Generally, it's not recommended to keep your eyes open while showering. While some people can do it without apparent ill effects, there are several reasons why it's best to avoid it.
Risks of Opening Your Eyes in the Shower
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Irritation and Damage: Opening your eyes underwater, including in the shower, increases the risk of eye irritation and damage, as stated by Indeed. The constant flow of water, unlike the more consistent pressure found underwater, can be irritating. The water may also contain contaminants.
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Wash Away Natural Tears: Shower water washes away the protective oil layer of your natural tears, leaving your eyes vulnerable to bacteria and infections. This is a key point highlighted on Quora.
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Infection Risk: Water sources like showers contain various germs, including Acanthamoeba, a parasite that can cause serious eye infections like acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), as reported by SELF and JustAnswer. This risk is particularly elevated for contact lens wearers.
Practical Considerations
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Contact Lens Wearers: Individuals who wear contact lenses should never shower with their eyes open. The risk of infection is significantly increased. Several Reddit threads and JustAnswer discussions emphasize this caution.
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Sensitive Eyes: Those with sensitive eyes or pre-existing eye conditions should be especially cautious and keep their eyes closed during showering.
Alternative Approach
Keeping your eyes closed during showering prevents potential irritation, infection, and damage. While some individuals report no issues with open eyes, the potential risks outweigh the benefits for most people.
