It seems harmless enough — you’re already wearing your contacts, you need to see in the shower, so why take them out? But the short answer is one most eye doctors agree on: no, you shouldn’t shower with your contacts in.
Any time water gets near your eyes while you’re wearing lenses, you raise your risk of irritation, discomfort, and in some cases a serious eye infection. Here’s why, and what to do instead.
Why You Shouldn’t Shower With Contacts
The problem isn’t the water itself — it’s what’s in it. Even clean tap water can contain microorganisms that are harmless to your skin but potentially dangerous to your eyes.
When your contacts are in, water can get trapped between the lens and your eye, bringing those germs with it. Contacts can also stick to your eye when wet, and removing a stuck lens can cause a tiny scratch on the cornea — which gives bacteria an easy way in. That combination is what makes showering in lenses risky.
It’s worth knowing that soft contact lenses carry a higher risk than hard (gas-permeable) ones, because they’re more porous and can absorb and hold microbes more easily. But the risk exists with every lens type — including extended-wear lenses — so the safest rule applies across the board.
What Can Happen If You Shower With Contacts In
Getting water in your eyes while wearing lenses can lead to:
- Eye irritation
- Eye pain or soreness
- Dry or watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Corneal damage (such as a small scratch)
- Eye infection
Most of these might sound merely annoying, but they deserve to be taken seriously.
A scratched cornea or a trapped lens can become a gateway for infection — and some eye infections, like microbial keratitis, can damage the cornea and threaten your vision if left untreated. Learn more about the warning signs of a contact lens eye infection and when to seek urgent care.
What About Washing Your Face or Swimming?
The same rule applies. Washing your face with water while wearing contacts carries the same risk, since water can slip in and get trapped under the lens even if your eyes are closed. Swimming is just as important to avoid — pools, lakes, and hot tubs can all harbor microbes, including the kind that cause serious, hard-to-treat infections.
In short, any activity that brings water near your eyes — showering, bathing, washing your face, swimming, or even splashing cold water on your face — is a reason to take your contacts out first.
What to Do If You Accidentally Showered With Contacts In
If it happens, don’t panic — just play it safe:
- Remove your lenses and clean them properly with fresh solution, or replace them with a new pair if you’re concerned.
- Give your eyes a break from contacts for a few hours if you can.
- Watch for symptoms like redness, pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity — and if any appear, contact your eye doctor right away.
Replacing the lenses you wore in the shower is the most cautious choice, especially with daily disposables — where swapping in a fresh pair costs little and removes the risk entirely.
The Simple Habit That Protects Your Eyes
The fix here is easy: make removing your contacts part of your routine before you shower, wash your face, or swim. If you rely on seeing clearly in the shower, keep a pair of glasses within reach — and if you’re still deciding between the two, here’s a full comparison of contacts vs glasses to help you figure out what works best for your lifestyle.
Even if the odds of an infection feel low on any given day, the logic most eye doctors share is hard to argue with — why risk your vision when the alternative is just taking your lenses out a moment earlier?
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you notice eye pain, redness, or vision changes, contact an eye care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you shower with contact lenses in?
It’s not recommended. Water can get trapped under your lens and carry microorganisms that may cause irritation or a serious eye infection. Remove your contacts before showering.
Is it bad to wash your face with contacts in?
Yes. Even with your eyes closed, water can slip under the lens. It’s best to take your contacts out before washing your face.
What happens if water gets in your eyes with contacts in?
It can cause irritation, dryness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and in some cases corneal damage or infection. If symptoms appear, remove your lenses and see an eye doctor.
I showered with my contacts in once — should I worry?
Take them out and clean them, or replace them to be safe, and rest your eyes for a few hours. Watch for any symptoms, and contact your eye doctor if your eyes feel irritated or your vision changes.
Can I swim with contacts in?
No. Pools, lakes, and hot tubs can contain microbes that cause serious infections like acanthamoeba keratitis — a rare but potentially sight-threatening infection. Prevent Blindness estimates over 23,000 people are diagnosed with it globally each year. Remove your lenses before swimming, or use prescription swim goggles instead.
