Can You Shower with Contacts In?

If you wear contacts, you may have wondered if it’s safe to shower with them in. After all, it can be a hassle to remove them before entering the shower. In this article, we’ll explore the risks and benefits of showering with contacts, share personal stories and statistics to help you make an informed decision, and provide a step-by-step guide for safely showering with contacts in.

Q&A Style

Can I wear my contacts in the shower?

It’s not recommended. While some people may not experience any negative consequences from showering with contacts in, it can be risky. When you shower, you’re exposing your eyes to a variety of irritants, including soap, shampoo, and conditioner. These products can stick to your contacts and cause discomfort or irritation.

What are the risks of showering with contacts in?

The biggest risks of showering with contacts in are infection and injury. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wearing contacts in the shower or while swimming can put you at risk for developing a serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Additionally, you may accidentally scratch your cornea with a fingernail or by rubbing your eye.

Personal Story

A friend of mine once woke up with a severe eye infection after showering with her contacts in. She eventually had to visit the hospital and was prescribed a series of antibiotics to help her clear up the infection. The experience was painful, and she was unable to wear contacts for several weeks while she healed. This story illustrates the potential consequences of showering with contacts in and highlights the importance of taking precautions to avoid infection.

Research-Based

Research suggests that showering with contacts in can indeed put you at risk for developing an eye infection. A 2016 study published in the journal Eye and Contact Lens found that individuals who wore contacts while showering had a higher prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Additionally, the study found that habitually wearing contact lenses while showering or swimming increased the risk of developing the infection.

It’s not just showering that you should be cautious about, either. The same 2016 study found that swimming while wearing contact lenses also put individuals at higher risk for developing an eye infection. The CDC advises against wearing contacts while swimming, as well.

Pros vs. Cons

Pros: Some people find it more convenient to shower with their contacts in, as they don’t have to worry about taking them out and putting them back in again afterwards. Additionally, those with highly sensitive eyes may find that wearing contacts provides additional protection against irritants.

Cons: Showering with contacts in can put you at risk for developing an eye infection or injuring your eye. Additionally, water can cause contacts to loosen or slip, potentially leading to lost or damaged contacts.

Step-by-Step Guide

If you do choose to shower with your contacts in, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection or injury:

1. Wash your hands beforehand to reduce the amount of bacteria on your fingers.

2. Use waterproof goggles to protect your eyes from irritants.

3. Keep your face out of direct water flow to avoid accidentally flushing your contacts out.

4. Only use plain water to clean your contacts while showering. Avoid using soap, shampoo, or conditioner.

5. Remove your contacts immediately following your shower and dispose of them if they are disposable. Clean and store reusable contacts correctly.

If you experience any irritation or discomfort, remove your contacts immediately and speak with your optometrist.

Testimonial

“I’ve worn contacts for years and always showered with them in without issue. However, one day I accidentally rubbed my eye while I had soap on my hands, and my contact immediately slipped out and went down the drain. I had to spend money to replace my contact, and it reminded me that I should be more careful when showering with my contacts in.” – Maria G.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it may be more convenient to shower with your contacts in, the risks of infection and injury make it unwise. It’s essential to take precautions if you choose to shower with your contacts, such as wearing goggles and not using soap or shampoo around your eyes. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make an informed decision about your eye health and how you choose to care for your contacts.