If you wear contact lenses, you may have wondered whether it is really a problem to shower with them in. After all, it is only water, right?

Actually, contact lenses and water are not a good combination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends removing contact lenses before showering, swimming, or using a hot tub. Water can expose contact lenses to microorganisms that may cause eye infections.

Here is what contact lens wearers should know about water exposure and their eyes.

Can You Shower With Contact Lenses?

It is best to remove your contact lenses before showering.

Even tap water can contain microorganisms that are potentially harmful to your eyes. Water can also cause soft contact lenses to swell, change shape, or stick to the eye. This can be uncomfortable and may scratch the cornea, making it easier for germs to enter the eye and cause an infection.

The simplest habit is also the safest: take your contacts out before you get in the shower.

Can You Swim With Contact Lenses?

Swimming while wearing contact lenses is also not recommended.

This includes swimming pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs. Water from these environments can contain microorganisms that may cause eye infections.

One microorganism that can cause a serious eye infection is Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare infection of the cornea that can be difficult to treat and, in severe cases, can threaten vision.

If you need vision correction while swimming, prescription swimming goggles may be an option to discuss with your eye care professional.

What If Water Gets on Your Contact Lenses?

Accidents happen. Maybe you forgot to remove your contacts before showering or got water in your eyes while washing your face.

If water touches your contact lenses, remove them as soon as possible. The CDC recommends either throwing the lenses away or cleaning and disinfecting them overnight according to your lens care instructions before wearing them again.

Never rinse or store contact lenses in water. That includes tap water, bottled water, distilled water, lake water, and ocean water.

If your eyes become painful, unusually red, swollen, irritated, or sensitive to light, or if you develop blurred vision, discharge, burning, itching, or a gritty feeling, remove your contacts and contact your eye care professional right away. The FDA recommends keeping the lenses in their case rather than throwing them away if you are experiencing symptoms, because your eye care professional may want to examine them.

Why Is Water a Problem for Contact Lens Wearers?

There are two main concerns.

Water can affect the contact lens. Soft contact lenses can absorb water, which may cause them to swell or change shape. The lens can then become uncomfortable or potentially scratch the cornea.

Water can carry microorganisms. Most water is not germ free. When contact lenses come into contact with contaminated water, microorganisms can become trapped between the lens and the surface of the eye. This can increase the risk of infection.

That is why water exposure is something contact lens wearers should take seriously, even when the water looks clean.

What Is the Safest Contact Lens Routine Around Water?

A few simple habits can help reduce unnecessary exposure:

• Remove your contacts before showering.

• Remove your contacts before swimming or using a hot tub.

• Keep contact lenses away from all types of water.

• Never rinse or store contacts in water.

• Use the contact lens solution recommended for your lenses and follow the care instructions provided by your eye care professional.

• Keep a pair of glasses available in case you need to remove your contacts unexpectedly.

These habits are simple, but they can make a meaningful difference in protecting your eyes while wearing contact lenses.

Are Contact Lenses Safe to Wear?

Yes. Contact lenses can be a convenient and effective way to correct vision when they are properly prescribed, worn, and cared for. The key is following the wearing schedule and care instructions for your specific lenses.

At Optometric Associates of Southern Maine, contact lens options include daily disposable lenses, conventional daily wear disposable lenses, extended wear disposable lenses, and rigid gas permeable lenses. The practice considers factors such as lifestyle, refractive error, other eye conditions, and a patient's ability to properly care for contact lenses when determining whether contacts are appropriate.

A contact lens examination is also a separate service from a comprehensive eye examination and is required for a contact lens prescription.

When Should You See Your Eye Care Professional?

Do not ignore changes in how your eyes feel or how you see while wearing contact lenses.

Remove your lenses and contact your eye care professional if you experience symptoms such as:

• Eye pain

• Unusual redness

• Blurred vision

• Swelling

• Unusual sensitivity to light

• Burning or itching

• A gritty feeling

• Excessive tearing or discharge

These symptoms can have several possible causes, and an eye care professional can determine what is happening and recommend the appropriate next steps.

The Simple Rule to Remember

When it comes to contact lenses, keep them away from water.

Take your contacts out before showering, swimming, or using a hot tub. Never clean or store them in water, and follow the care instructions provided for your specific lenses.

It is a small habit that can help reduce the risk of contact lens related eye infections and keep your eyes more comfortable.

Need a Contact Lens Exam in Southern Maine?

Whether you are considering contact lenses for the first time or have worn them for years, the right lenses and proper care can make a difference in your comfort and vision.

Optometric Associates of Southern Maine provides contact lens services in Biddeford and serves patients in Biddeford, Sanford, Scarborough, and surrounding communities. The practice offers a variety of contact lens options and contact lens examinations.

If your contacts are uncomfortable, your vision has changed, or you are due for a contact lens examination, contact Optometric Associates of Southern Maine at (207)284-6651 or schedule an appointment.

Your eyes deserve more than just clear vision. They deserve proper care, too.