Can You Swim or Shower With Colored Contacts

It is generally not recommended to swim or shower with colored contacts, or any contact lenses for that matter, due to a significant risk of serious eye infections. Water, whether from a pool, ocean, lake, or even your tap, contains microorganisms that can adhere to your lenses and cause severe complications, potentially leading to vision loss. For more on this, see our guide to 10 Colored Contact Looks for Every Personality.

Why Water and Contacts Don't Mix: The Risks

The primary reason you should avoid exposing your contact lenses to water is the presence of harmful microorganisms. Water is not sterile, and even treated water like that in swimming pools or tap water can harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pose a threat to your eye health. When these microbes come into contact with your lenses, they can become trapped between the lens and your eye, creating a perfect breeding ground for infection.

The Threat of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

One of the most dangerous risks associated with water exposure is Acanthamoeba keratitis. This rare but severe parasitic infection can cause excruciating pain, permanent vision impairment, and, in extreme cases, necessitate a corneal transplant. Acanthamoeba cysts are found naturally in various water sources, including tap water, lakes, and oceans, and are highly resistant to disinfectants. When they attach to a contact lens, they can then infect the cornea.

Bacterial Infections and Other Microbes

Beyond Acanthamoeba, swimming or showering with contacts significantly increases your risk of common bacterial infections like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can lead to painful corneal ulcers. Viruses and fungi can also be present in water and cause severe eye infections. These infections can develop rapidly and require immediate medical attention.

Lens Distortion and Irritation

Water can cause soft contact lenses to change shape, swell, and stick more tightly to your eye, making them uncomfortable and difficult to remove. This can lead to corneal abrasions when trying to remove the lens. Chemicals in pool water, such as chlorine, can also irritate your eyes and further exacerbate discomfort, leading to redness and dryness. This irritation compromises the eye's natural defenses, making it more susceptible to infection. Furthermore, lenses can absorb chemicals from the water, potentially altering their structure and reducing their oxygen permeability.

Loss of Lenses

Beyond the health risks, there's the practical concern of losing your expensive colored contacts. The force of water, especially in a pool or ocean, can easily dislodge lenses from your eyes, sending your vibrant new look floating away. This is particularly true if you are opening your eyes underwater. For those who rely on their lenses for vision correction, losing them can be a significant inconvenience.

Specific Scenarios: Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Lakes, and Oceans

While the general rule is to avoid water exposure, understanding the nuances of different water environments can reinforce why it's so critical to keep your contacts dry.

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Chlorine in swimming pools helps kill some bacteria, but it doesn't eliminate all harmful microorganisms, especially those protected by biofilms. Moreover, chlorine itself can irritate your eyes and dry out your lenses, leading to discomfort and increased risk of infection. Hot tubs are particularly problematic as their warm temperatures create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and amoebae, increasing the risk of infection when you swim with contacts. If you're weighing options, our roundup of 10 Tips for First-Time Colored Contact Wearers is a good next read.

Lakes, Rivers, and Natural Bodies of Water

Natural water sources are teeming with a diverse range of microorganisms, many of which are harmless, but some are highly pathogenic. Lakes, rivers, and ponds are prime habitats for bacteria, viruses, and parasites like Acanthamoeba. Exposing your contacts to these environments carries an even higher risk of severe infection compared to chlorinated pools. The presence of organic matter and varying water quality makes these environments especially unpredictable.

Oceans and Saltwater

While saltwater might seem cleaner, oceans still harbor a multitude of microorganisms. The high salt content can also cause significant irritation and dryness to your eyes and lenses. Saltwater can also alter the lens material, making it less comfortable and potentially more prone to tearing. The sheer volume of water and potential for strong currents also increases the likelihood of losing your contacts.

Showering with Contacts: Is it Any Better?

Many people assume showering with contacts is less risky than swimming, but this is a misconception. Tap water, while treated, is not sterile and contains various microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba. Although the exposure might be less prolonged or intense than swimming, the risks are still present.

• Tap Water Microbes: Even filtered tap water can contain bacteria and parasites that can cause serious eye infections if they come into contact with your lenses.
• Steam and Soap: The steam from a shower can cause lenses to tighten on the eye, making them uncomfortable and harder to remove. Soap and shampoo can also irritate your eyes and contaminate your lenses, leading to discomfort or infection.
• Accidental Eye Opening: It's easy to accidentally open your eyes under running water, allowing direct contact between the water and your lenses.

It's always safest to remove your contact lenses before showering. If you need vision correction, consider wearing glasses during your shower.

What to Do If Your Contacts Get Wet (Accidentally)

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If your colored contacts accidentally come into contact with water, follow these steps immediately:

1. Remove Lenses Immediately: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel, and then remove your contacts as soon as possible.
2. Discard Daily Disposables: If you wear daily disposable lenses, discard them immediately and do not reuse them. This is the safest course of action.
3. Clean and Disinfect Reusable Lenses (with caution): For two-week or monthly lenses, clean them thoroughly with a fresh, approved contact lens disinfecting solution. Do NOT use water to rinse them. While cleaning can help, it's generally safer to discard the lenses if they've had significant water exposure and replace them with a fresh pair to minimize infection risk. Consult your eye care professional if you are unsure.
4. Monitor Your Eyes: Pay close attention to your eyes for any signs of irritation, redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision over the next few days.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you experience any symptoms of an eye infection, contact your eye care professional immediately. Do not try to self-treat.

Safe Alternatives for Vision Correction in Water

If you want to enjoy water activities without compromising your vision or eye health, several safe alternatives exist:

• Prescription Swim Goggles: These are an excellent solution for swimming in pools or oceans. They offer clear vision underwater and protect your eyes from waterborne contaminants and chemicals.
• Daily Disposable Contacts (with extreme caution): While not ideal, if you absolutely must wear contacts in water, daily disposables are the least risky option because you can immediately remove and discard them after your water activity. However, you must still keep your eyes closed underwater as much as possible, and remove them promptly. Never reuse them after water exposure.
• Prescription Dive Masks: For snorkeling or diving, a prescription dive mask provides excellent vision and a secure seal against water.
• Glasses: For showering or casual water exposure, wearing your glasses is the safest and most convenient option.
• Consider LASIK/PRK: For a permanent solution to vision correction that eliminates the need for contacts or glasses during water activities, discuss refractive surgery options with an ophthalmologist.

At MyEyeColors, we prioritize your eye health and safety. While our colored contacts offer a fantastic way to enhance your look, ensuring their safe use is paramount. You can explore our wide range of colored contact options for daily wear and special occasions at browse our colored contacts.

Maintaining Optimal Eye Health with Colored Contacts

Beyond avoiding water exposure, proper hygiene and care are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes when wearing colored contacts. Remember, colored contacts are medical devices, and proper care is essential. You might also like our take on 12 Colored Contact Questions Answered for Beginners.

Here are some essential tips:

• Always Wash Your Hands: Before handling your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel.
• Follow Your Eye Care Professional's Instructions: Only wear lenses prescribed by a licensed eye care professional. Follow their specific instructions for wear time, replacement schedule, and cleaning. Never share your lenses.
• Use Fresh Solution: Always use fresh, approved contact lens solution for cleaning and storing your lenses. Never use water or saliva.
• Replace Lens Cases Regularly: Replace your contact lens case every three months to prevent bacterial buildup. Clean your case with fresh solution and let it air dry upside down after each use.
• Never Sleep in Lenses: Unless specifically approved by your eye care professional for extended wear, never sleep in your colored contacts.
• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with your eye care professional to ensure your lenses are still suitable for your eyes and to monitor your overall eye health.
• Source Reputable Lenses: Always purchase your colored contacts from reputable sources like MyEyeColors, ensuring they are FDA-approved and of high quality.

Key Takeaways

• Do not swim or shower with colored contacts due to high risk of severe eye infections.
• Water contains dangerous microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause painful and vision-threatening infections.
• Water can distort lenses, cause irritation, and lead to discomfort or lens loss.
• If contacts get wet accidentally, remove and discard daily disposables immediately; for reusable lenses, clean thoroughly or ideally, discard and replace.
• Safe alternatives include prescription swim goggles, glasses, or prescription dive masks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear daily disposable contacts in the shower?

No, it is not recommended to wear daily disposable contacts in the shower. While they are meant for single use, tap water contains microorganisms that can cause infections. It's best to remove all contact lenses before showering.

What if I accidentally open my eyes underwater with contacts in?

If you accidentally open your eyes underwater with contacts in, remove them immediately. If they are daily disposables, discard them. For reusable lenses, clean and disinfect them thoroughly with fresh solution, or ideally, discard them to minimize infection risk. Monitor your eyes for any signs of irritation or infection.

Can chlorinated water damage my colored contacts?

Yes, chlorinated water can irritate your eyes and dry out your colored contacts, making them uncomfortable. Chlorine can also be absorbed by the lens material, potentially altering its structure and reducing its oxygen permeability, which is not good for your eye health.

Are there any colored contacts designed for swimming?

No, there are no colored contacts or any contact lenses specifically designed or approved for swimming. The risks associated with water exposure apply to all types of contact lenses, including colored ones.

What are the signs of an eye infection from water exposure?

Signs of an eye infection can include redness, pain or discomfort, blurred vision, excessive tearing, discharge from the eye, increased light sensitivity, or a feeling that something is in your eye. If you experience any of these symptoms after water exposure with contacts, seek immediate attention from an eye care professional.