Is It Safe to Shower While Wearing Contact Lenses?

AvatarByColleen Barnes Shower Routine & Lifestyle

Wearing contact lenses offers convenience and clear vision without the hassle of glasses, but it also comes with certain care considerations. One common question many contact lens users have is: can I shower with contact lenses? This seemingly simple query touches on important aspects of eye health and hygiene that every lens wearer should understand.

Showering while wearing contact lenses may seem harmless, especially when you’re in a rush or want to save time. However, water exposure can introduce risks that aren’t immediately obvious. Understanding how water interacts with contact lenses and the potential consequences is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and preventing infections.

Before you decide to keep your lenses in during your next shower, it’s helpful to explore the factors involved. From the type of lenses you wear to the quality of water and hygiene practices, several elements influence whether showering with contacts is safe or ill-advised. This article will guide you through the essential information you need to make informed choices about your eye care routine.

Risks of Showering With Contact Lenses

Showering while wearing contact lenses can expose your eyes to several risks that may compromise both eye health and lens integrity. Tap water contains microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa such as *Acanthamoeba*, which can adhere to lenses and cause serious eye infections. These infections are often difficult to treat and can lead to permanent vision damage if not addressed promptly.

Additionally, water can cause contact lenses to swell or change shape, leading to discomfort, blurred vision, and increased risk of corneal abrasions. The lenses may also trap water against the eye’s surface, disrupting the natural tear film and causing dryness or irritation.

Common risks include:

  • Increased risk of eye infections: Waterborne pathogens can stick to lenses, increasing the risk of keratitis and other infections.
  • Lens contamination: Exposure to non-sterile water can contaminate lenses, reducing their safety for use.
  • Discomfort and irritation: Water can cause lenses to swell or warp, leading to irritation.
  • Vision disturbances: Changes in lens shape can affect visual clarity.
  • Corneal damage: Trapped water and contaminated lenses may cause abrasions or ulcers on the cornea.

Guidelines for Safe Contact Lens Use in the Shower

To minimize risks when using contact lenses in environments involving water, it is essential to follow strict hygiene and safety practices. Eye care professionals generally advise against wearing contact lenses in the shower, but if unavoidable, these guidelines can help reduce potential harm:

  • Remove contact lenses before entering the shower whenever possible.
  • If lenses must be worn, avoid getting water directly in your eyes.
  • Use waterproof goggles as a barrier between lenses and water.
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
  • After showering, remove lenses and clean them with appropriate disinfecting solutions.
  • Never rinse lenses with tap water; use only sterile contact lens solutions.
  • Do not wear lenses overnight or for extended periods after water exposure.
  • Schedule regular eye check-ups to monitor eye health.

Comparing Contact Lens Types and Water Exposure

Different types of contact lenses react differently to water exposure. Understanding these differences can inform safer practices and product choices.

Contact Lens Type Water Interaction Risk Level When Showering Recommended Precautions
Soft Contact Lenses Highly absorbent; water can cause swelling and distortion High Avoid water exposure; remove before showering; disinfect thoroughly after contact with water
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses Less absorbent; maintain shape better but still susceptible to contamination Moderate Preferably remove before showering; clean and disinfect after water exposure
Daily Disposable Lenses Single-use; not designed for water exposure High Remove immediately if exposed to water; dispose of and use a fresh pair

Best Practices for Lens Hygiene After Water Exposure

If your contact lenses are exposed to water during a shower, it is crucial to follow proper hygiene protocols to prevent eye infections and maintain lens integrity.

  • Remove the lenses as soon as possible after exposure.
  • Discard daily disposable lenses immediately; do not attempt to reuse.
  • For reusable lenses, clean and disinfect thoroughly using multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide-based solutions recommended by your eye care provider.
  • Never use saliva or tap water to clean lenses.
  • Avoid wearing lenses for extended periods after water exposure.
  • Consult your eye care professional if you experience redness, pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light after water exposure.

By adhering to these guidelines, contact lens wearers can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with showering while wearing lenses.

Risks of Showering With Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses while showering poses several significant risks that can compromise both eye health and vision quality. Understanding these risks helps inform safer contact lens practices.

  • Microbial Contamination: Shower water is not sterile and can contain microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, bacteria, and fungi. These pathogens can adhere to contact lenses, increasing the risk of severe eye infections including Acanthamoeba keratitis.
  • Lens Displacement and Loss: Water pressure and movement during a shower can cause lenses to shift or fall out, potentially leading to discomfort or even damage to the eye if the lens is lost and an attempt is made to reinsert it in a non-sterile environment.
  • Lens Integrity and Comfort: Exposure to water can alter the shape, fit, and moisture content of lenses, particularly soft lenses. This may result in discomfort, reduced visual acuity, and an increased chance of lens tearing or other damage.
  • Chemical Exposure: Chlorine, soap residues, and other chemicals in shower water can interact with contact lenses, causing irritation and allergic reactions.

Expert Recommendations for Contact Lens Wearers

Eye care professionals generally advise against wearing contact lenses while showering due to the associated health risks. The following guidelines are recommended to minimize potential complications:

Recommendation Explanation
Remove lenses before showering Eliminates exposure to waterborne pathogens and chemicals, protecting eye health.
Use daily disposable lenses Allows discarding lenses after exposure to water, reducing infection risk.
Wear prescription swim goggles Protects eyes and lenses from water during swimming or showering.
Never rinse lenses with tap or shower water Only sterile contact lens solution should be used to clean lenses.
Consult an eye care professional Seek personalized advice regarding lens hygiene and water exposure.

Alternatives to Wearing Contacts in the Shower

For individuals who prefer clear vision during showering or swimming, several alternatives exist that mitigate the risks associated with water exposure:

  • Prescription Goggles: Custom-fit goggles with your corrective prescription allow you to see clearly underwater or in the shower without wearing contact lenses.
  • Daily Disposable Lenses: Wearing daily disposables only when necessary and discarding them immediately after water exposure reduces infection risks.
  • Glasses: Using eyeglasses instead of contacts when water exposure is anticipated is the safest option.

Impact of Water on Different Types of Contact Lenses

The material composition of contact lenses influences how water exposure affects them:

Lens Type Effect of Shower Water Exposure Risk Level
Soft Contact Lenses Absorb water, causing swelling and altered shape that can reduce comfort and vision quality. High
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses Less absorbent but can still be displaced or contaminated by waterborne pathogens. Moderate
Hybrid Lenses Combination of soft and RGP materials makes them susceptible to both swelling and displacement. High

Signs of Infection or Irritation After Water Exposure

If contact lenses are worn during showering, it is critical to monitor for symptoms of infection or irritation, which require prompt medical attention:

  • Persistent redness or eye inflammation
  • Eye pain or discomfort
  • Blurry vision or reduced visual acuity
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Feeling of a foreign body in the eye

Any of these symptoms following water exposure with contact lenses should prompt immediate consultation with an eye care professional to prevent serious complications.

Professional Perspectives on Showering with Contact Lenses

Dr. Emily Chen (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Institute). Showering while wearing contact lenses is generally discouraged due to the increased risk of eye infections. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, which can adhere to lenses and cause severe corneal infections. Patients should remove lenses before showering to maintain optimal eye health.

Mark Thompson (Optometrist, ClearSight Eye Clinic). From a clinical standpoint, water exposure during showering can compromise the integrity of contact lenses, making them less comfortable and potentially altering their shape. Additionally, tap water contains impurities that are not safe for direct eye contact. It is best practice to remove lenses before any water exposure to avoid complications.

Dr. Sarah Patel (Infectious Disease Specialist, National Eye Health Association). Wearing contact lenses in the shower significantly raises the risk of microbial keratitis due to waterborne pathogens. Even brief exposure to water can allow bacteria and protozoa to colonize the lens surface, leading to serious infections. Advising patients to avoid showering with lenses is a critical preventive measure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I shower with contact lenses in my eyes?
It is generally not recommended to shower while wearing contact lenses due to the risk of exposing your eyes to waterborne bacteria and microorganisms, which can cause serious eye infections.

What are the risks of showering with contact lenses?
Showering with contacts increases the chance of contamination by pathogens such as Acanthamoeba, which can lead to painful and potentially vision-threatening eye infections.

Is tap water safe for contact lenses?
Tap water is not sterile and can contain harmful microbes and chemicals that may adhere to contact lenses, increasing the risk of eye irritation and infection.

How should I protect my eyes if I need to shower with contacts?
If unavoidable, use waterproof goggles to protect your eyes from water exposure while showering, but removing lenses before showering remains the safest option.

Can swimming with contact lenses cause eye problems?
Yes, swimming with contact lenses carries similar risks as showering, including exposure to bacteria and chemicals, and should be avoided or done only with appropriate eye protection.

What should I do if my eyes feel irritated after showering with contacts?
Remove your lenses immediately, rinse your eyes with sterile saline or artificial tears, and consult an eye care professional if irritation, redness, or pain persists.
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 can adhere to lenses and cause serious eye infections. Additionally, water exposure can cause lenses to swell or change shape, leading to discomfort and impaired vision.

Maintaining proper lens hygiene is essential for eye health, and avoiding water contact is a critical part of this. It is advisable to remove contact lenses before showering and to use fresh, sterile solutions for cleaning and storing lenses. If accidental exposure occurs, rinsing the eyes with sterile saline and consulting an eye care professional promptly is important to prevent complications.

In summary, prioritizing eye safety by not wearing contact lenses in the shower helps reduce the risk of infections and preserves lens integrity. Following recommended guidelines for lens care ensures optimal comfort and vision while protecting overall ocular health.

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.