This common mistake in shower can lead to infection and vision loss
An ophthalmologist explained why you shouldn't shower with contact lenses on (photo: Freepik)
It is dangerous for eye health to shower or bathe while wearing contact lenses. Tap water may contain bacteria that can get under the lens and cause serious infections, the website Huffpost reports.
What happens if you shower in contact lenses
Ophthalmologist James Kelly explained that tap water is not sterile and can contain harmful microorganisms. Even brief exposure significantly increases the risk of infection, which can lead to severe pain, permanent scarring, and even vision loss.
It is best to remove your lenses before showering. Alternatively, keep your eyes closed as much as possible and then use "preservative-free artificial tears" to wash away any potential contaminants.
Furthermore, water can alter the shape of soft contact lenses, making them uncomfortable or less effective.
Soft contact lenses are porous, which makes them comfortable to wear, but they also absorb water quickly. Therefore, if you shower with contact lenses, they may swell and change shape.
Bath water can also contain soap and shampoo residues that may get under the lenses, leading to irritation or infection.
Rubbing or touching your eyes with wet hands from the bath can also introduce contaminants. The same applies to water splashes to the face, whether intentional or accidental.
What to do if water gets in your eyes
If water gets in your eyes while showering, remove your contact lenses and then clean your eye area with saline solution.
Never rinse or store your lenses in tap water - it's non-sterile and may introduce harmful microorganisms. If you frequently experience eye infections, consider switching to daily disposable lenses to minimize the risk of infection.
The greatest risks for contact lens wearers are associated with poor hygiene habits, such as sleeping in contact lenses, not washing and drying hands before handling them, or using something other than lens solution for cleaning and storing them.
How long can you wear contact lenses
The duration of contact lens wear depends on their type and the manufacturer's recommendations:
- Daily lenses - they can be worn for up to 12-16 hours, but it's better not to wear them for more than 8-10 hours to avoid dryness.
- Two-week and monthly lenses - typically 8-12 hours a day, after which they should be removed and cleaned.
Read also about the symptoms of eye disease that can lead to blindness.
Previously, we wrote about the eight best foods for eye health.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
