Is It Safe to Shower with Contact Lenses In?

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 everyday routines like showering, many contact lens wearers find themselves wondering: can I shower with contacts? This common question touches on the balance between maintaining eye health and embracing the ease of modern living.

Understanding the interaction between water and contact lenses is essential, as it can impact comfort, safety, and overall eye health. While it might seem harmless to keep your lenses in during a quick rinse, the reality involves factors that could affect your eyes in unexpected ways. Exploring these considerations will help you make informed decisions about your lens care habits.

As you delve into this topic, you’ll discover the potential risks and best practices associated with showering while wearing contacts. Whether you’re a seasoned lens user or new to the experience, gaining insight into this everyday dilemma will empower you to protect your vision without sacrificing convenience.

Risks Associated With Showering While Wearing Contacts

Showering with contact lenses in your eyes can expose you to several health risks, primarily due to the potential presence of harmful microorganisms in water. Tap water is not sterile and can contain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that may adhere to the surface of your lenses or become trapped between the lens and your eye.

One of the most significant risks is developing an eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but severe infection caused by a microscopic organism commonly found in water, including tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and shower water. This infection can lead to intense pain, redness, blurred vision, and in extreme cases, permanent vision loss if not treated promptly and appropriately.

Additionally, water exposure can cause contact lenses to swell or change shape, which might result in discomfort, reduced visual clarity, and increased risk of corneal abrasions.

Other potential risks include:

  • of harmful bacteria leading to conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other bacterial infections.
  • Irritation or allergic reactions caused by chemicals or minerals present in shower water.
  • Increased dryness or discomfort due to water disrupting the lens’s moisture balance.

Preventive Measures to Protect Eye Health

If you choose to shower while wearing contacts despite the risks, it is crucial to take certain precautions to minimize potential harm:

  • Avoid direct water contact: Keep your eyes closed tightly while showering to prevent water from entering.
  • Use daily disposable lenses: These can be discarded immediately after exposure, reducing the chance of contamination.
  • Replace lenses regularly: Follow your eye care professional’s recommendations for lens replacement schedules.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses and use proper lens cleaning solutions, never tap water.
  • Avoid swimming or hot tubs with lenses: These environments harbor higher concentrations of microorganisms than shower water.

Comparison of Lens Types and Water Exposure Risks

Different types of contact lenses respond differently to water exposure. Understanding their properties can help determine the safest options for your lifestyle.

Lens Type Material Characteristics Water Exposure Risk Recommended Use with Water
Soft Contact Lenses Hydrogel or silicone hydrogel; flexible and water-absorbing High risk of water absorption and microorganism adherence Avoid water contact; daily disposables preferred if exposure unavoidable
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses Hard, non-water-absorbing material Lower risk of water absorption but still susceptible to contamination Better tolerance to water, but still not recommended to shower with lenses
Hybrid Lenses Combination of RGP center and soft outer skirt Risk similar to soft lenses for water absorption and contamination Avoid water exposure; follow soft lens precautions

Proper Contact Lens Care Post-Water Exposure

If your lenses have been exposed to water during showering, it is essential to take immediate and thorough steps to reduce the risk of infection:

  • Remove lenses immediately after showering.
  • Clean and disinfect lenses using the recommended multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide-based solutions; never rinse with tap water.
  • Do not use saliva or homemade solutions to clean lenses.
  • Consider replacing lenses if they have been exposed to water multiple times or if they show signs of damage.
  • Consult your eye care professional if you experience redness, discomfort, pain, or vision changes after water exposure.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help maintain eye health and reduce complications related to contact lens wear and water exposure.

Risks Associated With Showering While Wearing Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses in the shower can expose your eyes to various risks due to the presence of waterborne microorganisms and the potential for lens contamination. The primary concerns include:

  • Increased risk of eye infections: Water, including tap water and shower water, can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa such as *Acanthamoeba*. This organism can cause a severe and painful eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is difficult to treat and may lead to permanent vision loss.
  • Lens contamination and damage: Shower water can cause lenses to swell or stick to the eye, resulting in discomfort, blurred vision, or damage to the lens material.
  • Irritation and dryness: Soap, shampoo, and other shower products can get trapped under the lenses, leading to eye irritation or allergic reactions.
  • Increased risk of lens loss: Rubbing the eyes or water pressure can dislodge the lenses, increasing the likelihood of losing them.

Why Water Exposure Is Harmful to Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are designed to be worn in sterile environments, and exposure to water disrupts this controlled setting. The primary reasons water exposure is harmful include:

Factor Explanation
Microbial Contamination Water can introduce pathogens that adhere to lenses, increasing infection risk.
Lens Material Degradation Water, especially hard tap water, can alter the lens shape, causing discomfort or damage.
Reduced Lens Cleanliness Water exposure dilutes lens cleaning solutions and can interfere with proper disinfection.
Chemical Exposure Chlorine or other chemicals in shower water can irritate eyes and degrade lens materials.

Best Practices for Contact Lens Users in the Shower

To protect eye health and maintain the integrity of contact lenses, follow these expert recommendations:

  • Avoid wearing contacts in the shower whenever possible. Removing lenses before showering eliminates risk.
  • Use daily disposable lenses if showering with contacts is unavoidable. These can be discarded immediately afterward to reduce infection risk.
  • Never use tap or shower water to rinse or store lenses. Always use sterile, recommended contact lens solutions.
  • Keep eyes closed while showering. This minimizes water exposure to the lenses.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes in the shower. This reduces the chance of lens displacement or damage.
  • If lenses become wet or uncomfortable, remove and disinfect or replace them promptly.

Alternatives to Wearing Contacts in the Shower

If you prefer not to remove your lenses for convenience, consider these alternatives to minimize risk:

Alternative Description Benefits
Prescription Swim Goggles Specialized goggles designed to protect eyes while swimming or showering. Prevents water contact with lenses and eyes.
Daily Disposable Lenses Single-use lenses that can be discarded after showering. Reduces risk of contamination and infection.
Glasses Wearing eyeglasses during showering or water exposure activities. Eliminates water exposure risk entirely.

Signs of Eye Infection or Complications From Showering With Contacts

Early detection of complications is crucial. Contact your eye care professional if you experience any of the following symptoms after showering with contact lenses:

  • Redness or bloodshot eyes
  • Persistent eye pain or discomfort
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Feeling of a foreign body or irritation in the eye

Prompt medical evaluation can prevent serious damage and ensure appropriate treatment.

Expert Perspectives on Showering with Contact Lenses

Dr. Emily Carter (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Clinic). Showering with contact lenses is generally discouraged due to the risk of exposing your eyes to waterborne pathogens, such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe infections. Water can also alter the lens shape and reduce its effectiveness, so it is safest to remove lenses before showering.

Michael Tran (Optometrist, ClearSight Eye Center). From a practical standpoint, water exposure while wearing contacts can lead to discomfort and increased dryness. Additionally, tap water is not sterile and can introduce bacteria to the eye. For these reasons, I recommend removing your contacts prior to any water activities, including showering.

Dr. Sarah Nguyen (Corneal Specialist, National Eye Institute). Although some daily disposable lenses may tolerate brief water exposure better than others, the consensus in eye care is to avoid showering with contacts altogether. Water can compromise lens integrity and increase the risk of microbial keratitis, a serious eye infection. Patient safety is best ensured by removing lenses before showering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I shower with contacts in my eyes?
It is generally not recommended to shower with contact lenses in your eyes due to the risk of eye infections from bacteria and other microorganisms present in water.

What risks are associated with showering while wearing contacts?
Showering with contacts increases the likelihood of exposure to harmful pathogens such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious eye infections and complications.

Are all types of contact lenses equally risky to wear in the shower?
Both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses carry infection risks when exposed to water; however, soft lenses may absorb more waterborne contaminants, increasing the danger.

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

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 persists or worsens.

Is it safer to remove contacts before any water exposure?
Yes, removing contact lenses before swimming, showering, or any water exposure is the safest practice to minimize infection risk and maintain eye health.
Showering with contact lenses is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of eye infections and irritation. Water, including tap and shower water, can harbor microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, which may adhere to contact lenses and cause serious eye infections that are difficult to treat. Additionally, water can cause lenses to swell or change shape, leading to discomfort and impaired vision.

Maintaining proper hygiene and eye care practices is essential for contact lens wearers. It is advisable to remove lenses before showering or swimming to minimize exposure to waterborne contaminants. Using appropriate lens cleaning solutions and following the guidance of eye care professionals can help ensure eye health and comfort.

In summary, while it may be convenient to shower with contacts, the potential risks outweigh the benefits. Prioritizing eye safety by avoiding water contact with lenses is a critical step in preventing infections and maintaining optimal eye health over time.

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.