Imagine this: you’re just back from a long day, tired and in desperate need of a soothing shower. You step into the bathroom, and then it hits you – you’ve still got your contact lenses in. Do you take them off or leave them on? That’s a common question that has likely crossed the mind of every contact lens wearer at least once. Well, let’s dive into this to provide you with a well-rounded, accurate answer.
Diving in: The Basics
Contact lenses are made of highly breathable material that allows oxygen to reach the eye, thereby ensuring the cornea remains healthy. They are designed to remain in your eyes for a specific duration, depending on their type, such as daily disposables, extended wear, or monthlies. When it comes to showering with contacts, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved.
A Splash of Danger: Water and Contacts
To address the keyword question, “Is it bad to shower in contacts?” the short answer is, yes, it can be. While it may seem convenient to keep your lenses in while you shower, this practice can potentially harm your eyes due to the bacteria present in tap water.
Tap water, while generally safe for drinking, isn’t sterile. It contains a variety of microscopic organisms, including the infamous Acanthamoeba. This microscopic amoeba, when trapped between your contact lens and your eye, can lead to a severe, painful eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This condition can cause eye redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and a sensation of something in your eye. In severe cases, it can lead to vision loss and may necessitate corneal transplantation.
Moreover, water can cause your contact lenses to change shape, swell, and stick to your eye. This can result in discomfort and blurry vision. Hence, if the question “Is it bad to shower in contacts?” is lingering in your mind, now you know why it’s best to avoid it.
The Steamy Truth: Showering and Contacts
There’s another reason why showering in contacts isn’t advisable. When you’re in a hot shower, steam can cause the lenses to fog up, leading to blurry vision and discomfort. While it won’t necessarily harm your eyes, it can make your shower experience less enjoyable and even dangerous if you slip due to impaired vision.
Clear Vision: Taking Precautions
If you forget to take out your contacts before a shower, try to avoid letting water get in your eyes. However, the safest practice is to remove your contact lenses before stepping into the shower. After showering, you can put them back in, ensuring your hands are clean and dry to avoid transferring any bacteria to the lenses.
In case you’ve showered with your contacts in, don’t panic. If you experience any discomfort, remove your lenses and give your eyes a break. If you have continuous eye discomfort, redness, or blurry vision, it’s crucial to consult an eye care professional immediately.
The Final Rinse: Key Takeaways
To wrap up the discussion around the question, “Is it bad to shower in contacts?” it’s clear that the potential risks outweigh the convenience. While it might seem like a harmless act, showering in contacts can expose your eyes to harmful microbes that can lead to severe eye infections.
So, make it a routine to remove your contact lenses before hopping in the shower. Not only will this ensure the health of your eyes, but it will also prolong the life of your contact lenses.