So, you accidentally wore contacts in the shower. This has happened to the best of us. The immediate reaction is mixed. Mild panic? Disgust? Or, perhaps you’re like me, oblivious to the risks you just exposed yourself to.
Should you worry? The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors. Let’s get into it!
First Steps
Once you realize you’ve still got your contacts on while in the shower, get out and remove them immediately. Exposure to moisture and possible contaminants, even at lukewarm temperatures, can create an environment attractive to bacteria.
Many people assess the damage, looking for tears, cracks, and debris, then proceed with cleaning and storing the lenses. Instead, we recommend that you err on the side of caution and replace your lenses.
If you choose to proceed with cleaning your contacts, be sure to follow the recommended lens handling procedure.
- Wash your hands.
- Gently remove the lenses and rinse them with a multipurpose contact lens solution.
- Place the lenses back in their case, then soak them in the same solution.
Avoid using tap water for any of this, as it often contains harmful microorganisms.
Potential Risks
Why do we recommend discarding the lenses? There are several risks when showering with your contacts:
- Lens Damage: Your lenses can warp or get damaged by the pressure and heat from shower sprays. Likewise, if you’re exposed to moisture and increased temperature for an extended period, you’re risking deforming your contact lenses.
- Microbial Contamination: Shower water may look clean, but it’s only treated to be safe for external use, not for your eyes. It often contains fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause problems should they land on your lenses. People who are prone to eye infections or have a compromised immune system are particularly at risk.
- Infection: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but potentially sight-threatening infection that is caused by a single-celled organism found in water. The risk is low with shower water, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution, in case the water is contaminated.
- Chemical Irritation: Certain products used in showers can also cause problems if they come into contact with your eyes. Shampoos, conditioners, and body washes contain chemicals that irritate the eyes. It’s worse if you happen to wear lenses when this occurs. Trapped under your contacts, these chemicals can cause redness, discomfort, and inflammation. They can also damage your contact lenses.
Symptoms To Watch For
After you accidentally wear contacts in the shower, be vigilant. Watch out for any symptoms of irritation or infection:
- Redness: Look for redness in the white of your eye or the surrounding conjunctiva (the thin membrane lining your eyelids and eyeball).
- Itching: Notice the feeling of something being in your eye, any discomfort, or persistent itchiness.
- Pain: Do you feel any pain in the eye? This can be sharp or dull.
- Discharge: Look out for pus-like discharge from the eye.
- Blurred Vision: Is your visual clarity noticeably decreased?
- Sensitivity to Light: Are you suddenly feeling increased discomfort in bright light (photophobia)?
When To Consult an Eye Doctor
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, especially:
- Pain
- Eye discharge
- Blurred vision
Head to your eye doctor. Avoid complications by getting diagnosed and treated early. Book an eye exam ASAP!
How To Avoid Doing It Again
Here are a few things you can do to prevent making this mistake again:
- Create a pre-shower routine, and stick to it: Make it a habit to remove your contacts before stepping into the shower. It might take some getting used to, but small steps, such as keeping your lens case nearby, can help.
- Visual Reminders: Something as simple as a Post-it note on the mirror can serve as a prompt to remove your contacts before showering. Alternatively, try leaving yourself a note on a small whiteboard or corkboard.
- Daily Disposable Lenses: If you don’t want the hassle of remembering to take out your lenses, daily disposables are a low-maintenance alternative.
TL;DR Summary
If you accidentally wore contacts in the shower, don’t beat yourself up. Mistakes happen. Just take action!
- Remove your lenses immediately.
- To be on the safe side, replace the lenses.
- At the very least, you must inspect the lenses for damage.
- Monitor your eyes for the next few days.
Possible Risks
- Tap water isn’t sterile. It can contain contaminants that can create a bacteria-friendly environment.
- Possible risks include: microbial contamination, chemical irritation, lens damage, and infection.
Prevention is ideal, of course. Create a routine or post reminders so that removing your contacts before showering becomes a habit. Alternatively, consider using daily disposable lenses and replacing them after each shower.
