Contact Lens Care

Showering and Swimming with Contact Lenses

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), showering with contact lenses is not recommended. Although rare, a sight-threatening eye complication called acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) can occur. This disease is caused by a microscopic organism commonly found in water sources, such as tap water, wells, hot tubs and sewage systems. If these tiny parasites infect the eye, the results can be severe. According to the CDC, about 90 percent of AK cases involve contact lens wearers. If you do wear your lenses while showering or at the pool, the FDA recommends keeping your eyes firmly closed while in the water. If your eyes are accidentally exposed to water, remove the lens with clean, dry hands and disinfect or discard it. Remember to never sleep in lenses that have been exposed to water without first cleaning and disinfecting them.

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Review Date: 
August 13, 2015

Last Updated:
August 13, 2015