Showering with ContactsWhat You Should Know
Contact lenses are popular for good reason. They’re comfortable, convenient for multiple activities and perfect for those who are self-conscious about the way they look in glasses.
However, showering while wearing contacts should always be avoided. In fact, mixing your contacts with water is always a bad idea.
In this guide, we’ll explore why you should never shower while wearing contacts. We’ll also discuss crucial steps to take if you realize you’ve stepped out of a hot shower and your contacts are still in.
Can You Shower while Wearing Contacts?
The answer is "No". While keeping your contacts in while standing below a stream of hot water may seem harmless, you’re putting yourself at risk for exposure to bacteria that could lead to an eye infection. Many water sources contain harmful bacteria and other microorganisms—and the tap water from your shower is no exception.
What happens if you accidentally shower while wearing contacts? You might develop mild symptoms that worsen over time. The best way to determine if there’s something wrong with your eyesight after a shower is to remain attentive to symptoms such as:
- Red eyes
- Irritation around the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Impaired vision
- Light sensitivity
Disposable vs. Extended Contact Lenses
One of the most common questions eye doctors receive is whether the answer changes depending on whether you’re talking about disposable or extended contact lenses. It makes no difference—you put yourself at risk for a serious eye infection by showering while wearing contact lenses.
If you’re using extended-wear contact lenses, store them in a secure case with fresh contact solution before taking a shower. For disposable lenses, discard them before jumping into the shower.
Regardless of the lens type you use, if you shower while wearing contacts, the watery lenses are likely to attract microbes (microscopic organisms in the form of bacteria). Once they make their way into your lenses, bacteria can lead to infections, such as keratitis.
What Is Keratitis?
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea—the eye’s outermost layer that reflects incoming light and protects your eyes from harmful bacteria.
Note that there are two types of keratitis: non-infectious and infectious. Non-infectious keratitis is mostly the result of:
- Injuries to the eye
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Foreign object(s) in the eye
- Eyelid disorders that intensify dryness
What Is Microbial Keratitis?
Infectious keratitis is also known as microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea. Some of the most likely culprits of microbial keratitis include:
- A scratch on the surface of your eye
- Bacteria, parasites and fungi
- Improper usage of contact lenses (e.g., wearing them overnight, storing them incorrectly)
- Contaminated water from lakes, rivers or hot tubs—or your bath or shower!
How can you tell if you might have microbial keratitis? Ask these questions:
Do you feel as if there is something stuck in your eye? Does your vision suddenly become blurry?
If so, you might be infected with microbial keratitis. Schedule a consultation right away with an eye doctor if you think you’ve developed a form of keratitis. The sooner you do, the easier it will be to protect and restore your vision.
What to Do If You Showered while wearing contacts
If you accidentally showered with contact lenses in, don’t panic. Here is what to do:
Wash your hands and remove the lenses
To minimize the chance for bacteria to make its way into your cornea, do this as soon as possible. Do not tug on the lenses if they’re stuck. Instead, lubricate them with lens-approved eye drops to loosen them.
Dispose of daily lenses
However, if you’re wearing monthly contact lenses, don’t reach for the nearest trash can just yet. Examine them for signs of damage. See if they swelled or changed shape after you removed them. If they appear to be in good condition, disinfect them with a solution and store them overnight.
Consult your eye doctor
Even after taking precautionary steps, your eyes might still get irritated or you may experience obscured vision. If this happens, don’t delay treatment. Contact an eye doctor who can consult with you on the best treatment options.
7 Tips for Taking Care of Your Eyes if You Wear Contacts
In addition to keeping your contacts away from water, there are other safety tips to follow while wearing contacts. Double-check your own habits against this list:
- Avoid jumping into a pool or going swimming while wearing contact lenses. Your lenses might trap microorganisms that can damage your cornea. If you’re wearing goggles, you should be fine as long as they have a strong seal, so water doesn’t enter your eyes.
- When cleaning your lenses, always use fresh solution that removes the buildup of germs or bacteria so they can’t affect your eyesight. If your lenses become exposed to water, disinfecting them with a solution is a must.
- Store or throw away your lenses before going to sleep. Falling asleep with contacts can lead to an increased risk of eye infections, like microbial keratitis or conjunctivitis.
- Avoid topping off your old solution. Used solution contains harmful bacteria that encourage eye infections. Always use new solution before putting your lenses back in the case.
- Be careful with makeup if you’re wearing contact lenses. One solid recommendation is to choose oil-free makeup products, as oil can easily spread around your face.
- Listen to your optometrist and follow their recommendations on how often you should wear contact lenses.
- Get your eyesight checked regularly to assess any complications or changes that can alter your vision. The standard recommendation from the American Optometric Association is to get an annual vision exam.
Protect Your Eyes with Visionworks
Always avoid showering while wearing contacts. But there’s more to eye health than keeping your lenses clean—an eye exam is a sure way to monitor and protect your vision. Schedule an appointment today with an optometrist at your nearest Visionworks location.
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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