Is it Safe to Take a Shower with Contact Lenses On?
In the bustling world we live in, contact lenses have become a popular choice for many, providing convenience and freedom from glasses. However, a word of caution is in order when it comes to wearing contact lenses in the shower.
According to Dr. Reecha Kampani, OD, showering with contact lenses can pose potential risks due to the introduction of harmful microorganisms that increase the risk of serious eye infections and complications.
The main risks include eye infections caused by bacteria or parasites like Acanthamoeba, which can adhere to lenses and cause severe infections potentially leading to vision loss. Eye irritation and inflammation from exposure to chlorine, salt, or other substances in water are also common. Corneal abrasions or scratches caused by lenses sticking to the eye surface when contaminated or dried out are another concern.
Moreover, prolonged lens wear in wet conditions can lead to dry eye syndrome. Soft contact lenses, in particular, have a higher risk of causing bacteria growth than hard contact lenses. Even extended-wear contact lenses should be removed before showering.
Water can cause a soft contact lens to stick to the eye, causing irritation and potentially leading to corneal damage. It is not safe to wear contact lenses while showering, and water should be avoided near the eyes while wearing contact lenses to lower the risk of an eye infection and other symptoms.
Potential symptoms indicating problems after showering with contacts include redness, pain, light sensitivity, eye discharge, blurred vision, or a feeling of something in the eye. If any symptoms occur, the lenses should be removed immediately and properly disinfected or discarded, and medical care sought if symptoms persist or worsen.
To minimize these risks, it is recommended to always remove contact lenses before showering and avoid any exposure of lenses to water. Taking a break from contacts for a few hours might be beneficial after showering accidentally.
Remember, the best practice is to remove contact lenses before showering, washing your face, or swimming to avoid potential risks. If any eye-related symptoms occur, talk to your eye doctor immediately.
[1] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020). Contact Lenses and Water: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/contact-lenses-and-water
[2] American Optometric Association. (2021). Contact Lenses and Water. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses-and-eyewear/contact-lenses/contact-lenses-and-water
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Contact Lens-Related Infections. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/index.html
[4] Kampani, R. (2019). The Risks of Showering with Contact Lenses. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutvision.com/contact-lenses/showering-with-contacts.htm
[5] National Eye Institute. (2021). Facts About Contact Lenses. Retrieved from https://nei.nih.gov/health/contactlenses/facts
Wearing contact lenses in the shower can increase the risk of serious eye infections, such as those caused by bacteria or parasites like Acanthamoeba, which can potentially lead to vision loss. It is unsafe to wear contact lenses while showering and water should be avoided near the eyes while wearing contact lenses to lower the risk of eye infections and other symptoms.
