Contact lenses are a convenient way to correct vision, but proper use requires strict hygiene. It is not safe to shower while wearing contacts, as this practice introduces significant risk to eye health. Water exposure, even brief contact, compromises both the lens material and the delicate environment of the eye.
Why Tap Water and Lenses Do Not Mix
Soft contact lenses maintain their shape through sterile solution and natural tears. When exposed to hypotonic tap or shower water, the lens material absorbs the water and swells. This change in shape causes the lens to fit improperly, leading to discomfort, blurry vision, or micro-abrasions on the cornea.
Tap water also contains minerals and dissolved solids, such as calcium and magnesium, which are absent in sterile lens solutions. When the lens absorbs water, it absorbs these non-sterile components. These substances deposit onto the lens surface, creating rough patches that reduce clarity and cause mechanical irritation.
The difference in osmolarity and pH between water and tears further disrupts the lens balance. Specialized contact lens solutions match the eye’s natural fluid composition, but tap water does not. This mismatch can cause the lens to adhere tightly to the cornea, making removal difficult and potentially damaging the corneal epithelium.
Understanding the Infection Risk
The most significant danger of showering with contact lenses is the presence of microorganisms, even in treated tap water. Water is not sterile and can harbor various bacteria and parasites. The primary concern is Acanthamoeba, a naturally occurring amoeba found in soil and municipal water supplies.
If water containing this amoeba gets trapped between the lens and the eye, the contact lens acts like a shield, allowing prolonged contact with the cornea. This can lead to Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), a severe and potentially sight-threatening infection. Nearly 85% of AK cases occur in contact lens wearers who have exposed their lenses to water.
Symptoms of Acanthamoeba Keratitis include severe eye pain, intense redness, and light sensitivity. Patients may also experience blurred vision or a foreign body sensation. Diagnosing AK is challenging because initial symptoms often resemble more common eye infections, leading to delayed treatment.
The infection is difficult to treat, often requiring specialized, long-term topical antiseptic drops. If the infection causes significant damage to the corneal tissue, a corneal transplant may be required to restore vision.
What to Do If You Showered While Wearing Contacts
If you accidentally showered while wearing contacts, remove them immediately after thoroughly drying your hands. Do not rub your eyes or attempt to rinse the lenses with water. If the lens feels stuck, use sterile saline or lubricating drops to moisten the eye and help the lens lift safely off the cornea.
Daily disposable lenses must be discarded immediately, as the risk of contamination remains high. Reusable lenses (two-week or monthly) must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Use only fresh, sterile contact lens solution, following the prescribed “rub and rinse” method.
Never attempt to clean or store contacts in tap water, bottled water, or saliva, as these introduce further contamination. If you experience persistent symptoms such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision following water exposure, contact an eye care professional immediately. To avoid this risk, wear prescription glasses while showering or remove your lenses beforehand.