When it comes to wearing contact lenses, convenience is key. But there’s one daily activity that’s often overlooked by lens wearers: showering. You might wonder, “Can you shower with contact lenses?” The short answer is no, but the reasons behind this might surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore the risks associated with showering while wearing contact lenses and offer practical tips to maintain optimal eye health.
Why showering with contact lenses is a risky business
Showering with contact lenses may seem harmless, but it poses several risks that can compromise your eye health. Here’s three big reasons why:
1. Increased risk of eye infections
Research by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that 99% of contact lens wearers engage in behaviors that increase their risk of developing serious eye infections. Tap water is not sterile and can contain a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and amoebae.
Although these microbes may be harmless when ingested, they can be dangerous when they come into contact with your eyes through your lenses. Acanthamoeba keratitis, for instance, is a rare but serious eye infection caused by a microscopic organism found in water, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
These infections can have severe consequences. The CDC’s study of 1,075 keratitis cases over a decade found that 20% of those infections led to significant complications, including:
- severe pain
- vision impairment
- vision loss
- corneal scarring or the need for a corneal transplant
- in extreme cases, blindness.
2. Lens contamination
Contact lenses are designed to sit on the surface of your eye, allowing oxygen to pass through to keep your eyes healthy. However, when they come into contact with water, they can absorb harmful contaminants. These contaminants can cause your lenses to become cloudy, uncomfortable and potentially unsafe to wear.
Even a brief exposure to water can lead to lens contamination. Once contaminated, your lenses may lose their intended function and increase the risk of eye irritation or infection.
3. Dryness and discomfort
Water can also interfere with the fit and comfort of your contact lenses. When lenses absorb water, they can swell or change shape, causing discomfort and potentially leading to dryness. This can make wearing lenses uncomfortable and, in some cases, they may no longer fit properly on your eyes.
Shampoo, soap and other shower products can further exacerbate this problem. These products can leave a residue on your lenses, causing irritation and discomfort. If your lenses become compromised in this way, they may need to be replaced immediately.
Practical tips for protecting your eyes
Understanding the risks of showering with contact lenses is the first step. Here are some practical tips to help you protect your eyes and maintain good lens hygiene:
Remove your lenses before showering
The simplest and most effective way to protect your eyes is to take out your contact lenses before you step into the shower. This will prevent exposure to water and reduce the risk of contamination or infection.
Opt for daily disposable contact lenses
Daily disposable contact lenses are an excellent option for maintaining eye health and convenience. With daily disposables, you start each day with a fresh pair of lenses, eliminating the need for storage or cleaning. This reduces the risk of contamination and ensures your lenses are always in tip-top condition.
daysoft’s daily disposable contact lenses, for example, offer high-quality vision correction with the added benefit of convenience. By wearing a new pair of lenses every day, you can minimize the risks associated with showering or other water-related activities.
Avoid rubbing your eyes
If you forget to remove your lenses before showering, avoid rubbing your eyes while they’re wet. Rubbing your eyes can cause the lenses to shift or become damaged, which can increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Instead, gently pat your eyes dry with a clean towel after your shower, and remove your lenses as soon as possible.
Wear protective goggles
If you absolutely must wear your lenses in the shower (for example, if you’re using prescription lenses for vision correction and can’t see without them), consider wearing waterproof goggles. Goggles can help keep water away from your eyes, reducing the risk of contamination.
However, keep in mind that this is not a foolproof solution, and it’s still better to remove your lenses whenever possible.
Why choose daily disposable contact lenses
Daily disposable lenses are a smart choice for anyone looking to prioritize eye health. They offer several advantages over traditional reusable lenses:
Convenient
No need to worry about cleaning or storing your lenses – simply dispose of them at the end of the day and start fresh the next morning.
Hygienic
By using a new pair of lenses each day, you significantly reduce the risk of contamination, ensuring your eyes stay healthy and comfortable.
Comfortable
Daily disposable lenses are designed for all-day comfort, so you can enjoy clear vision without the discomfort that can come from wearing lenses in less-than-ideal conditions, like in the shower. Learn more about why we’re the safest, most comfortable option.
Affordable
Daysoft lenses are not only convenient and hygienic, but they’re also affordable, making them a great option for anyone looking to make the switch to daily disposables. Discover why daysoft provides the best value contact lenses.
Sustainable
Wearing daily disposable contact lenses cuts down on the need for extra cleaning products and storage cases, which means less waste overall. Plus, daysoft daily disposables are made from materials that are kinder to the environment, making it a simple way to reduce your eco-impact. Read about daysoft’s sustainable resolutions.
Order online
Ordering daily contact lenses online has never been easier – all you need is your contact lens prescription (specification) and some WiFi! Here’s daysoft®’s guide to ordering contact lenses online.
Start with proper lens hygiene
So, can you shower with contact lenses? While it might be tempting to leave them in, the risks simply aren’t worth it. From eye infections to lens contamination, the potential hazards are too great to ignore.
But by making small changes to your daily routine, you can ensure your eyes stay healthy, comfortable and free from unnecessary risks. Remember, your eyes deserve the best care you can give them – and that starts with proper lens hygiene. Try daysoft daily disposables today.
