After a long day, you're ready to relax with a nice shower. But a question crosses your mind: can you keep your lenses in?
In this article, we'll explain why it's highly inadvisable to shower with your lenses, the risks you face, and the best practices to follow.
The risks
Contamination by microorganisms
As you might have guessed, we strongly advise against showering with your contact lenses. It’s essential to remove and disinfect them before showering. Tap water may seem harmless, but it's not sterile. It can contain harmful microorganisms that adhere to your lenses and cause severe eye infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This rare infection is caused by contact between lenses and water, leading to severe eye pain and excessive tearing.
Deposits on lenses
Se doucher avec tes lentilles de contact est risqué car tu peux accidentellement mettre du savon dans tes yeux, causant des irritations et de l’inconfort.
Lens loss
Keeping them on in the shower increases the risk of losing them. Finding a contact lens isn't easy, especially in the shower. Depending on your lens type (monthly, bi-weekly), this loss can be costly.
Best practices to follow
It's essential to always remove your lenses before showering. Once removed, place them in a suitable solution to ensure they are cleaned and disinfected.
Precautions if you must shower with your lenses
If you have no other choice but to shower with your lenses, here are some tips to reduce the risk of infection:
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Use daily lenses: These contact lenses, such as Dailies Total 1, Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus, or 1Day Acuvue Moist, are designed for daily use and should be discarded at the end of the day. The main advantage of this type of lens is that they require no maintenance.
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Keep your eyes closed: Keep your eyes closed while showering. This minimises the contact between water and your eyes.
Our advice if your lenses come into contact with water
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Cleaning and disinfection: If your lenses get wet, it's crucial to clean and disinfect them immediately. Use a suitable cleaning solution to remove any residue and microorganisms. Make sure to follow the instructions for complete disinfection.
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Monitor for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness, pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
In summary, showering with your contact lenses is not recommended. The best practice is to always remove them before showering. If you must keep them in, take precautions to minimise risks and ensure you clean and disinfect them thoroughly after the shower.