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A Personal Experience with Risks and Best Practices
Putting on contact lenses has changed everything for me. No longer do we have to deal with dirty glasses and limited side vision. But, like many people who wear contacts, I’ve often wondered: can I take a shower with my contacts in? Several years ago, I learned some important lessons the hard way. I’ll tell you about my own experience, the risks, and how to handle those quick showers where you don’t want to take your lenses out.
I still remember the first time I jumped in the shower with my contacts in. It wasn’t on purpose; I was in a hurry that morning and barely had time to think. While washing my hair, I felt a small sting in my eyes and then a blurry haze. It turned out that some shampoo mixed with water had gotten stuck under my lenses. My eyes hurt for hours afterward, and I was worried I might have caused some serious damage.
I didn’t know how dangerous it was until I talked to my eye doctor. Water from showers, pools, or hot tubs can contain harmful microorganisms. One of the scariest is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism that can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis—a rare but severe eye infection. This infection is extremely difficult to treat and can lead to permanent vision loss.
Tap water isn’t sterile, and even filtered water can contain microbes. If water gets on your lenses, they can swell or change shape, causing discomfort. Worse, germs can adhere to the lens and get trapped against your eye.
Taking out your contacts every time you shower can be a hassle. I’ve sometimes thought, “It’s just a quick rinse. What could go wrong?” But after a few bad experiences, I decided it wasn’t worth the risk. Convenience should never come at the cost of your eye health.
Now, I make it a strict rule to remove my contacts before I shower. If I absolutely must take a quick shower, I keep my eyes tightly shut, but this is only for emergencies. I always keep a spare pair of glasses in the bathroom for these situations. My best tip is to build a routine: remove contacts first, then shower. It becomes second nature once it’s a daily habit.
Don’t panic if you accidentally find yourself in the shower with your lenses in. Here is what I do:
