Is It Safe to Wear Contacts While Showering?
Wearing contact lenses has become a convenient and popular alternative to glasses for millions of people worldwide. But when it comes to daily routines like showering, many contact lens wearers wonder if it’s safe or advisable to keep their lenses in. The simple act of stepping into the shower raises important questions about eye health, comfort, and potential risks associated with water exposure.
Understanding whether you can wear contacts in the shower involves more than just convenience; it touches on how water interacts with lenses and the delicate environment of your eyes. While it might seem harmless, water can introduce bacteria and other microorganisms that could lead to infections or discomfort. This topic is especially relevant for those who want to maintain clear vision without interrupting their busy schedules.
As you explore this subject, you’ll gain insight into the factors that influence the safety of wearing contacts while showering, as well as practical tips to protect your eyes. Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens user or considering them for the first time, knowing the do’s and don’ts can help you make informed decisions that prioritize your eye health.
Risks of Wearing Contacts in the Shower
Wearing contact lenses while showering introduces several risks primarily related to eye health and hygiene. The warm, moist environment of a shower can promote bacterial and microbial growth on lenses, increasing the chance of eye infections. Water from showers often contains microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, which can adhere to contact lenses and cause severe infections that are difficult to treat.
Additionally, water exposure can cause contact lenses to absorb impurities and lose their shape, resulting in discomfort, blurred vision, or lens displacement. The combination of water and soap or shampoo can further irritate the eyes, leading to redness or inflammation.
Key risks include:
- Increased likelihood of microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea.
- Eye irritation due to contaminants and chemical residues.
- Lenses swelling or warping from water absorption.
- Reduced lens lifespan and effectiveness.
How Water Affects Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are designed to maintain moisture but are sensitive to the type of liquid they encounter. Tap water, shower water, and even distilled water differ significantly from the sterile saline solutions recommended for lens care.
Water exposure can result in:
- Lens contamination: Water is not sterile and can introduce bacteria, viruses, and amoebae to the lens surface.
- Lens swelling: Soft lenses absorb water, which can cause them to swell, altering their fit and comfort.
- Reduced oxygen permeability: Water may interfere with the lens material’s ability to allow oxygen to pass through, impacting corneal health.
- Lens adherence issues: Swollen lenses may stick to the eye, making them difficult to remove and increasing irritation risk.
Below is a comparison of different liquids and their effects on contact lenses:
| Liquid Type | Sterility | Effect on Lens | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterile Saline Solution | High | Maintains lens hydration, safe for use | Low |
| Tap Water | Low | Contaminates lenses, can cause swelling | High |
| Shower Water | Low | Contains microorganisms and chemicals, promotes contamination | High |
| Distilled Water | Moderate | Less contamination but lacks disinfectant properties | Medium |
Recommendations for Contact Lens Wearers
To minimize the risks associated with wearing contacts in the shower, consider the following expert recommendations:
- Avoid wearing contacts in the shower whenever possible. Removing lenses before showering reduces exposure to waterborne pathogens.
- Use daily disposable lenses if you frequently come in contact with water. This reduces the chance of contamination and infection.
- If contacts get wet, remove and disinfect them immediately. Follow your eye care provider’s guidelines for cleaning and storage.
- Never rinse or store lenses in tap or shower water. Always use sterile solutions designed for lens care.
- Maintain strict hygiene habits. Wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
Signs of Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections
Early recognition of symptoms related to lens contamination is crucial for timely treatment. Contact your eye care professional immediately if you experience:
- Persistent redness or eye pain
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of something stuck in the eye
Prompt medical attention can prevent serious complications and preserve eye health.
Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses in the Shower
Wearing contact lenses while showering is generally discouraged by eye care professionals due to several health risks and complications that can arise. The moist, warm environment of the shower creates an ideal setting for microorganisms to thrive, increasing the risk of eye infections.
Key risks include:
- Microbial Keratitis: This is a serious infection of the cornea that can result from exposure to bacteria, fungi, or amoebae commonly found in tap water.
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A rare but severe infection caused by Acanthamoeba, a microorganism present in water sources, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.
- Corneal Irritation and Dryness: Water can cause contact lenses to swell, change shape, or lose their moisture balance, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the corneal surface.
- Lens Contamination: Shower water contains impurities such as chlorine, minerals, and microorganisms that can adhere to the lens surface, reducing clarity and safety.
- Dislodgement Risk: Water pressure and movement can cause lenses to shift or fall out, increasing the risk of losing lenses or introducing contaminants to the eye.
Scientific Evidence and Recommendations
Several studies have examined the incidence of eye infections related to water exposure while wearing contact lenses. Findings consistently show a higher risk associated with water exposure, including showering and swimming.
| Study | Key Findings | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Increased risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis linked to water exposure with contact lenses | Avoid water contact while wearing lenses, including showering and swimming |
| American Optometric Association (AOA) | Higher incidence of microbial keratitis in lens wearers exposed to tap water | Remove lenses before showering or swimming; use daily disposables if water exposure is unavoidable |
| Peer-reviewed clinical research | Water exposure causes lens surface alterations leading to reduced oxygen permeability | Strict avoidance of water contact recommended to maintain lens integrity and eye health |
These authoritative sources emphasize that while occasional exposure may not always lead to complications, consistent or prolonged contact with water significantly increases the risk of infection and lens damage.
Safe Practices for Contact Lens Wearers Regarding Water Exposure
To minimize health risks associated with contact lenses and water exposure, wearers should adhere to the following best practices:
- Remove Lenses Before Showering: Always take out contact lenses prior to entering the shower to eliminate water contact.
- Use Daily Disposable Lenses if Necessary: For individuals unable to avoid water exposure, daily disposables reduce the risk by providing a fresh lens each day.
- Avoid Swimming or Hot Tubs with Contacts: Water in pools, lakes, or hot tubs carries microorganisms that can infect the eye.
- Practice Proper Lens Hygiene:
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
- Use sterile, appropriate lens cleaning solutions; never rinse lenses with tap water.
- Keep Eyes Closed During Showering if Lenses Are Worn: If removing lenses is not possible, closing eyes tightly can reduce water exposure, though this is not foolproof.
- Consult Eye Care Professionals: Seek personalized advice about lens types and water exposure risks based on your lifestyle and eye health.
Types of Contact Lenses and Water Exposure Considerations
Not all contact lenses respond equally to water exposure. Understanding the characteristics of different lens types can guide safer usage:
| Lens Type | Water Exposure Tolerance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Contact Lenses | Low | Highly absorbent; prone to water contamination and swelling. |
| Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses | Moderate | Less absorbent but still vulnerable to microbial contamination. |
| Daily Disposable Lenses | Low but mitigated by frequent replacement | Single-use reduces infection risk if exposure occurs. |
| Extended Wear Lenses | Low | Increased risk due to prolonged wear and potential biofilm formation. |
Given the low tolerance for water exposure across lens types, removal before water contact remains the safest practice.
Emergency Steps if Contacts Get Wet in the Shower
If contact lenses accidentally become exposed to shower water, follow these immediate steps to reduce infection risk:
– **Remove the Lenses Promptly**: Take out the lenses as soon as possible.
– **Rinse with Sterile Solution**: Clean lenses with sterile, multipurpose contact lens solution; avoid using tap water.
– **Inspect Lenses for Damage**: Check for warping, debris, or discoloration; do not reuse damaged lenses.
– **Disinfect Thoroughly**: Soak lenses in appropriate disinfecting solution for the recommended time.
– **Avoid Wearing Lenses if Irritation Occurs**: If redness, pain, or blurred vision develops, discontinue lens use and consult an eye care professional immediately.
– **Replace Lenses if Using Dailies**: Discard the contaminated lenses and insert a fresh pair.
Adhering to these steps can help prevent infections and maintain ocular health following accidental water exposure.