[Clinical Edge] What Should You Do If Water Gets Into Your Eye After Cataract Surgery?

 After cataract surgery, many patients worry when water accidentally gets into their eye while washing their face or taking a shower.

The good news is that a small amount of clean water entering the eye once does not automatically mean there is a problem. The most important thing is knowing what to do afterward and avoiding unnecessary irritation.

Do Not Rub Your Eye

If water gets into your eye after cataract surgery, avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.

Immediately after surgery, the small incision used during cataract surgery is still healing. Rubbing your eye can cause unnecessary mechanical stress and may increase irritation.

Instead, stay calm and avoid touching the eye.

Gently Dry Only the Area Around Your Eye

You do not need to clean inside your eye.

Avoid using cotton swabs, tissues, or your fingers to wipe the surface of your eye. Simply use a clean tissue or gauze to gently dry the skin around your eye if water has run down your face.

Continue Your Prescribed Eye Drops as Usual

Many patients wonder whether they should use extra eye drops after water enters the eye.

In most cases, you do not need to add extra doses or change your medication schedule just because a small amount of water entered your eye.

Continue using your prescribed postoperative eye drops according to your surgeon’s instructions.

When Should You Contact Your Eye Doctor?

Although most accidental water exposure does not cause serious problems, you should contact your ophthalmologist if you experience any warning signs, including:

  • Water from a potentially contaminated source entered your eye
  • You strongly rubbed or pressed your eye afterward
  • Increasing eye pain
  • Sudden decrease in vision
  • Severe redness
  • New discharge from the eye

These symptoms may require an eye examination to rule out complications such as infection or inflammation.

How Can You Prevent This After Surgery?

During the early recovery period after cataract surgery, try to prevent water from directly entering your eye.

Helpful precautions include:

  • Avoid directing shower water toward your face
  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding face washing and hair washing
  • Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and other environments with higher infection risks until your doctor allows them

The exact timing for these precautions can vary depending on your surgery and your surgeon’s recommendations.

The Bottom Line

If a small amount of clean water accidentally gets into your eye after cataract surgery, it is usually not an emergency.

The best response is simple:

Do not rub your eye, gently dry the area around it, and continue your prescribed eye drops normally.

However, if you develop pain, worsening redness, discharge, or sudden vision changes, contact your eye doctor promptly.

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