and maintain optimal eye hygiene. If wearing lenses during water exposure is unavoidable, daily disposable lenses are preferable, as they reduce the chance of microbial contamination. However, the safest approach remains to avoid any contact between lenses and water altogether and to follow proper lens care and hygiene practices diligently.

Ultimately, prioritizing eye health by avoiding showering with contact lenses can prevent complications and ensure comfortable, clear vision. Consulting with an eye care professional for personalized advice and adhering to recommended lens care guidelines will further safeguard against potential hazards associated with water exposure while wearing contacts.

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.