Updated: January 20, 2026
No, you should never clean or store contact lenses with water. Whether it is tap, bottled, distilled, or lake water, it is not sterile and contains microorganisms that can cause sight-threatening infections.
- Avoid Acanthamoeba –Â This water-borne parasite can become trapped between the lens and your cornea, leading to Acanthamoeba Keratitis, a painful infection that is difficult to treat and can cause permanent blindness.
- Prevent Lens Damage –Â Tap water is not pH-balanced or osmotically compatible with your eyes. It can cause soft lenses to swell, shrink, or change shape, making them uncomfortable and dangerous to wear.
- Stop Bacterial Biofilms –Â Microorganisms in water can stick to the surface of the lens and the lens case, creating a film that is resistant to standard cleaning later on.
- Discard Exposed Lenses –Â If your lenses accidentally come into contact with water, the safest course of action is to discard them immediately and replace them with a fresh, sterile pair.
- Use Only Approved Solutions –Â Always use a sterile multi-purpose solution or hydrogen peroxide system specifically formulated for contact lenses to rinse, clean, and disinfect.
Using water is one of the most significant risk factors for serious eye complications. Always keep a travel-sized bottle of contact lens solution and a clean case with you to avoid the temptation of using water in an emergency.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
Arshad M, et al. Compliance and behavioral risk factors for contact lens-related microbial keratitis (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33211568/). 2021.
Zimmerman AB, et al. Water and contact lenses, A review (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28212176/). 2017.
Carnt N, et al. Acanthamoeba Keratitis Risk Factors for Daily Wear Contact Lens Users, A Case Control Study (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35952937/). 2023.
