If you're somebody who wears contact lenses regularly, you may have wondered whether you can shower with those contact lenses in. The short answer to this is no, it's not really a good idea.
It may seem like a time saver, an easy, convenient option, but showering with your contacts in can lead to easily avoidable health risks. These can include eye infections, irritation, and dryness.
But why is this the case? Is there anything you could be doing to minimize these risks if you absolutely must dive into the shower with them in?
Why People Consider Showering with Contacts
Showering while wearing contact lenses may seem like a harmless habit to some, and there are several reasons why people choose to do so.
Convenience and Time-Saving
Saving time is one of the most common reasons that people choose to shower with contacts. It's all about convenience because they don't want to take the time to remove lenses before they dive into the shower, especially when they're in a rush.
It can seem like an easy shortcut, especially if you've accidentally put your lenses in before you hop in the shower.
Forgetfulness
Sometimes, people just forget to remove their lenses before getting in the shower at the end of the day. Maybe they're preoccupied. Maybe if they wear them all the time and have formed a routine, the thought of actually sitting to remove the lenses may slip their mind at the moment.
Personal Habits
For some people, wearing contacts in the shower is part of their routine. Maybe they've been doing it for years without realizing that they could be putting their health at risk. It's not uncommon for people to think that because their eyes are not immediately irritated, it's really no big deal.
What Happens if You Shower With Contacts In?
It may not seem like a big deal, but there are some serious risks associated with showering while wearing contact lenses. Exposure to various elements in unfiltered water can cause long-term harm to your eye health, and the effects may not always happen straight away.
Let's take a look at some of the potential consequences that you're exposing yourself to if you shower with contacts in.
1. Exposure to Waterborne Bacteria, Pathogens, and Harsh Chemicals
Whether it's from a shower or a swimming pool, water is teeming with bacteria. When you shower with contact lenses in, you're risking bacteria and other pathogens going inside the lenses.
The last thing you want is for your lenses to absorb these harmful microorganisms, which can lead to a range of eye health issues. Acanthamoeba, which is a bacteria and a type of parasite, can be found in water, and it's particularly dangerous to those who wear contact lenses.
You could end up with a serious eye infection that is very difficult to treat and could lead to permanent vision loss. You also have to consider the fact that there are chemicals in the water, such as chlorine, in some shower systems. This can irritate the eyes and damage the contacts.
2. Risk of Eye Infections
When you wear contact lenses in the shower, you're exposing your eyes to bacteria and pathogens that could have been rinsed away otherwise. The pathogens can get caught beneath the lenses and infections like conjunctivitis and keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea, are common risks for contact lens wearers.
These infections can be painful and can lead to long-term vision problems if left untreated. We mentioned Acanthamoeba earlier on and Acanthamoeba keratitis is another serious eye infection that has been linked to showering or swimming with contacts in.
This can be very painful and difficult to treat. In the worst of cases, you may need a corneal transplant to restore your vision.
3. Potential for Eye Irritation and Dryness
Even if you don't immediately see any signs of infection, the water can still irritate your eyes. Contact lenses are designed to be worn with a specific level of moisture, and too much shower water within can disrupt the balance.
This could lead to dry eyes, discomfort, and a feeling of irritation that could have been avoided all along. You may also find that your lenses will warp or change shape, which can contribute to further irritation.
Can You Shower With Extended Wear Contacts In?
Extended-wear contact lenses are designed to be worn for longer periods of time, and that can include overnight for some people. However, just because these lenses are intended for extended use doesn't mean that they are immune to the risks that are associated with showering.
Extended-wear contacts are still vulnerable to the same problems when exposed to water. Sure, you'll have better comfort and flexibility with these lenses, but they can still absorb waterborne pathogens, bacteria, and chemicals from shower water.
Can Shower Filters Improve Eye Safety?
If you don't have a choice but to make showering with contacts a part of your routine, using a shower filter could give you some added protection. There might be some days that you're in a rush, and you've already put your contacts in, and knowing that you have a shower filter can help you to feel comfortable wearing your contacts in the shower.
How Do Shower Filters Work?
Shower filters typically work by filtering out sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants that can be found in tap water. Different technologies, such as activated carbon or kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF), can help trap harmful substances before they reach your skin or eyes.
When you install a shower filter, you'll reduce the amount of chlorine and other chemicals that come into contact with your eyes and skin when you shower. This may lower the risk of irritation or lens degradation, but it's important to note that even filtered water still carries risks of bacteria.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Shower Filter?
The main benefit of using a shower filter is the reduction of harsh chemicals like chlorine, which can irritate your eyes and cause discomfort. This can be super helpful for those who have sensitive eyes or are prone to dryness.
When you improve water quality, shower filters may also help to protect the longevity of your contact lenses. Water without chlorine is less likely to break down the lens material.
What Are the Limitations and Considerations?
While shower filters will improve water quality, they're not a perfect solution for protecting your eyes. They don't remove every part, pathogen, or bacteria in water, and they cannot fully eliminate the risk of eye infections from shower water. It's still best to avoid showering with your contacts in, whether you have a water filter or not.
What Should You Do if You Showered With Contacts In?
If you've accidentally hopped in the shower with your contact lenses in, the first thing to do is not panic. While the risks of infection and irritation are higher, the chances of immediate harm are usually quite minimal.
Here are some of the steps that you can take to ensure that your eyes stay safe if you find yourself in that position.
- Remove the contacts immediately. As soon as you've realized that you've showered with your lenses in, take them out. This will help reduce the amount of exposure that your eyes have had to harmful elements in the water.
- Disinfect your lenses. If you are planning to wear those lenses again, be sure to clean and disinfect them properly before reinserting them into your eyes.
- Rinse your eyes with a clean, sterile solution. After you remove your lenses, rinse the eyes with a sterile saline solution to flush out any bacteria or irritants that could have entered your eyes during the shower.
- Keep an eye out for irritation. No pun intended here, but keep an eye out for any symptoms of irritation, discomfort, or redness. If you do experience these symptoms, take a break from your contacts and speak to your eye care professional.
Protect Your Eyes by Avoiding Showering With Contacts
When it comes down to it, showering with contacts may seem convenient, but it's not worth the potential risks to your eye health. Exposure to waterborne bacteria, pathogens, and chemicals can lead to serious infections, irritation, and dryness. No matter the type of contacts you wear, it's best to remove them before you step into the shower.
Consider using a shower filter to reduce exposure to harmful substances in the water. However, keep in mind that a filter cannot eliminate the risk of bacteria, so it's always the safest option to remove your contacts before you shower.
For more ways to protect your eyes and improve your shower experience, explore AquaBliss's range of shower filters today. Learn more about AquaBliss shower filters here.
