Eye health resources

Contact lens safety while showering, swimming, sleeping or flying

One of the most important things when wearing contact lenses is safety—the health of your eyes is at stake! Learn how to help keep your eyes safe when you’re in situations that could put you at risk when contact lenses are involved.

Medically reviewed on January 23, 2026

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Published on April 8, 2026

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5 minute read time

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Key takeaways

Never expose your contact lenses to water of any kind

Sleeping in contacts that aren't prescribed for overnight wear increases your risk of serious eye health issues like sight-threatening infection

You can bring contact lenses on a plane, but you need to follow TSA rules for liquids like contact lens solution

Water and contact lenses: Why they don't mix

You might think that because your tears are wet, water is safe for your eyes, too. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Water from the tap, the ocean, a lake, or a swimming pool can harbor tiny, invisible germs. Think of each soft contact lens like a sponge. It loves to soak up water. If you go swimming while wearing contacts, they can absorb the water along with bacteria, viruses, and a scary little germ called Acanthamoeba. Once these germs are trapped against your eye by the lens, they can cause serious, painful infections, and even vision loss.

Showering

Is it safe to shower in contact lenses?

No. Even if you keep your eyes closed, it’s not worth the risk. Tap water may be safe to drink, but it is not sterile (germ-free). If you realize you accidentally showered with contact lenses , remove the lenses immediately and throw them away.

Swimming

Never swim with contacts on

Whether you plan on swimming in a pool, relaxing in a hot tub, or sitting in a sauna, know that wearing contact lenses in these environments poses a significant risk to your eye health. Wearing goggles or keeping your eyes closed is not enough to help ensure that your eyes are safe—just one splash or drop can expose them to dangerous infection.

Contact lens safety tips around water

Take off your contacts if there's a chance you'll be exposed to water

If you need vision correction while swimming, consider investing in a pair of prescription swim goggles, or even laser vision correction like LASIK

Wear your glasses when you're around water to avoid accidental contamination

Sleeping

The rules around sleeping with contact lenses

Don’t sleep with your contacts on

After a long day, it can be tempting to just close your eyes and drift off. But unless your doctor specifically prescribed contact lenses intended to be worn while sleeping, don’t do it. This applies to brief naps as well.

What happens if you fall asleep with contact lenses on?

You might wake up with eyes that are red, sticky, and sensitive to light. This happens because the lack of oxygen stresses the cornea (the clear front part of your eye). It also makes it much more likely you’ll get an eye infection. In fact, sleeping with daily-wear contacts on increases your risk of an eye infection by six to eight times.

Are there exceptions?

There are contact lenses that can be slept in in, but your eye doctor needs to prescribe them specifically, and you need to follow their instructions. One example of this is orthokeratology, where the lenses are worn overnight for clear vision without correction during the day.

Flying

What to consider when flying with contacts

Security rules

TSA rules say that your contact lenses are medical devices, so they are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Contact lens solution is a different story—standard liquid rules apply. This means your solution must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit in a quart-sized bag. The major contact lens solution brands all make travel sizes, so make sure to find one of the brand your doctor has recommended and that you are sure is compatible with your lens and eyes.

Dry cabin air

The air inside an airplane has very low humidity, which can make your contacts feel dry and scratchy. It’s often more comfortable to wear glasses during the flight and switch to your contacts once you land. If you do wear contacts on the plane, it can help to carry rewetting drops made for use with contact lenses.

Considerations at your destination

Always plan ahead so that you are set up for success. If you’re going to be in a place that doesn’t have easy access to clean water that you can wash your hands with, it’s a good idea to think about wearing glasses instead of contact lenses. If the weather is going to be windy or dry, be sure to pack contact lens rewetting drops.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I accidentally get splashed with water or swim in my contacts?

If you splash water in your face or go swimming, remove your lenses as soon as possible. Throw them away if they are daily disposable contacts. If they are reusable, they need to be disinfected very thoroughly to kill any potential water-borne germs. If you're unsure of what to do, contact your eye doctor’s office for advice.

Can I use water if I run out of solution?

Never use tap water, bottled water, or distilled water to store or rinse your lenses. Only use proper contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor. Water can cause the lens to change shape and stick to your eye, and it introduces dangerous bacteria.

Do I need a prescription for colored contacts?

Yes! Even if you don't need vision correction, contact lenses are medical devices. You need a prescription and a proper fitting from an eye doctor to wear them safely.

Can I swim with contact lenses if I keep my eyes closed?

No, take your contact lenses off before swimming. Keeping your eyes closed is not a secure enough way to prevent water from entering your eye and exposing your contact lenses to dangerous germs.

Can you sleep with contacts on a plane?

No, you should never sleep with your contacts in any circumstance unless specifically prescribed from your eye doctor and meant to be worn while sleeping.

Contact lens safety while showering, swimming, sleeping or flying

Key takeaways

Water and contact lenses: Why they don't mix

Is it safe to shower in contact lenses?

Never swim with contacts on

Contact lens safety tips around water

The rules around sleeping with contact lenses

Don’t sleep with your contacts on

What happens if you fall asleep with contact lenses on?

Are there exceptions?

What to consider when flying with contacts

More questions about your contact lenses? We’re here to assist.

Frequently asked questions

Related Content

Getting used to contact lenses—what to expect the first few days

8 tips for protecting your eyes while wearing contact lenses

Contact lens safety while showering, swimming, sleeping or flying

Key takeaways

Water and contact lenses: Why they don't mix

Is it safe to shower in contact lenses?

Never swim with contacts on

Contact lens safety tips around water

The rules around sleeping with contact lenses

Don’t sleep with your contacts on

What happens if you fall asleep with contact lenses on?

Are there exceptions?

What to consider when flying with contacts

More questions about your contact lenses? We’re here to assist.

Frequently asked questions

Related Content

Getting used to contact lenses—what to expect the first few days

8 tips for protecting your eyes while wearing contact lenses

More questions about your contact lenses? We’re here to assist.