What if I Accidentally Shower With Contacts in
If you accidentally shower with your contacts in, don’t panic but remove them as soon as possible. Water isn’t sterile and can introduce harmful microbes that cling to your lenses, increasing the risk of infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. Water can also make lenses swell or change shape, causing discomfort and blurry vision. Avoid rinsing lenses with tap water and use sterile solutions instead. Knowing how water affects your lenses and eyes can help you protect your vision moving forward.
How Water Affects Contact Lenses
Although it might seem harmless, exposing your contact lenses to water can cause serious problems. Water, whether tap, shower, or pool water, isn’t sterile and contains microorganisms that can cling to your lenses.
When you wear lenses exposed to water, these microbes can lead to eye infections, some of which are severe. Water can also cause your lenses to swell or warp, making them uncomfortable and reducing your vision quality.
Additionally, water may wash away the cleaning solutions designed to keep your lenses safe and moist, leaving them dry and more prone to damage. To protect your eyes, always remove your contacts before any water exposure and use proper cleaning solutions afterward to maintain eye health and lens integrity.
Risks of Showering With Contacts
Because shower water isn’t sterile, wearing contacts while showering puts you at risk of serious eye infections. Shower water can carry harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, which can cling to your lenses and cause painful keratitis.
When these organisms get trapped between your contact lens and your eye, they create a perfect environment for infection. You might also experience irritation, redness, or blurred vision as a result.
Besides infections, the water can alter your lens’ shape or cause it to stick to your eye, leading to discomfort or damage. To protect your eyes, avoid exposing your contacts to any water source, including showers.
If you accidentally shower with them in, remove and disinfect them promptly, or replace them if recommended by your eye care professional.
Common Types of Contact Lenses and Water Exposure
When you wear different types of contact lenses, their materials and designs react differently to water exposure. Soft lenses, made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, are more prone to absorbing water. This absorption can cause them to swell, change shape, and reduce oxygen permeability, leading to discomfort or blurry vision.
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, however, resist water absorption better and maintain their shape, but they can still trap water underneath, which may irritate your eye. Daily disposable lenses are designed for single use and aren’t meant for water exposure, increasing the risk of contamination.
Extended wear lenses, worn for longer periods, are especially vulnerable since water exposure can promote bacterial growth on them. Knowing your lens type helps you understand the risks and how water affects your eye health.
Potential Eye Infections From Water Contamination
If you shower with your contacts in, you increase the chance of exposing your eyes to harmful microorganisms found in water. Tap water, pools, and hot tubs can harbor bacteria, fungi, and parasites like Acanthamoeba, which can cling to your lenses.
These microbes can cause serious infections, some difficult to treat, potentially leading to vision loss. Contact lenses can trap water against your eyes, creating a breeding ground for these pathogens.
Even brief exposure increases your risk, so it’s best to avoid wearing lenses while showering. If you do get water in your eyes with contacts, remove and disinfect your lenses promptly or use a fresh pair.
Taking these precautions helps protect your eyes from infections caused by water contamination.
Signs Your Eyes May Be Irritated or Infected
Exposure to waterborne microorganisms while showering with contacts can lead to eye irritation or infection. You might notice redness, which often signals inflammation or infection. If your eyes feel itchy, gritty, or like there’s something stuck in them, don’t ignore it.
Excessive tearing or discharge—especially if it’s yellow or green—can also indicate infection. Blurred vision or sensitivity to light are warning signs you shouldn’t overlook. Pain or discomfort beyond mild irritation suggests you need to pay attention.
These symptoms can appear hours or even days after exposure. If you experience any combination of these signs, it’s important to monitor your eyes closely. Early recognition helps prevent complications, so trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Immediate Steps to Take After Showering With Contacts
Though showering with contacts can increase the risk of eye irritation or infection, you can take quick, effective steps immediately afterward to protect your eyes. First, remove your lenses as soon as possible to prevent trapped water from causing discomfort or bacterial growth. Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can worsen irritation.
Rinse your lenses with a sterile contact lens solution—never use tap water—to clean away any contaminants. If you don’t have solution handy, discard the lenses and use a fresh pair.
After lens removal, flush your eyes gently with sterile saline or artificial tears to soothe irritation and wash out any residual water or debris. Monitor your eyes closely for redness, pain, or unusual discharge, and consult your eye care professional promptly if symptoms develop.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Water Contact With Lenses
Taking immediate action after showering with contacts helps reduce risks, but preventing water from touching your lenses in the first place is even better. Always remove your contacts before stepping into the shower or bath.
If you find it hard to remember, store your lenses and solution near your sink as a visual reminder. Avoid swimming or hot tubs while wearing contacts, as water exposure increases infection risk.
If you use daily disposables, consider switching to them for convenience and hygiene. Never rinse or store lenses in tap water. Instead, use sterile contact lens solution.
Finally, practice good hand hygiene before handling your lenses to minimize bacteria transfer.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
If you notice redness, pain, or blurred vision after showering with your contacts, you should consult an eye care professional promptly. These symptoms may indicate an infection or corneal irritation that needs immediate attention.
Also, seek help if you experience persistent discomfort, dryness, or sensitivity to light, as these signs could signal complications. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen; early evaluation can prevent serious issues.
Even if you feel fine, a routine check-up after water exposure is wise since microbes can silently cause damage. When you visit, be honest about showering with your lenses so the professional can provide the best care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Swimming Pools Cause More Damage to Contacts Than Shower Water?
Yes, swimming pools can cause more damage to your contacts than shower water because they contain chlorine, bacteria, and other chemicals. These irritants can stick to your lenses, increasing infection risk and eye discomfort.
Are Daily Disposable Lenses Safer for Accidental Water Exposure?
Yes, daily disposables are safer if you accidentally expose them to water since you toss them after one use, reducing infection risk. Still, avoid water contact to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Does Shower Temperature Affect Contact Lens Safety?
Yes, shower temperature can affect your contact lens safety. Hot water may cause lenses to warp or irritate your eyes, increasing infection risk. You should avoid exposing your lenses to water at any temperature to protect your eyes.
Can Using Saline Solution After Water Exposure Help Disinfect Lenses?
You can use saline solution after water exposure, but it won’t disinfect your lenses properly. It’s best to clean and disinfect contacts with an appropriate solution designed for that purpose to avoid infection risks.
Are Certain Lens Materials More Resistant to Water Damage?
Yes, silicone hydrogel lenses resist water damage better than traditional hydrogel lenses. You should still avoid water exposure because bacteria can cling to any lens surface, increasing infection risks despite material resistance.
Conclusion
If you accidentally shower with your contacts in, don’t panic but take action quickly. Water can introduce harmful bacteria and cause irritation or infection, so remove your lenses as soon as possible and clean them properly. Watch for redness, discomfort, or blurry vision, and if symptoms persist, see your eye care professional right away. To protect your eyes, always remove contacts before showering or swimming and handle them with clean, dry hands.
