Can You Shower with Contacts? Understanding the Risks and Benefits
Wearing contact lenses can be a game-changer for those who need corrective vision. With advances in technology, contact lenses have become even more comfortable and convenient, allowing wearers to enjoy a range of activities without worrying about glasses getting in the way. However, one question that often arises among contact lens wearers is whether it is safe to shower with contacts. In this article, we will explore this question by discussing the risks and benefits of wearing contacts while showering and offering some practical tips for those who choose to do so.
Is It Safe to Shower While Wearing Contact Lenses?
While some contact lens wearers may not have any adverse effects from showering with contacts in, ophthalmologists and eye care professionals recommend not doing so. This is because showering can expose the eyes to a variety of risks, including bacterial contamination and reduced vision clarity.
One of the main risks of showering with contacts in is the potential for bacterial buildup. The warm and moist environment of a shower can promote bacterial growth, leading to serious eye infections such as keratitis. Additionally, if water gets trapped behind the contact lens, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. This can be especially dangerous for those who wear extended-wear lenses.
Another risk of showering with contacts is that water can reduce vision clarity by causing the contact lenses to bind to the cornea. This can lead to a blurring of vision and discomfort. Additionally, water may wash the lubricating tears from the eye’s surface, making the contact lens more likely to stick to the eye and cause irritation.
To minimize these risks, it is recommended that contact lens wearers remove their lenses before showering. However, if you choose to shower with contacts in, there are some steps you can take to protect your eyes.
Protecting Your Eyes While Showering
If you decide to shower with contacts, follow these tips to minimize the risks:
- Dry your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.
- Avoid getting water directly in your eyes while showering.
- Wear a shower cap or use a washcloth to prevent water from splashing directly on your face.
- Use saline drops after showering to moisten your eyes and remove any chlorine or other chemicals that may be in the water.
Personal Essay: My Experience Showering with Contacts
As someone who wears contact lenses, I’ve always been curious about whether or not it is safe to shower with them in. At first, I was hesitant to try it, but curiosity eventually got the better of me. I must say that the experience was not a pleasant one.
Immediately after stepping into the shower, water started to splash on my face, and I started to feel uncomfortable. The contact lenses began to stick to my eyes, creating a blurring effect that made it hard to see. I also noticed that I had a harder time removing the lenses after getting out of the shower.
Despite the discomfort, I decided to try again and was surprised by how different it felt. This time, I was more careful to avoid getting water in my eyes, and I kept my face away from the showerhead. I also made sure to use saline drops immediately after showering to lubricate my eyes and remove any lingering moisture.
In summary, while I would not recommend showering with contacts in, it is possible to do so with care and caution. If you do decide to shower with contacts in, make sure to take extra precautions to avoid getting water in your eyes, and always use saline drops after showering.
Tricks for Wearing Contacts in the Shower
If you want to wear contacts in the shower, here are some tips and tricks to keep them from getting wet:
- Wear swimming goggles to keep water out of your eyes entirely.
- Cradle your hands under the showerhead to create a cup-like shape and avoid getting water in your eyes.
- Use silicone hydrogel lenses, which are more resistant to dirt and bacteria.
- Use daily disposable contact lenses, which can be thrown away after showering.
New Study: Showering with Contacts – What Science Says
Recent research has shed some light on the risks of showering with contact lenses in. A study published in the Journal of the American Optometric Association found that showering with contacts in increases the risk of contamination by 15 times. Additionally, the study found that almost half of contact lens wearers who showered with contacts in reported experiencing discomfort or eye irritation.
While the risks of showering with contacts in are well known, this study underscores the importance of taking precautions to protect your eyes if you choose to do so. To minimize the risk of infection and irritation, it is always best to remove your contacts before getting in the shower.
My Opinion: To Shower with or Without Contact Lenses
The debate over whether to shower with contacts or not is one that continues to divide opinion. Some people believe that it is entirely safe to do so, while others swear that it is not worth the risk. Personally, I side with the latter group and would advise anyone to remove their contacts before getting in the shower.
While it may seem like a hassle to take out your contacts and put them back in after your shower, the risks of bacterial contamination and reduced vision clarity make it well worth the extra effort. If you absolutely must shower with your contacts in, make sure to take extra precautions, such as avoiding getting water directly in your eyes and using saline drops to flush out any lingering moisture.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not to shower with contacts is a personal choice that should be based on a careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. While it may be possible to shower with contacts in, it is generally not recommended due to the risks of infection and vision changes. However, if you do choose to wear contact lenses while showering, taking extra care to protect your eyes and choosing silicone hydrogel or daily disposable lenses can help reduce the risks.
