If you've ever wondered can you shower with contacts, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions among people who wear corrective eyewear. Many people also ask can u shower with contact lenses when they're in a hurry. The short answer is no — you should never shower with contact lenses in. Here's why, and what to do instead.
Why You Should Never Shower With Contact Lenses
1. Water Contains Harmful Microorganisms
Even treated municipal water is not sterile. It can contain bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms that pose serious risks to your eyes. The most dangerous of these is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic amoeba commonly found in household plumbing, swimming pools, lakes, and hot tubs. When this parasite comes into contact with your contact lens, it can attach to the lens surface and reach your cornea, causing a severe infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
This infection is rare but devastating — it is extremely painful, difficult to treat (often requiring over a year of medication), and in severe cases can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. People who wear corrective lenses account for nearly 85% of all Acanthamoeba keratitis cases, and water exposure is the primary risk factor. If you're asking is it safe to shower with contacts, the answer is a clear no due to this serious health risk.
2. Water Can Warp and Damage Your Lenses
Contact lenses are designed to work with your natural tear film, which is a complex mixture of water, lipids, proteins, and electrolytes. Municipal water lacks these essential components. When water contacts your lenses, it can cause them to:
Swell or change shape, leading to distorted vision
Stick to your eye, making taking them out difficult and painful
Lose their proper fit, causing discomfort and potential corneal health issues
Porous lenses are particularly absorbent and soak up water quickly, increasing the risk of trapping microorganisms against your eye. Proper lens care is essential to avoid these complications.
3. Shower Steam and Warm Water Soften Lens Material
Warm bathroom water and steam can soften contact lens material, making it more likely to absorb waterborne microbes. Even if you try to keep your eyes closed, water droplets and steam can still reach your lenses. The risk simply isn't worth it. Showering with contacts may seem convenient, but the potential consequences are severe.
What Happens If You Accidentally Shower With Contacts?
If you accidentally shower with your contact lenses in, follow these steps immediately:
Remove the lenses as soon as possible — use preservative-free rewetting drops or saline solution to lubricate your eyes first if the lenses feel stuck
Do NOT use plain water to rinse your eyes or lenses
Dispose of the lenses (especially if they are single-use) or disinfect them thoroughly overnight if they are reusable lenses
Monitor your eyes closely for the following warning signs of eye infection:
Redness or eye pain
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Excessive tearing or discharge
Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention from an eye care professional immediately.
Understanding what happens if you shower with contacts helps you respond quickly to protect your vision.
Can You Shower With Daily Disposable Contacts?
No. Even though daily disposable lenses are designed for single-use and can be thrown away after each wear, you should still remove them before showering. The risk of microbial contamination exists the moment water contacts the lens, regardless of whether you plan to discard it afterward. Always put in a fresh pair after your shower.
Product Recommendation: If you prefer the ultimate convenience and hygiene, consider switching to one-day lenses. After your shower, simply pop in a brand new pair for a fresh, clean start.
LolaDiva daily colored contacts feature 55% water content and an ultra-thin 0.06mm profile — fresh pair every day, no cleaning, zero hassle. FDA approved, CE, and ISO certified. Only $1.99 per pair. Check out these stunning daily options:
Lunar Feather Grey — Soft dove-grey with a delicate feathered pattern, creating a misty, ethereal gaze. Only $1.99/pair.
Mesh Brown — Light amber-brown with a fine mesh overlay, giving your eyes a soft, sun-kissed glow that looks completely natural. Only $1.99/pair.
Solar Bloom Brown — Warm golden-brown with a blooming petal pattern, radiating bright, youthful energy. Only $1.99/pair.
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Can You Wear Contacts in the Shower?
Many people ask can you wear contacts in the shower — whether they're daily disposables, monthly lenses, or extended wear contacts. The answer remains the same: no. Extended wear contacts (approved for overnight wear) are not exempt from water contact risks. While these lenses are designed for continuous wear, they are still vulnerable to waterborne microorganisms. The FDA approval for extended wear is based on oxygen transmissibility and corneal health data, not on water exposure safety. If you wear extended wear lenses, you should still remove them before showering or take extra precautions to keep water completely away from your eyes.
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LolaDiva yearly colored contacts offer ultra-thin 0.08mm non-ionic hydrogel with 40% water content for lightweight, breathable comfort. From $5.99 per pair — extreme comfort, unbeatable value. Always remove them before showering and disinfect thoroughly afterward. Explore these gorgeous yearly options:
Marine Reverie Blue — Stunning sky-blue tint that delivers an ethereal, dreamy gaze on dark eyes. From $5.99/pair.
Nebula Brown — The most versatile shade for daily wear, blending seamlessly with your natural eye color. From $5.99/pair.
Ice Emerald Green — Vivid emerald fantasy that transforms your look with bold, nature-inspired color. From $5.99/pair.
Is It Okay to Shower With Contacts?
You may be wondering is it okay to shower with contacts if you're just taking a quick rinse or keeping your eyes closed. The answer is still no. While closing your eyes may reduce direct water contact, it is not a guarantee — steam, water droplets, and splashes can still reach your lenses. Additionally, showering with your eyes closed is impractical and potentially dangerous. The safest and simplest solution is to remove your lenses before showering.
Safe Alternatives for Shower Time
If You Need Vision Correction in the Shower
Keep your glasses nearby — place them on a shelf or hook within easy reach
Use a non-slip bath mat — to reduce the risk of falls if your vision is blurry without lenses
Install grab bars — for added safety if you have significant vision impairment without correction
For Swimmers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
If you need clear sight while swimming or doing water sports, consider:
Prescription swimming goggles — the safest option for clear vision in the water
Single-use contacts with waterproof goggles — if you must wear contacts, use daily disposables and discard them immediately after swimming
Product Recommendation: For swimmers who need vision correction, daily disposable lenses are your safest bet. Wear them with waterproof goggles and discard immediately after your swim session.
LolaDiva daily clear silicone hydrogel contact lenses are made with premium PFAS-Free Silicone Hydrogel, featuring 60% water content and 100.4 Dk/t oxygen transmissibility for superior hydration and all-day comfort. Just $0.99 per lens. FDA approved, CE, and ISO certified.
Pick the pack size that fits your needs:
10-Pack Daily Clear Contacts — Perfect trial size for first-time daily wearers or a short business trip. 10 lenses, 5 days of fresh comfort. Only $0.99 per lens.
20-Pack Daily Clear Contacts — Two weeks of worry-free wear, ideal for vacations or busy schedules. Maximum breathability, zero maintenance. Only $0.99 per lens.
30-Pack Daily Clear Contacts — A full month of premium daily comfort at the best per-lens value. For committed daily wearers who refuse to compromise on eye safety. Only $0.99 per lens.
Best Practices for Contact Lens Hygiene Around Water
To protect your eye health, follow these essential guidelines:
Always remove contacts before showering, swimming, or using a hot tub
Never rinse or store lenses in running water — always use fresh sterile solution
Clean your lens case regularly with solution (not water) and let it air dry
Never top off old solution — always use fresh solution each time
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
Consider single-use contacts — they eliminate the need for cleaning and reduce infection risk
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LolaDiva clear hydrogel lenses deliver with 40% water content and an ultra-thin 0.06mm transparent design. Starting at just $10.99 per pair. FDA approved, CE, and ISO certified. Pick the wear schedule that fits your lifestyle and budget:
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FAQ About Showering With Contact Lenses
Q: Can I shower with contact lenses if I keep my eyes closed?
A: No. Closing your eyes does not fully protect your lenses from water contact, and steam and splashes can still reach them. Always remove your lenses before showering. Can you shower with contacts safely? Only if you take them out first.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally showered with my contacts?
A: Remove the lenses immediately, discard them (if daily disposables) or disinfect thoroughly (if reusable), and monitor your eyes for signs of infection. Seek medical attention if you notice redness, pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. Knowing what happens if you shower with contacts helps you act fast to protect your eyes.
Q: Is tap water safe for rinsing contact lenses?
A: No. Never rinse your contact lenses or lens case with tap water. Always use sterile contact lens solution. Tap water can contain Acanthamoeba and other harmful microorganisms. Proper eye care means avoiding all water contact with lenses.
Q: Can I wear daily contacts in the shower if I throw them away after?
A: No. The risk of infection occurs during water contact, even if you plan to discard the lenses afterward. Remove daily contacts before showering and insert a fresh pair afterward. Looking for colored contact lenses for sale? LolaDiva offers a wide range of affordable options with prescription availability.
Q: Where can I get colored contacts with prescription?
A: You can find colored contact lenses for sale with prescription options at LolaDiva. Whether you're looking for where to buy colored contacts or where to get colored contacts with prescription, LolaDiva offers FDA approved, CE, and ISO certified lenses at unbeatable prices. Browse our collection of Light Blue Contacts, Brown Colored Contact Lenses, and Green Contact Lenses to find your perfect shade.
Product Recommendation: After showering, treat your eyes to a fresh, clean pair every day. LolaDiva daily colored contacts give you a fresh look with zero hassle:
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Lunar Feather Grey — Soft dove-grey with a delicate feathered pattern, creating a misty, ethereal gaze. Only $1.99/pair.
Mesh Brown — Light amber-brown with a fine mesh overlay, giving your eyes a soft, sun-kissed glow. Only $1.99/pair.
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Q: Are there any contact lenses safe for water exposure?
A: No contact lenses are safe for water exposure. The only safe option is to wear prescription swimming goggles over your eyes without any contact lenses. Water contact is a serious risk factor for all types of lenses.
Q: How long after showering can I put my contacts back in?
A: Wait until you are completely out of the shower, your face is dry, and your hands are thoroughly washed and dried before reinserting your contact lenses. This ensures proper contact lens hygiene and reduces infection risk. Make lens removal part of your shower routine for optimal eye safety.
Conclusion
Can you shower with contact lenses? The definitive answer is no. The convenience of contact lenses should never come at the cost of your eye health. Can u shower with contact lenses? Absolutely not — the risks of serious infection, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, far outweigh any temporary inconvenience. Make removing your lenses part of your pre-shower shower routine, keep your glasses handy as backup, and always follow proper hygiene practices. Your eyes will thank you.
If you're looking for honey color contact lenses or other beautiful shades, remember that proper lens care is just as important as finding the perfect color. Is it safe to shower with contacts? No — but you can enjoy stunning, safe vision with LolaDiva's wide selection of affordable, certified contact lenses.
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LolaDiva's full collection of colored and clear contacts — all FDA approved, CE, and ISO certified. Find your perfect fit today and keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and beautiful:
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