Can You Shower with Contact Lenses?

Do you wear contact lenses? If so, one question that may come to mind is whether it’s safe to shower with them. After all, showering is a daily activity that many people perform without giving a second thought. However, when it comes to contact lenses, the issue is a bit more complicated. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of showering with contact lenses and provide tips on how to minimize the risks associated with this activity.

The Pros and Cons of Showering with Contacts

First, let’s discuss some of the potential advantages of showering with contact lenses. For one, it can save time. If you wear daily disposable lenses, for example, you may find it convenient to put them in before showering so that you can go about your day without an additional step. Additionally, some people find that showering can help clean their lenses, removing any debris or buildup that may have collected throughout the day.

On the other hand, there are several risks and disadvantages associated with showering while wearing contact lenses. For one, the water in the shower can cause your lenses to become dislodged or even fall out. Furthermore, shower water can contain harmful microbes and bacteria that can transfer to your lenses, putting you at risk for infection. Dryness, irritation, and other issues can also occur when lenses come into contact with water.

To minimize the risks associated with showering with contacts, you should avoid showering with your lenses in whenever possible. If you must shower with your lenses in, try to keep them from coming into direct contact with water, and make sure to clean them thoroughly afterward to prevent infection or damage.

The Dangers of Showering with Contacts

While the risks of showering with contact lenses may not seem immediately apparent, they are very real. Showering with contacts on can expose your eyes to a variety of potential issues, including:

Infection: Water can contain bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can transfer to your lenses and cause infections
Dryness: Exposure to water, especially chlorinated or hard water, can cause your lenses to dry out and result in discomfort or even damage
Irritation: Water can also lead to irritation and redness, making your eyes feel uncomfortable
Dislodging: Water can cause your lenses to become dislodged or even fall out of your eyes, requiring you to replace them

To minimize these risks, you should always remove your contact lenses before showering whenever possible. If you need to wear them in the shower, take steps to minimize your exposure to water and clean your lenses thoroughly afterward.

How to Properly Clean Your Contact Lenses After a Shower

If you do shower with your contact lenses on, it’s essential to clean them properly afterward to avoid infection, irritation, or requiring more frequent replacements. Here are some basic steps you can take:

Take out your lenses and rinse them with sterile saline or multipurpose solution
Clean them with rubbing solution and a clean, microfiber cloth
Rinse them again and store them in a clean case with fresh disinfectant solution

Be sure to avoid reusing cleaning or disinfection solutions, as this can increase your risk of infection. Additionally, never use tap water to rinse your lenses, as it can contain harmful bacteria that can transfer to your eyes.

How to Prevent Your Contacts from Falling Out When Showering

One common complaint people have when showering with contact lenses is that they can easily become dislodged or even fall out of the eyes, necessitating replacements. Here are some tips you can try to keep your lenses firmly in place while showering:

Use daily disposable lenses if possible, which can be discarded and replaced more frequently if they become dislodged
Use silicone hydrogel lenses, which tend to be more resistant to dehydration and movement
Apply extra moisture with rewetting drops beforehand
Wear goggles or swimming glasses to provide additional protection and support
Avoid rubbing your eyes or getting water directly into them

How to Shower with Contacts Without Damaging Your Eyes

While the risks of showering with contacts can seem daunting, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to water and protect your eyes. Here are some tips for showering with contacts without damaging your eyes:

Keep your eyes closed as much as possible while showering
Wear a shower cap to keep your hair and face dry and avoid water splashing into your eyes
Clean your lenses immediately after showering with disinfection solution
Place your lenses in a protective, clean case that’s kept in a cool, dry place
Avoid showering before bed to ensure you have time to properly clean and dry your lenses

Conclusion

While it may seem like a simple activity, showering with contact lenses can pose a variety of risks to your eye health. To minimize these risks, you should avoid wearing your lenses in the shower whenever possible, and clean them thoroughly and regularly if you do. Additionally, taking steps to keep your lenses in place, such as using rewetting drops or wearing goggles, can help prevent them from becoming dislodged or lost. With careful attention and good hygiene practices, you can continue to enjoy your contact lenses without experiencing any adverse effects from showering.