Wearing contact lenses while showering can put your eyes at risk, according to medical professionals. Dr. Gerald Kierzek recommends taking out contact lenses before showering, even if the water is safe to drink. This advice matches guidelines from American health authorities, which warn against any contact between contact lenses and water, whether it’s from showers, swimming pools, or hot tubs. Although potable water is safe to drink, it is not always completely free of germs. It can contain tiny organisms, including a type of amoeba known as Acanthamoeba. In rare cases, this amoeba can cause an infection in the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This condition can be painful, challenging to treat, and in some cases, lead to serious vision problems. Water can also affect the shape and fit of soft contact lenses. When exposed to water, these lenses may swell, change shape, or stick more tightly to the eye. This can cause irritation or even small scratches on the cornea. A damaged cornea might be more vulnerable to germs entering the eye, increasing the risk of infection. To protect eye health, health experts recommend removing contact lenses before showering and washing hands thoroughly before handling lenses. Following these simple steps can help prevent infections and maintain the health of the eyes.