Many contact lens wearers wonder about the safety of showering while wearing their contacts. While it might seem convenient to keep your lenses in during a shower, this common practice can pose serious risks to your eye health. Understanding these risks and knowing how to protect your eyes is essential for maintaining healthy vision.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why showering with contacts can be dangerous, what potential complications you might face, and how to protect your eyes if you absolutely must shower while wearing contact lenses.
The Dangers of Showering with Contact Lenses
When you shower with contact lenses, you expose your eyes to potentially harmful microorganisms present in tap water. Contact lenses can trap these organisms against your eye, creating an environment where bacteria and other pathogens can thrive and potentially cause serious infections.
How Tap Water Affects Contact Lenses
Tap water can cause contact lenses to change shape or tighten around your cornea. This not only makes the lenses uncomfortable but can also lead to corneal abrasions. Additionally, tap water lacks the proper salinity and composition needed to safely interact with contact lenses, which can compromise the material of the lenses themselves.
Common Eye Infections from Water Exposure
Several serious eye infections can result from showering while wearing contact lenses, including:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis - A rare but severe infection caused by an amoeba found in tap water
- Bacterial keratitis - An infection of the cornea that can lead to vision loss if untreated
- Fungal eye infections - These can develop when fungi present in water become trapped under the lens
Emergency Steps for Wet Contact Lenses
If your contacts get wet in the shower, take these immediate actions:
- Remove the lenses as soon as possible
- Clean them thoroughly with contact lens solution
- Consider disposing of the lenses if they're daily wear
- Monitor your eyes for any signs of infection or irritation
Best Practices for Contact Lens Safety
To protect your eyes while wearing contacts around water, follow these guidelines:
- Remove contacts before showering whenever possible
- Use watertight swimming goggles if you must shower with contacts
- Keep your eyes closed when washing your face or hair
- Consider switching to daily disposable lenses for better hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you shower with contact lenses on safely?
No, it's not safe to shower while wearing contact lenses. The practice exposes your eyes to harmful microorganisms and can lead to serious infections. If you must shower with contacts, wear protective swimming goggles.
What eye infections can result from showering with contacts?
Common infections include Acanthamoeba keratitis, bacterial keratitis, and fungal eye infections. These conditions can be serious and potentially threaten your vision if left untreated.
Why is tap water harmful to contact lenses during a shower?
Tap water contains microorganisms that can become trapped between your contact lens and eye. Additionally, water can change the shape of your lenses and compromise their material, potentially damaging your cornea.
What should I do if my contact lenses get wet in the shower?
Remove the lenses immediately, clean them thoroughly with contact lens solution, and consider replacing them. Watch for signs of eye irritation or infection, and contact your eye care provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.
How can I protect my eyes while wearing contacts around water?
The best protection is to remove contacts before any water exposure. If you must keep them in, wear waterproof swimming goggles, avoid opening your eyes underwater, and consider using daily disposable lenses for better hygiene.
