Eye health professionals strongly advise against showering with contact lenses in. Contact lenses should never be exposed to any form of water, including tap water, due to the risk of severe eye infections and damage to the lenses themselves. Understanding the specific risks associated with water contact is important for maintaining long-term eye health.
The Primary Risk of Water Exposure
The danger in exposing soft contact lenses to water stems from two main issues: structural changes to the lens material and the non-sterile nature of the water. Soft lenses are designed to be hydrated by a specific solution that mimics the eye’s natural tear film. When a lens absorbs non-sterile water, its shape is altered due to the difference in osmolarity, causing the lens to swell, fit improperly, and potentially adhere tightly to the cornea.
A tightly adhered lens can trap foreign materials and microorganisms underneath it, forcing them against the delicate corneal surface. Water sources, including tap, well, and bottled water, are not sterile and contain environmental microbes, minerals, and chemicals. Minerals like calcium and magnesium can bind to the lens material, leading to deposits that increase eye irritation and compromise lens clarity, setting the stage for infection.
Understanding Acanthamoeba Keratitis
The most severe infectious risk from water exposure is caused by Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found naturally in water sources. This amoeba causes Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), a rare but sight-threatening corneal infection. Acanthamoeba exists in two forms: an active trophozoite and a highly resistant, dormant cyst that survives extreme temperatures and chemical treatments.
When Acanthamoeba adheres to a water-exposed contact lens, it can invade the cornea, often through a minor abrasion. The resulting infection causes severe eye pain, intense redness, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms frequently mimic more common bacterial or viral eye infections, often leading to misdiagnosis. If not treated early, AK can result in permanent vision loss or necessitate a corneal transplant.
Water and Contact Lens Management Beyond the Shower
The rule to avoid water exposure extends to all water-related activities and lens care routines. Activities like swimming in pools, using hot tubs, or submerging the head in lakes and oceans carry a similar or higher risk of microbial contamination than showering. The safest approach is to remove contact lenses before engaging in any activity where water may splash or submerge the eyes.
Contact lens solution is specifically formulated to clean, disinfect, and store lenses while maintaining the correct pH and osmolarity for eye safety. Never use tap water, distilled water, or homemade saline solutions to rinse or store lenses, or to clean the lens case. If the eye is accidentally splashed with water while wearing lenses, remove them immediately; disposable lenses must be discarded, and reusable lenses must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a fresh, approved solution before reinsertion.