We can’t say this emphatically enough, contact lenses should never be worn in the shower. When taking a shower, there’s a risk that you’ll get water in your eyes, and that can cause a serious, vision-threatening eye infection.
If we need water to survive, shower in it, and wash our hands in it, why is it such a no-no for contact lenses to come into contact with it? Well, here are a few key reasons.
The water that comes out of your tap is typically safe to drink, because it’s treated and regulated and tested often, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for your eyes. A microbe called Acanthamoeba is quite common in many sources of water such as drinking water, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, saunas, hot tubs, and more. And it can be particularly dangerous for your eyes. It can cause an eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can be very painful and may even lead to blindness.
Of course, there are other kinds of water that don’t have bacteria or any additives in it, like distilled water or laboratory-grade sterile water. But your lenses shouldn’t touch that either. Contact lenses are made to feel comfortable in your eyes, and the tears that coat your eyes are made of much more than just water. When water gets on contact lenses, they can swell, potentially creating discomfort or distorted vision.
It doesn’t matter if you’re using disposable lenses or reusable lenses, throw them away and put on a brand new lens. If the water made your contact lenses difficult to remove, use lubricating eye drops to help loosen the lens on the eye, then remove with clean, dry hands.
Contact lenses are great for a lot of things—active lifestyles, unobstructed vision, versatility—but contact with water is another story. Don’t fret though, it’s like anything else. Once you get used to the fact that you have to take them out before you get wet, it becomes second nature.
* Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. GCC residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to Eye Care Professional approval. Participating Eye Care Professionals only. See link for full terms and conditions.
All ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses have Class 1 and Class 2 UV-blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or subglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. UV transmission measured with -1.00D lens.
For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your Eye Care Professional and read the Instructions for Use.
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