We have all been there. You step into the shower and realize your contacts are still in your eyes.
Do not panic. It happens to almost everyone at some point. Water and lenses are a bad mix, but one mistake does not mean you will get an infection. You just need to act quickly to reduce the risk.
Here is a guide on the immediate steps to take and some best practices to prevent this from happening again.
Step 1: Immediate Action Plan
If you just finished showering and your lenses are still in, follow these steps right away.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Dry Your Hands | Dry your hands completely with a clean towel before you touch your eyes. Water contains bacteria. You do not want to add more germs to your eye. |
| 2. Remove Carefully | Water can make lenses swell and stick to your eye. If the lens feels stuck, do not pull it. Use rewetting drops or saline to float the lens first. Then gently take it out. |
| 3. Throw Them Away | This is the most important step. Do not put these lenses back in your eyes. Even if you clean them, germs can survive in the lens material. Throw them in the trash. |
| 4. Monitor Your Eyes | Pay attention to your eyes for the next 24 hours. If you feel pain, light sensitivity, or redness, call your optometrist right away. |
Why Water is a Problem
You might wonder why shower water is dangerous if it is safe to drink.
Tap water is not sterile. It contains tiny microorganisms and bacteria. These are harmless to your stomach but dangerous for your eyes.
Soft contact lenses act like a sponge. They absorb water and the bacteria inside it. The lens then holds these germs against the surface of your eye. This traps them there and increases the chance of infection. The most serious risk is a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba. It lives in tap water and can cause severe eye pain or vision loss if it infects your cornea.
Best Practices for Water Safety
Accidents happen. The best way to protect your vision is to build good habits. Here are some simple tips to keep your lenses away from water.
Create a “Glasses First” Routine
Make it a habit to take your contacts out as soon as you get home. Put your glasses on before you start your evening routine. This prevents you from absentmindedly stepping into the shower with your lenses still in.
Keep Your Case Visible
Leave your contact lens case right next to your toothbrush or on the bathroom counter. A visual reminder helps you remember to take your lenses out before you wash your face or shower.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Keep a spare lens case and a small travel bottle of solution in your gym bag. If you decide to hit the showers after a workout, you will have a safe place to store your lenses.
Use Prescription Goggles for Swimming
Pools and lakes are full of bacteria. If you need to see while you swim, prescription goggles are the safest choice. They keep water out of your eyes completely.
Consider Daily Disposable Lenses
If you are very active or spend a lot of time near water, daily lenses are a great solution. You wear a fresh pair every day. If you accidentally get them wet, you just throw them away and put in a fresh, sterile pair. There is no need to clean or store them.
Warning Signs to Watch For
If your lenses touched water, watch your eyes closely for the next day. Call your eye doctor immediately if you notice:
- Redness that does not go away
- Eye pain or soreness
- Blurry vision
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing or discharge
Acting fast is the best way to prevent a small issue from becoming a big problem.
