Can You Swim or Shower with Contact Lenses? Risks and Safer Alternatives

Quick answer

No, you should not shower or swim while wearing contact lenses. Water exposes your lenses to microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections, and even daily disposables are not fully protected. For safe alternatives, use daily disposable lenses and remove them before any water contact, or wear airtight goggles and keep your eyes closed underwater.

You’ve probably heard conflicting advice about whether you can keep your contact lenses in while showering or swimming. Some people do it regularly without issues, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Water—whether from a tap, pool, lake, or ocean—contains microorganisms that can adhere to your lenses and increase the risk of eye infections.

In this article, we’ll bust common myths about water and contact lenses, explain why you should avoid showering or swimming with contacts, and offer safer alternatives for your daily routine.

Myth: It’s fine to shower with contact lenses if you close your eyes

Many people believe that keeping your eyes closed while shampooing or rinsing your face makes it safe to wear contact lenses in the shower. However, water can still splash into your eyes, and the steam from the shower can carry contaminants. Tap water is not sterile and contains Acanthamoeba, a microorganism that can cause a severe eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Even a small splash can transfer these organisms to your lenses.

The safest habit is to remove your contacts before stepping into the shower. If you forget, keep your eyes tightly closed and dry them with a towel immediately after. Avoid opening your eyes underwater or letting the shower spray hit your face directly. For daily lens wearers, consider using daily disposables so you can simply throw them away after any accidental exposure.

• Always remove contact lenses before showering or swimming.
• If you accidentally wear contacts in water, remove and disinfect them or replace them with a fresh pair.

Myth: Swimming with contact lenses is okay if you wear goggles

Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans are all sources of waterborne pathogens that can stick to contact lenses. While goggles can reduce water exposure, they are not a guarantee—water can leak in, especially during dives or active swimming. Even with goggles, lens wearers are at higher risk of eye irritation, dryness, and infection.

If you must wear contact lenses while swimming, the best option is to use daily disposable lenses and discard them immediately after. You can also combine them with well-fitted, airtight goggles to minimize water contact. Never sleep, shower, or swim in lenses that are not meant for extended wear, and always have a backup pair of glasses or a lens case with solution nearby.

• Use daily disposable lenses for occasional swimming and throw them away right after.
• Wear airtight goggles to reduce the risk of water entering your eyes.

Myth: Daily disposable lenses are safe in water

Some people assume that because daily disposables are designed for one-day use, they offer extra protection against water. This is a misconception. Daily disposable lenses are not approved for water exposure, and they can absorb water and chemicals just like other lenses. They might be slightly more convenient because you can replace them, but they do not eliminate the risk of infection.

The key is to avoid water contact altogether. If you plan to swim or shower, remove your lenses and store them properly in a case with contact lens solution. For everyday clarity, consider clear daily disposables like the NEO Vision Neoism 1-Day Clear Toric – they are excellent for daily wear, but you still need to take them out before getting wet. Remember, no contact lens is designed for water.

• Daily disposables are convenient, but they are not water-resistant.
• Always remove lenses before water activities, regardless of the lens type.

Safer alternatives for water activities

If you enjoy swimming or showering with clear vision, invest in prescription goggles or consider wearing your contact lenses inside airtight goggles – but only with daily disposables and never underwater. For everyday wear, choose breathable lenses that keep your eyes comfortable, but always follow the rule: no water contact.

Another alternative is to switch to eyeglasses for showers and poolside activities. Prescription sunglasses are great for outdoor swimming and protect your eyes from UV rays. If you need corrective vision while swimming, consult your eye doctor about prescription goggles – they are a safe and practical investment.

• Use prescription goggles for swimming instead of contact lenses.
• Keep a pair of glasses for showering and water-related activities.

Verdicts on common water-and-contacts myths

• Showering with contacts: Remove your lenses before showering. Tap water can contain harmful microbes that cause eye infections. Verdict: Unsafe – avoid water contact.
• Swimming with contacts: Use daily disposables with airtight goggles, but never open your eyes underwater. Discard lenses immediately after swimming. Verdict: Risky – only with precautions and immediate replacement.
• Waterproof contact lenses: No contact lens is approved for water contact. All lenses can absorb water and carry microorganisms. Verdict: Myth – no such lens exists.

Contact lens options for daily wear

• NEO Vision Neoism 1-Day Clear Toric for Astigmatism (30pk): These clear daily disposable lenses are designed to fit seamlessly on the eye, and each pair lasts all day long, but once removed, they are thrown away. Daily disposables are ideal for occasional water exposure because you can discard them immediately after, reducing the risk of infection. Still, you should avoid water contact – they are not water-resistant.
• EyeCandys Aura Brown Grey: These colored lenses deliver a my-eyes-but-better effect with a warm taupe-leaning blend, ideal for golden-hour walks or no-makeup makeup days. If you love colored lenses for daily style, remember to remove them before any water activities. Their natural look is perfect for everyday wear, but water safety rules apply equally.

Water and contact lenses simply don't mix. Protect your eyes by removing your contacts before showering or swimming, and always keep a spare pair of glasses or daily disposables with you for safer alternatives. For your daily lens needs, choose products that fit your lifestyle, but always prioritize eye safety.