Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to glasses, but improper handling or storage can cause them to dry out. When this happens, you may wonder whether the lens can be safely rehydrated and worn again.
Choosing the best contacts for dry eyes may help improve comfort if your lenses often feel dry during normal wear. However, a lens that has completely dehydrated outside the eye presents a different issue because drying can affect its shape, surface, and overall condition.
The Science of a Dehydrated Lens (It’s More Than Just Add Water)
Soft contact lenses, usually made of a polymer material called hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, are designed to be in a hydrated state. This water content is crucial for their flexibility, shape, and, most importantly, their ability to allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea. When a lens dries out, it’s not just a matter of losing moisture; its fundamental properties are compromised.
At the microscopic level, the intricate polymer structure of the lens changes. It becomes brittle and can warp, altering the precise curvature that is custom-fitted to your eye. Even if the lens appears to return to its original shape after soaking, these microscopic imperfections can persist, which is especially important when reviewing ocular contact lenses that depend on proper surface quality, fit, and stability.
How Rehydration Works
The process of rehydrating a contact lens is simple and includes soaking it in a proper disinfecting solution allowing the hydrogel material to reabsorb the lost moisture. We think of it like a sponge re-plumping with water. However, this rehydration is not a perfect revival. The lens may not rehydrate evenly, leading to subtle changes in its shape and fit. This can affect the quality of your vision and the comfort of the lens on your eye.
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The Expert Consensus & Why You Shouldn't Reuse a Dried-Out Contact
While some research suggests that a 24-hour soak in fresh, sterile contact lens solution might salvage a lens if it shows no visible damage, eye care professionals overwhelmingly advise against it. The risks far outweigh the minimal cost of a new lens.
Dr. Mile Brujic, O.D., of Premier Vision Group, notes that as many as one-third of contact lens wearers experience discomfort. A compromised, rehydrated lens is likely to exacerbate this.
The main dangers of wearing a rehydrated contact lens include:
- Corneal Abrasions: a warped or brittle lens, even with microscopic imperfections, can scratch the delicate surface of your cornea. These abrasions can be painful and create an entry point for bacteria, leading to serious infections.
- Increased Risk of Infection: A dried-out lens is exposed to any and all microorganisms in its environment. Soaking it in solution may not kill all of these contaminants. When you place that lens on your eye, you’re essentially trapping these pathogens against your cornea.
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis: this is a rare but severe and often painful corneal infection that can lead to permanent vision loss. The Acanthamoeba organism is found in water sources, including tap water. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that rinsing or storing contacts in water significantly increases the risk of this infection. A lens that has been out of its case and potentially exposed to various environments could harbor this dangerous amoeba.
- Reduced Oxygen Permeability: the rehydration process may not fully restore the lens’s original oxygen permeability. Reduced oxygen flow to the cornea can lead to a condition called corneal hypoxia, which can cause swelling, discomfort, and blurred vision over time.
In a statement on their site, the American Academy of Ophthalmology gives clear guidelines on contact lens care, emphasizing the use of fresh solution each time and the dangers of using any other liquid, underscoring the importance of a sterile environment for your lenses. While they don’t specifically address rehydrating dried lenses, their stringent recommendations on hygiene point to the significant risks involved.
How to Safely Rehydrate a Dried-Out Lens (If You Absolutely Must)
We’re realists and so we know that despite the risks wearers will still try rehydration, so if you do decide to attempt it, it’s important to do it properly to maximize the chance of a safe result.:
- Inspect the lens first
Before doing anything, examine the dried lens carefully under good light. If you notice any cracks, splits, chips, or jagged edges, do not proceed – a lens in that condition is not fixable or safe to use. Also check if the lens looks distorted or has debris stuck to it. If there’s any visible damage or dirt that won’t rinse off, the lens should be discarded.
- Use only sterile contact lens solution to rehydrate
Never use tap water, bottled water, saliva, or any home brew to moisten the lens – only an approved sterile contact lens solution or saline should touch it. Water and other non-sterile liquids can introduce dangerous microorganisms (like Acanthamoeba or bacteria) that cause serious eye infections. Make sure to use fresh, unexpired multipurpose solution each time. Pour the fresh solution into a clean contact lens case (or other clean container) and place the dried lens in the solution.
- Let it soak for long enough
Close the case and allow the lens to soak undisturbed so it can slowly absorb the solution. Rehydrating isn’t instantaneous – a brittle lens needs time to regain moisture. How long to soak can vary: some sources suggest at least 4–8 hours or overnight, but others recommend a full 24 hours of soaking for a completely dried-out lens. A longer soak ensures the lens rehydrates evenly and also gives the disinfecting solution time to work. Don’t rush this process by poking or flexing the lens; just let it sit in solution.
Preventing Lens Dehydration
Ultimately preventing dehydration is the best strategy. Experts recommend:
- Store lenses in a clean, sealed case filled with fresh contact solution (ContactsDirect Storage Tips).
- Follow replacement schedules (e.g., daily, bi-weekly, monthly).
- Don’t leave lenses out of solution for more than 15–20 minutes, especially in low humidity.
- Choose solutions compatible with your lens type for optimal hydration.
- Clean and replace cases every 3 months to prevent contamination.
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