Contact Lenses and Water: Why They Don't Mix
Discomfort/Irritation
If your contact lenses come into contact with water, it is possible for keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, to develop. Keratitis may be only a minor irritation at first, but if it is left untreated, the problem can become much more severe, and even lead to vision loss.
Infection Potential
The primary reason why it is strongly recommended that you take out your contact lenses before taking part in any water activity is that water, no matter the source (be it a river, lake, shower, pool, or jacuzzi), may carry bacteria that can become trapped between the lens and your eye. This will give the bacteria a chance to start spreading and cause an eye infection, such as microbial keratitis.
The reason such infections are unlikely while not wearing contacts is because your tears have natural antimicrobial properties that provide protection. While wearing contact lenses, however, that protection is lessened.
Stuck Lenses
It is also possible for contact lenses to become stuck to your eyes when they are exposed to water. Showering with contact lenses can cause the lens to change shape which can increase the risk of discomfort or scratches to your eye. This can be quite uncomfortable, can make them harder to remove, and may lead to corneal abrasions. Corneal abrasions are particularly problematic, as these scratches on the eyes provide openings for microorganisms to get into the cornea and cause an infection.
Lenses falling out
Hard contact lenses are more likely to fall out when exposed to water. While soft lenses are not as likely to fall out, they are more likely to cause infection and discomfort when exposed to water.
