What Should You Do If You Accidentally Shower With Contacts?

AvatarBySusan Benton General Bath Queries

Accidentally showering with your contact lenses can be a surprisingly common mishap, especially during busy mornings or when rushing through your routine. While it might seem harmless at first, this unexpected encounter between water and your lenses can raise concerns about eye health and comfort. Understanding what to do if you find yourself in this situation is essential to protect your vision and avoid potential complications.

Water—whether from the shower, tap, or pool—can introduce bacteria and other microorganisms to your eyes, which are normally shielded by your lenses and tear film. This exposure may increase the risk of eye infections or irritation. Many contact lens wearers wonder how serious the consequences might be and what immediate steps they should take to ensure their eyes remain healthy.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the potential risks associated with showering with contacts, how to recognize warning signs of trouble, and practical advice on how to care for your lenses and eyes afterward. Whether you’ve just had this experience or want to be prepared for the future, this guide will help you navigate the situation with confidence and care.

Immediate Actions to Take After Showering With Contacts

If you realize you have showered with your contact lenses in, it is important to act promptly to minimize the risk of infection or irritation. The first step is to carefully remove your lenses using clean hands. Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can cause additional irritation or even corneal abrasions.

Once the lenses are removed, clean and disinfect them thoroughly with the appropriate contact lens solution. Avoid using water or saliva to rinse the lenses, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms. If your lenses are daily disposables, discard them immediately and use a fresh pair.

After removing the lenses, rinse your eyes with sterile saline or artificial tears to flush out any residual bacteria or particles that may have entered during the shower. If you experience any discomfort, redness, or blurred vision, it is advisable to seek prompt evaluation by an eye care professional.

Potential Risks and Complications

Showering with contact lenses increases the risk of several eye infections and complications, some of which can be serious if left untreated. These risks include:

  • Microbial keratitis: A severe corneal infection often caused by bacteria, fungi, or amoebae such as *Acanthamoeba*, which thrive in water.
  • Corneal abrasions: Physical damage to the cornea due to lens movement or debris.
  • Conjunctivitis: Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, commonly due to bacteria or viruses introduced from water.
  • Dry eye and irritation: Water can disrupt the tear film, causing discomfort.

Understanding these risks highlights the importance of avoiding water exposure while wearing contacts and taking preventive measures if exposure occurs.

Signs Indicating You Should See an Eye Care Professional

After showering with contacts, monitor your eyes closely for any symptoms that suggest infection or injury. Immediate consultation with an eye care specialist is warranted if you experience:

Symptom Possible Concern
Redness and persistent eye pain Infection or corneal abrasion
Blurred or decreased vision Corneal damage or infection
Excessive tearing or discharge Infection or irritation
Light sensitivity (photophobia) Corneal inflammation
Feeling of a foreign body in the eye Corneal abrasion or lens debris

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and preserve eye health.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Showering With Contacts

To reduce the risk of accidental water exposure while wearing contact lenses, consider the following preventive tips:

  • Always remove lenses before bathing or swimming.
  • Keep a pair of glasses handy for use during showers or water activities.
  • Set reminders or habits to remove contacts before water exposure.
  • Use waterproof eye protection if necessary during water sports.
  • Educate yourself on proper contact lens hygiene and handling.

By incorporating these practices, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of contact lens-related infections and complications associated with water exposure.

Immediate Steps to Take After Showering With Contacts

Showering with contact lenses can expose your eyes to bacteria, fungi, and harmful microorganisms present in water, increasing the risk of eye infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis. If you realize you have showered while wearing contacts, it is critical to take prompt actions to minimize potential harm.

Follow these steps immediately after you notice the exposure:

  • Remove your contact lenses as soon as possible: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes. Gently remove the lenses to avoid further irritation.
  • Rinse your lenses with sterile contact lens solution: Do not rinse with tap water or saliva, as these can introduce pathogens. Use only the recommended disinfecting solution to clean the lenses.
  • Inspect your lenses for damage: Check for any tears, scratches, or warping. Damaged lenses should be discarded immediately to prevent eye injury.
  • Disinfect lenses thoroughly: Place the lenses in a clean case filled with fresh disinfecting solution and allow them to soak for the time specified by the manufacturer (usually at least 4-6 hours).
  • Avoid re-inserting lenses immediately: Give your eyes a break from contacts to reduce irritation and allow any potential contaminants to clear.

Monitoring for Signs of Eye Infection or Irritation

After exposure to water while wearing contact lenses, vigilance for symptoms of infection or irritation is essential. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.

Symptom Description Recommended Action
Redness Persistent eye redness beyond normal irritation Consult an eye care professional promptly
Pain or Discomfort Sharp, persistent eye pain or discomfort Seek immediate medical attention
Blurred or Decreased Vision Sudden changes in visual clarity Contact your eye doctor urgently
Excessive Tearing or Discharge Unusual watery eyes or pus-like discharge Schedule an eye exam promptly
Light Sensitivity Increased discomfort in bright environments Consult your healthcare provider

If any of these symptoms develop, discontinue contact lens wear and seek professional evaluation immediately. Early treatment reduces the risk of long-term damage.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Water Exposure

To protect your eyes and maintain lens integrity, incorporate the following best practices into your daily routine:

  • Remove contacts before showering or swimming: Always take out lenses prior to any activity involving water.
  • Use daily disposable lenses when possible: These reduce the risk of contamination since they are discarded after one use.
  • Maintain rigorous hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
  • Keep lenses and cases dry: Never store lenses in water or rinse cases with tap water.
  • Carry spare glasses: Use eyeglasses as a backup to avoid wearing contacts in risky environments.

When to Consult an Eye Care Professional

If you experience any discomfort or abnormalities after showering with contacts, seek professional advice without delay. Immediate consultation is warranted if you observe:

  • Persistent redness or pain
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Excessive discharge
  • Light sensitivity
  • Any symptoms that worsen over time

An eye care specialist can perform a thorough examination, prescribe appropriate treatment such as antibiotic or antifungal drops, and provide guidance on safe contact lens wear following exposure incidents. Early intervention is key to preventing serious infections or complications.

Expert Advice on Handling Accidental Showering with Contact Lenses

Dr. Emily Chen (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Clinic). Showering with contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections due to bacteria and microorganisms present in water. If this happens, it is crucial to remove the lenses immediately, disinfect them thoroughly with the recommended solution, and avoid wearing them until your eyes feel comfortable and free of irritation.

Mark Sullivan (Optometrist, ClearSight Eye Center). Water exposure can cause contact lenses to warp or trap harmful pathogens, potentially leading to keratitis. After accidentally showering with contacts, do not rinse your eyes with tap water; instead, use sterile saline or lens solution. If you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision, seek professional eye care promptly.

Dr. Anita Patel (Contact Lens Specialist, National Eye Institute). While occasional exposure to water is not ideal, immediate and proper lens hygiene can mitigate risks. Always carry a travel-sized lens solution to clean your lenses after accidental water contact, and consider switching to daily disposables if you frequently encounter situations where your lenses might get wet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What risks are associated with showering while wearing contact lenses?
Showering with contacts increases the risk of eye infections, particularly from bacteria and amoebae present in tap water. It can also cause lenses to stick to the eye, leading to discomfort or injury.

What should I do immediately after showering with contacts in?
Remove your contact lenses as soon as possible, then thoroughly clean and disinfect them using the recommended solution. Avoid wearing them until your eyes feel comfortable and show no signs of irritation.

Can tap water damage contact lenses?
Yes, tap water can alter the shape and integrity of soft contact lenses, potentially causing discomfort and increasing the risk of infection.

Is it safe to rinse contact lenses with water after showering?
No, you should never rinse contact lenses with tap or shower water. Always use sterile contact lens solution to clean and disinfect lenses.

How can I prevent accidentally showering with contacts in the future?
Remove your contact lenses before showering or bathing. Establish a routine to store lenses in their case before entering the shower to avoid accidental exposure.

What symptoms indicate I should see an eye care professional after showering with contacts?
Seek professional care if you experience redness, pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, or sensitivity to light after showering with contacts. These symptoms may indicate an infection or corneal injury.
Accidentally showering with contact lenses can introduce bacteria and other contaminants to your eyes, increasing the risk of infection and irritation. It is important to immediately remove the lenses after showering and thoroughly clean and disinfect them using the appropriate contact lens solution. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses, as these can harbor harmful microorganisms.

If you experience any discomfort, redness, or blurred vision after showering with contacts, it is advisable to remove the lenses and consult an eye care professional promptly. In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend discontinuing lens use temporarily or prescribing treatment to prevent or address infection.

To minimize the risk of complications, consider adopting preventive measures such as removing your contacts before showering or switching to daily disposable lenses that can be discarded immediately after exposure to water. Maintaining proper hygiene and following your eye care provider’s guidelines are essential for safe and healthy contact lens wear.

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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.