Eye health resources

Can you shower with contact lenses on?

Q: What happens if you get your contacts wet?

Throw out your lenses and replace them with new ones. Getting your contacts wet may lead to an eyesight-threatening eye infection caused by Acanthamoeba. Water can also warp your contact lenses, which can affect fit and comfort.

Q: How many hours can I wear single-use contacts?

Many types of disposable contact lenses can be worn all day, meaning 12+ hours, but maximum wearing time should be determined by your eye doctor. Make sure to follow the wear and replacement schedule they provide.

Q: Can I take a 3-hour nap with contacts?

No, you cannot sleep in daily wear contact lenses. Even short amounts of time spent sleeping with your contacts on can lead to a higher chance of infection. If you feel drowsy and are tempted to rest your eyes, take a moment to remove your contacts first.

Q: Can I close my eyes for 10 minutes with contacts?

No, any time you need to rest your eyes, it’s important to remove your contact lenses first. There’s a chance you’ll fall asleep, and even short periods of time sleeping with contacts on can increase your chances of getting an eye infection.

Q: How long can one contact lens last?

It depends on the type of lenses you were prescribed. Some examples of the types of contact lenses you may have been prescribed include daily disposable, two-week replacement, and monthly replacement. If you aren’t sure, reach out to your eye doctor, because wearing your contact lenses longer than you’re supposed to can be dangerous for your eyes.