Wearing contact lenses can be a convenient and comfortable alternative to glasses, but it’s essential to follow proper hygiene and care guidelines to ensure the health and safety of your eyes. One crucial rule to remember is to avoid wearing contact lenses in the shower. But why is this the case? In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this rule and explore the potential risks associated with showering in contact lenses.
The Risks of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
One of the primary concerns with wearing contact lenses in the shower is the risk of contracting Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but severe eye infection caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite. This microorganism is commonly found in tap water, lakes, and rivers, and can be present in shower water.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious infection that can lead to:
- Vision loss or blindness
- Eyelid swelling and redness
- Severe eye pain
- Increased sensitivity to light
The risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis increases when contact lenses are exposed to contaminated water, which can happen when showering or swimming while wearing contacts. The parasite can adhere to the lens surface, allowing it to infect the eye.
How Acanthamoeba Keratitis Occurs
The infection process typically begins with the introduction of Acanthamoeba cysts into the eye through contaminated contact lenses. The cysts then transform into active amoebae, which feed on the eye’s tissues, causing inflammation and damage.
The risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis is higher for contact lens wearers who:
- Shower or swim while wearing their lenses
- Use tap water to rinse their lenses
- Fail to properly clean and disinfect their lenses
- Use expired or contaminated contact lens solution
Other Risks Associated with Showering in Contact Lenses
In addition to the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, showering in contact lenses can lead to other complications, including:
Eye Irritation and Inflammation
Shower water can contain irritants like chlorine, soap, and shampoo residue, which can come into contact with the eyes and cause irritation and inflammation. This can be exacerbated by the presence of contact lenses, leading to discomfort, redness, and blurred vision.
Lens Damage and Displacement
Water pressure and flow during a shower can dislodge or damage contact lenses, leading to discomfort, blurred vision, and even eye injuries. The lenses may also become lodged under the eyelid or in the eye’s natural folds, causing further complications.
Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Shower water can contain bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can contaminate contact lenses and cause infections. Common infections associated with contact lens wear include pink eye (conjunctivitis) and fungal keratitis.
Proper Contact Lens Care and Hygiene
To minimize the risks associated with contact lens wear, it’s essential to follow proper care and hygiene guidelines. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses
- Clean and disinfect your lenses regularly
- Use fresh contact lens solution and replace it as directed
- Avoid sharing contact lenses or lens cases
- Remove your lenses before showering or swimming
- Avoid using tap water to rinse your lenses or case
Additional Precautions for Showering and Swimming
When showering or swimming, take the following precautions to further reduce the risk of eye infections and complications:
- Remove your contact lenses before showering or swimming
- Avoid getting water in your eyes, especially when showering
- Wear goggles or a mask when swimming to protect your eyes from chlorinated or contaminated water
- Avoid touching your eyes or face while in the shower or pool
Conclusion
Wearing contact lenses in the shower may seem like a convenient option, but it’s a risky practice that can lead to serious eye infections and complications. By understanding the risks associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis and other infections, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your eyes and maintain good eye health. Remember to always remove your contact lenses before showering or swimming, and follow proper care and hygiene guidelines to minimize the risk of eye problems.
Why is showering in contact lenses a bad idea?
Showering in contact lenses can be detrimental to your eye health because water can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. When you shower with your contacts in, you create an ideal environment for these germs to attach to your lenses and then transfer to your eyes. This can lead to serious eye infections, including conjunctivitis and keratitis.
The risk of infection is heightened when you shower with contact lenses because water can seep behind your lenses, creating a warm, moist environment that’s conducive to bacterial growth. Additionally, shower water can also cause your contact lenses to become dislodged, increasing the risk of eye irritation and discomfort.
Can I shower with daily disposable contact lenses?
While daily disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn for a day and then discarded, it’s still not recommended to shower with them. Daily disposables are not meant to be exposed to water, and showering with them can cause the lenses to become contaminated, increasing the risk of eye infection.
In addition, daily disposables are not designed to withstand the water pressure and flow of a shower, which can cause them to become dislodged or torn. This can lead to eye irritation, discomfort, and even serious eye damage.
What if I use tap water that’s safe to drink?
Even if your tap water is safe to drink, it’s still not safe to shower with your contact lenses in. Tap water can contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause eye infections. Additionally, tap water may contain chemicals like chlorine, which can irritate your eyes and affect your contact lenses.
Furthermore, even if your tap water is safe, it’s still possible for other contaminants like soap, shampoo, and conditioner to enter your eyes and cause irritation. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and remove your contact lenses before showering to ensure your eye health and safety.
Can I wear glasses instead of contacts in the shower?
Yes, wearing glasses in the shower is a great alternative to wearing contact lenses. Glasses can provide an added layer of protection for your eyes, and they’re much easier to clean and maintain than contact lenses. Additionally, glasses can help to protect your eyes from soap, shampoo, and other contaminants that may enter your eyes while showering.
Just be sure to clean your glasses thoroughly after showering to prevent any soap or shampoo residue from accumulating on the lenses. You may also want to consider using a water-repellent coating on your glasses to help prevent water spots and make cleaning easier.
What if I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to remove my contacts?
While it may be tempting to quickly shower with your contact lenses in, it’s never a good idea to compromise your eye health for the sake of convenience. Removing your contact lenses before showering is a simple step that can help prevent serious eye infections and other complications.
If you’re in a hurry, consider keeping a spare pair of contact lenses on hand or using a contact lens case with a built-in mirror to make removing your lenses faster and more convenient. Remember, your eye health is worth taking the extra few minutes to remove your contacts.
Can I shower with my eyes closed to protect my contacts?
No, showering with your eyes closed is not a safe or effective way to protect your contact lenses. Even with your eyes closed, water can still seep behind your lenses and cause damage or contamination. Additionally, showering with your eyes closed can cause your contact lenses to become dislodged, leading to eye irritation and discomfort.
Instead, remove your contact lenses before showering to ensure your eye health and safety. This simple step can help prevent serious eye infections and other complications.
What are some other ways to protect my contact lenses while showering?
In addition to removing your contact lenses before showering, there are several other steps you can take to protect your lenses. Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses, and make sure to clean and disinfect your lenses regularly.
You may also want to consider using a contact lens case with a built-in mirror, which can make it easier to remove and clean your lenses. Additionally, be sure to replace your contact lenses as directed by your eye care professional, and avoid sharing your contact lenses or lens case with others.