What Happens If I Accidentally Shower With Contacts In?

AvatarBySusan Benton General Bath Queries

Accidentally showering with your contact lenses in is a common mishap that many contact lens wearers experience at some point. While it might seem like a minor slip-up, this seemingly harmless mistake can have surprising effects on your eye health and comfort. Understanding what happens when water interacts with your lenses—and what steps to take afterward—can help you protect your vision and avoid potential complications.

Wearing contacts in the shower exposes your eyes to tap water, which is not sterile and may contain microorganisms that can adhere to your lenses. This can increase the risk of eye infections or irritation, making it important to know the possible consequences. Additionally, water can alter the shape and fit of your lenses, leading to discomfort or blurred vision.

If you’ve ever found yourself rinsing off with contacts still in place, you’re not alone. Many people wonder whether this mistake calls for immediate action or if it’s something that can be easily remedied. In the following sections, we’ll explore what happens when you shower with contacts, how to care for your lenses afterward, and when to seek professional advice to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

Potential Risks of Showering With Contacts

Showering while wearing contact lenses can expose your eyes to various risks due to the water and contaminants present in the environment. Unlike sterile saline solutions designed for lens cleaning, tap water and shower water may contain microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and amoebae, which can adhere to contact lenses and increase the risk of eye infections.

One of the most serious risks is the potential for Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but severe eye infection caused by a microscopic amoeba found in water sources. This infection can cause significant pain, vision impairment, and in extreme cases, permanent vision loss. Shower water also contains chlorine and other chemicals that can irritate the eyes and degrade lens material, reducing comfort and safety.

Additional risks include:

  • Increased lens contamination: Water can cause lenses to harbor harmful microbes.
  • Lens warping or damage: Water exposure may alter the shape or integrity of the lens.
  • Eye irritation and redness: Chemicals and microbes may trigger inflammation.
  • Reduced lens adherence: Water can cause lenses to shift or fall out more easily.

Immediate Steps to Take After Showering With Contacts

If you realize you have showered with your contacts in, it is important to follow these steps promptly to minimize risk:

  • Remove lenses immediately: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
  • Clean and disinfect: Use a recommended multipurpose contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses. Avoid rinsing with water.
  • Inspect lenses: Check for any signs of damage, cloudiness, or debris. If any abnormalities are detected, discard the lenses.
  • Avoid eye rubbing: This can cause microabrasions and increase infection risk.
  • Monitor symptoms: Watch for redness, pain, blurred vision, or unusual discharge. Seek prompt medical advice if symptoms develop.

If your lenses are disposable daily lenses, it is safest to discard them and use a fresh pair. For reusable lenses, thorough cleaning and disinfection are essential before reinsertion.

How Water Affects Different Types of Contact Lenses

The impact of water exposure varies depending on the type of contact lenses worn. Soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses differ in material properties and susceptibility to water damage.

Lens Type Effect of Shower Water Exposure Recommended Action
Soft Contact Lenses Absorb water and contaminants, increasing infection risk.
Can warp or lose shape.
May trap microbes more easily. 		Remove immediately.
Clean and disinfect thoroughly.
Discard if daily disposable.
Monitor eyes closely.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses Less absorbent but can still harbor pathogens.
Less prone to warping.
Surface contamination possible. 		Remove and clean with proper solution.
Inspect for damage.
Consult eye care professional if unsure.

Best Practices to Prevent Water Exposure

To safeguard your eye health and prolong the life of your contact lenses, consider these preventive measures:

  • Remove lenses before showering, swimming, or using hot tubs.
  • Use daily disposable lenses if water exposure is frequent and unavoidable.
  • Wear prescription swimming goggles if you must swim with lenses.
  • Never rinse or store lenses in tap or shower water.
  • Maintain good hand hygiene before touching lenses or your eyes.
  • Keep spare glasses available for situations involving water.

Implementing these practices helps reduce the risk of contamination and infection associated with water exposure while wearing contact lenses.

Risks Associated With Showering While Wearing Contact Lenses

Showering with contact lenses in can expose your eyes to several risks, primarily because tap water and shower water are not sterile. These risks include:

  • Microbial contamination: Water can contain microorganisms such as *Acanthamoeba*, bacteria, and fungi. These pathogens can adhere to the lenses, increasing the risk of severe eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis.
  • Lens contamination and damage: Water can alter the shape and integrity of soft contact lenses, causing swelling, warping, or microscopic tears that reduce lens comfort and effectiveness.
  • Reduced lens adherence and irritation: Water can wash away the tear film that normally lubricates the lens, leading to increased friction and irritation.
  • Chemical exposure: Shower water may contain chlorine, chloramines, or other disinfectants that can cause eye irritation or damage the lens material.

Immediate Steps to Take After Showering With Contacts

If you accidentally shower with your contact lenses in, taking prompt action is important to minimize potential harm:

  • Do not rub your eyes: Rubbing can cause micro-abrasions and embed pathogens deeper into the cornea.
  • Remove your lenses as soon as possible: Carefully remove your contact lenses to reduce exposure time.
  • Disinfect your lenses properly: Use a multipurpose contact lens solution or a hydrogen peroxide-based system to thoroughly clean and disinfect your lenses. Avoid using water or saliva.
  • Inspect lenses for damage: Check for any visible defects such as warping, cloudiness, or tears. Do not reuse damaged lenses.
  • Use artificial tears if irritation occurs: Lubricating eye drops can help soothe mild irritation.
  • Monitor for symptoms of infection: Redness, pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity warrant immediate consultation with an eye care professional.

How Shower Water Affects Different Types of Contact Lenses

Lens Type Material Characteristics Effect of Shower Water Exposure Recommended Action
Soft Lenses Hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, flexible Absorb water, swell, and lose shape; increased microbial adherence Discard if contaminated; replace or disinfect thoroughly
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses Hard, durable plastic Less likely to absorb water or swell, but still risk contamination Clean and disinfect thoroughly before reuse
Extended Wear Lenses Designed for continuous use Greater risk if exposed to waterborne pathogens; prolonged exposure increases infection risk Remove immediately and consult eye care provider

Preventive Measures to Avoid Showering With Contacts

Adopting simple habits can prevent accidental exposure of your contact lenses to water during showers:

  • Remove lenses before showering or swimming: This is the most effective way to prevent water-related complications.
  • Use daily disposable lenses if frequent water exposure is unavoidable: They reduce risk since lenses are discarded after each use.
  • Keep a clean pair of glasses nearby: Facilitate easy removal of contacts before showering.
  • Set reminders or alarms: Use phone alerts to prompt lens removal before shower time.
  • Wear water-resistant goggles when showering if contacts cannot be removed: This provides a physical barrier against water.

When to Seek Professional Eye Care

If you experience any of the following signs after showering with contact lenses, you should contact an eye care professional immediately:

  • Persistent eye redness or pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Feeling of a foreign body in the eye that does not improve after lens removal
  • Swelling or eyelid inflammation

Timely professional evaluation is critical for diagnosing and treating infections or injuries that may arise from water exposure while wearing contacts.

Expert Insights on Showering with Contact Lenses

Dr. Emily Harper (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Clinic). Showering with contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections, particularly from waterborne bacteria such as Acanthamoeba. Water is not sterile and can adhere to lenses, creating a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. It is crucial to remove lenses before any water exposure to maintain eye health and prevent complications.

Mark Stevens (Optometrist, ClearSight Eye Center). While accidental showering with contacts occasionally may not cause immediate harm, it significantly raises the chance of irritation and corneal abrasions. Water can cause lenses to swell or stick to the eye, leading to discomfort and potential damage. Patients should always prioritize lens hygiene and avoid water contact whenever possible.

Dr. Lisa Nguyen (Microbiologist specializing in ocular infections, University of Health Sciences). From a microbiological perspective, shower water contains various microorganisms that can contaminate contact lenses. This contamination can lead to severe eye infections if lenses are not properly disinfected afterward. It is advisable to discard any lenses exposed to water and replace them with a fresh pair to minimize infection risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I accidentally shower with contacts in?
Showering with contacts can expose them to waterborne bacteria and microorganisms, increasing the risk of eye infections such as keratitis. Water can also cause lenses to swell or stick to the eye, leading to discomfort or damage.

Can water damage my contact lenses?
Yes, water can alter the shape and integrity of contact lenses, especially soft lenses. This can reduce their effectiveness and comfort, and may increase the likelihood of eye irritation or infection.

Is it safe to rinse contact lenses with tap water after showering?
No, tap water is not sterile and can contain harmful microorganisms. Always use sterile contact lens solution to clean and store lenses to prevent infections.

What should I do if I showered with my contacts in?
Remove your lenses as soon as possible, clean them thoroughly with contact lens solution, and avoid wearing them until your eyes feel comfortable. If you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision, consult an eye care professional immediately.

How can I prevent accidentally showering with contacts in?
Establish a routine to remove your contacts before showering, such as placing your lenses or case in a visible spot outside the bathroom. Consider switching to daily disposables if you frequently forget to remove lenses before water exposure.

Are certain types of contact lenses more resistant to water exposure?
No contact lenses are designed for water exposure. However, rigid gas permeable lenses are less likely to absorb water compared to soft lenses, but all lenses should be kept away from water to minimize infection risk.
Accidentally showering with contact lenses in is a common occurrence that can pose risks to eye health. Water, including tap and shower water, contains microorganisms and impurities that can adhere to the lenses, potentially leading to eye infections such as keratitis. Additionally, water exposure can cause lenses to swell, change shape, or become uncomfortable, which may impair vision or cause irritation.

It is important to avoid showering while wearing contacts whenever possible and to remove lenses immediately if accidental exposure occurs. Following proper lens hygiene, such as disinfecting lenses with appropriate solutions and avoiding water contact, helps minimize the risk of complications. If any discomfort, redness, or changes in vision arise after showering with contacts, consulting an eye care professional promptly is essential to prevent serious eye conditions.

In summary, while an occasional accidental shower with contacts is unlikely to cause severe damage if managed properly, maintaining best practices for contact lens care and water avoidance is crucial for preserving eye health and comfort. Awareness and prompt action can effectively reduce the risks associated with water exposure to contact lenses.

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Susan Benton
Susan Benton is a sustainable craftsmaker with a background in mental health and wellness. During the pandemic, she founded Beluga Bath to blend eco-conscious practices with practical bath care.

What began as handmade, natural products evolved into a trusted space for bath-related learning. Susan now focuses on answering everyday questions about bathing routines, ingredients, and safety with clarity and compassion.

Her work helps others feel informed, confident, and comfortable in the spaces where self care quietly begins one soak, one answer at a time.