Is It Safe to Shower With Contact Lenses? Tips to Lower Infection Risk

Is It Safe to Shower While Wearing Contacts?

Many contact lens wearers are curious whether it is okay to shower while having their contacts in. Showering while wearing contacts does come with some risks. However, in certain circumstances, a brief shower with contacts may be low risk if proper precautions are taken.

Potential Dangers of Showering in Contacts

Showering with contact lenses can potentially lead to several problems:

• Contacts can dislodge or fall out when wet, leading to loss or damage
• Soap, shampoo, and water can get trapped behind the contacts, irritating the eyes
• Waterborne bacteria can be introduced into the eye and get trapped under the lens
• The warm, moist environment encourages bacterial growth on the lenses
• Debris like cosmetics, dirt, and dead skin cells can also get lodged under the lenses

These factors significantly raise the risk of several complications:

Eye Infections

One of the biggest concerns with showering in contacts is developing an eye infection. The warm, wet environment allows bacteria like pseudomonas to rapidly multiply. Common contact lens infections like bacterial keratitis are much more likely to occur.

Contact Lens Acute Red Eye (CLARE)

Irritation and inflammation of the eyes may occur from shampoo, soap, or other products getting trapped beneath the lenses and damaging the eye surface. This is known as CLARE.

Dry Eyes

The hot shower can dry out your eye surface. But with the contact lens acting as a barrier, your eyes are unable to produce enough tears to compensate. This can lead to discomfort and redness.

Lens Damage or Loss

The jostling, increased debris, and fragility when wet also make it very easy for lenses to become damaged or dislodged during showering. Lost or torn contacts must be replaced.

Precautions When Showering with Contacts

While showering with contacts on should ideally be avoided, there are times it may be necessary. Here are some tips to lower risk:

Make it Quick

Limit showers with contacts to 5 minutes or less. The shorter time period lowers bacterial exposure and irritation.

Keep Eyes Closed

Keep your eyes tightly shut and tilted up to minimize contact with water, shampoo, and soap.

Remove Makeup First

Always remove eye makeup before showering to prevent trapping cosmetics under the lens.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use soaps, shampoos, or facial cleansers that contain fragrances or oils, as these can burn if trapped.

Rinse After

Thoroughly rinse eyes with clean water after showering to flush away debris and soaps.

Clean Properly After

Disinfect, clean, rinse, and store lenses properly after showering to prevent infections.

Monitor Eyes

Check for redness, pain, impaired vision, or discharge which could indicate complications.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Those at higher risk for complications should always avoid showering with lenses. This includes:

• People with eye allergies or chronic dry eye
• Those with recurring eye infections
• Contact lens overwearers
• People who swim in lenses
• Those who do not properly disinfect lenses
• Diabetics and immunocompromised individuals

Safer Alternatives to Showering in Contacts

For those who need clear vision in the shower, safer options include:

Daily Disposables

Wearing daily disposables lowers infection risk since they are thrown away after. But infections can still occur.

Prescription Goggles

Swimming goggles customized with your vision prescription allow clear sight while keeping water completely away from the eyes.

Eyeglasses

For showers or baths, wearing prescription glasses allows you to see while also protecting against debris, soap, and water.

Special Contact Lenses for Water

There are specialized contact lenses designed for water exposure. However, these should only be worn for swimming, not showering.

Coated Lenses

Some lenses have a water-repellant hydrophobic coating to reduce retention of water and debris during swimming. However, these coatings can wash away with frequent water exposure in showers.

"Swimming Lenses"

Daily disposables marketed for swimming have a thick rigid design to prevent debris buildup when submerged. But hot water and soap may still seep underneath.

After Showering

If you did shower wearing your contacts, be sure to take these steps afterwards:

• Rinse eyes thoroughly with clean saline solution
• Rub eyes gently to dislodge debris
• Remove lenses and clean/disinfect properly
• Inspect lenses for damage - do not reuse torn or warped lenses
• Give eyes a break by wearing eyeglasses afterwards
• Watch closely for any signs of complications
• Consult your optometrist if any concerns arise

Key Takeaways

Showering while wearing contact lenses does carry risks like eye infections, irritation, and lens damage. It is best to avoid showering with lenses where possible. For those who must shower in contacts, be sure to take safety precautions and consult an eye doctor with any issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.