Can You Shower with Contact Lenses? Risks and Safe Alternatives

Quick Answer

No, you should not shower with contact lenses in your eyes. Water—whether from a shower, tap, or pool—can introduce harmful microorganisms and cause lenses to change shape or stick to your eye. Remove your contacts before showering and follow a simple storage routine to protect your eyes.

You're about to step into a warm shower, and your contacts are already in. It feels like a minor convenience, but is it actually safe? The short answer is no. Showering with contact lenses—including colored contacts—exposes your eyes to waterborne risks that can lead to infections or discomfort.

This guide explains the specific dangers of water exposure, why even silicone hydrogel lenses aren't immune, and practical steps to keep your eyes safe. Whether you wear daily disposables or monthly lenses, these tips will help you maintain healthy habits without sacrificing convenience.

Why Water Is a Problem for Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are designed to sit on the tear film of your eye, and they absorb moisture. When you expose them to water—whether in the shower, while swimming, or even when splashing your face—they can absorb that water along with any impurities it contains. This can alter the lens shape, making it less comfortable and less effective at correcting vision.

More importantly, water can contain microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, which can cause a serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This risk applies to all contact lenses, including colored contacts. Even if you use silicone hydrogel lenses, which have higher oxygen permeability, they are not waterproof and do not protect against waterborne pathogens.

• Always remove contacts before showering, swimming, or using a hot tub.
• If water splashes into your eyes, close your eyes and rinse with contact lens solution or sterile saline.
• Never use tap water to rinse or store your lenses.

How to Shower Safely with Contacts (If You Must)

The safest option is to remove your contacts before getting in the shower. But if you're in a situation where you can't—like a gym locker room—there are steps to minimize risk. Keep your eyes closed as much as possible and tilt your head back to avoid direct water flow. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can trap water against the lens.

After the shower, remove your lenses as soon as possible, clean them thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution, and let them disinfect. If you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision afterward, remove the lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen.

• Keep a small contact lens case and solution in your gym bag or bathroom.
• If you must keep lenses in, use a shower cap or keep your face away from the spray.
• Replace your lens case regularly—every 3 months is a common recommendation.

What About Colored Contacts and Water?

Colored contacts, including those with graphic designs, have the same water-related risks as clear lenses. In fact, some colored lenses have a slightly thicker design or additional pigment layers, which can affect how they absorb water. However, the primary risk remains the same: water can introduce harmful microorganisms and compromise lens fit.

If you wear colored contacts for special occasions or daily use, treat them with the same care as any other lens. Remove them before showering, and don't use water to clean them. Always use fresh contact lens solution and follow the replacement schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

Safe Alternatives: What to Do Instead

If you need to see clearly in the shower—for example, to wash your face or shave—consider using prescription swimming goggles or a shower-specific face shield. These can keep water away from your eyes while allowing you to keep your contacts in for short periods. However, they are not a perfect solution, and removing lenses is always the safest choice.

Another alternative is to switch to daily disposable lenses on days when you anticipate water exposure. This way, you can remove and discard them after the shower, avoiding the need for cleaning and storage. For colored contacts, daily options like the 1 Day Odd I's Ocean gray offer the convenience of a fresh lens every day.

• Use a waterproof face shield or swim goggles designed for showering.
• Keep a spare pair of glasses nearby for post-shower wear.
• If you wear monthly or yearly lenses, have a backup pair of daily disposables for water-heavy days.

Diagnosis: Is It Safe to Shower with Contacts?

• Symptom: You're tempted to keep contacts in during a quick shower, or you've already done it and noticed discomfort, redness, or blurry vision afterward. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and give your eyes a break.
• Likely cause: Water exposure can cause lenses to absorb impurities, change shape, and introduce harmful microorganisms that lead to infections. Even silicone hydrogel lenses are not waterproof, so the risk applies to all lens types, including colored contacts.
• Corrective action: Remove contacts before showering. If water gets in your eyes, rinse with sterile saline or lens solution, and clean your lenses thoroughly before reinserting. If symptoms like pain, sensitivity to light, or excessive tearing persist, stop using your lenses and consult an eye care professional.

Lens Options for Water-Conscious Wearers

• 1 Day Odd I's Ocean gray: Type: 1 Day, Pieces: 10pcs / box, Total Dia: 14.2mm, Graphic Dia: 13.2mm, Base Curve: 8.6mm, Water Content: 50%, Material: PC-Silicone Daily disposables are ideal for days when you might encounter water, as you can simply remove and discard them afterward without worrying about long-term cleaning.
• Natura Gray Trial SET #5: Product type: 1 Day colored contact lenses, Pieces per box: 6, Brand: Lenstown, Gray tone designed for brown or grey eyes, Single-day wear for easy, hygienic use A trial set lets you test a gray shade for special occasions or water-heavy days, offering the convenience of single-use lenses without committing to a full box.

Showering with contact lenses is a risk you don't need to take. By removing your lenses before water exposure and using daily disposables when necessary, you can protect your eyes from infections and keep your vision clear. Remember: when in doubt, take them out.