Water. It’s everywhere—hydrating, refreshing. But can it be used for cleaning contact lenses? For many contact lens wearers, this question pops up when they run out of cleaning solution or are simply caught in a pinch. The idea seems simple: water is clean enough to drink, so why not use it to clean lenses? However, the truth about water and contact lenses is more complicated, and unfortunately, riskier, than you might expect. Let’s dive into the science, the real medical scenarios, and what experts have to say.
The Science Behind Water and Contact Lenses
First things first, the problem with using water isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about composition. Tap water, bottled water, even purified water, is not sterile. They all contain microorganisms and impurities that can be harmful to your eyes.
Fact 1: Microbial Contamination
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water—even if it’s treated—can contain bacteria, fungi, and parasites that could attach to your contacts and lead to severe eye infections. In fact, one of the most notorious pathogens found in water is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis. This rare but serious eye infection can be devastating, leading to vision loss if left untreated.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is not some rare medical urban legend. It happens more often than you might think. In the U.S., about 85% of Acanthamoeba keratitis cases occur in contact lens wearers, with an estimated annual incidence of 1 to 2 per million contact lens users. It may sound small, but for those who end up affected, the consequences can be life-changing.
Real Medical Situations and Examples
Case Study: Severe Infections from Water Contamination
In 2018, The British Journal of Ophthalmology reported multiple cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis linked to the use of tap water for cleaning contact lenses. One patient, a 32-year-old woman, faced months of treatment and ultimately required a corneal transplant. The patient admitted that she had regularly rinsed her lenses with tap water. She experienced intense pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision before the diagnosis was confirmed. This example showcases how an innocent habit can lead to serious consequences for one’s eye health.
Dr. Jennifer Ross, an optometrist with over 15 years of experience, explains, “Contact lenses are like sponges. They absorb water along with everything in it. If you’re cleaning them with anything other than sterile solution, you’re essentially risking an infection with every blink.” Dr. Ross goes on to mention that even distilled water can host harmful pathogens because it lacks the disinfecting properties required to neutralize bacteria and amoebae.
Why Your Contact Lenses and Water Don’t Mix
There are several reasons water is a terrible substitute for contact lens solution. Here are some key facts to consider:
- Osmotic Imbalance: Contact lenses are designed to absorb and retain moisture, but the moisture should ideally come from a sterile, balanced saline solution. Tap water has an osmotic imbalance that can cause lenses to warp, stick to the cornea, or even damage the delicate surface of the eye.
- Bacterial Adhesion: In a study published by Clinical Ophthalmology, it was shown that water can actually increase the chance of bacterial adhesion to your lenses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium commonly found in water, is a leading cause of bacterial keratitis in contact lens wearers. In the study, lenses exposed to water had a significantly higher rate of bacterial attachment compared to those exposed only to saline solution.
- Soft Lenses Are Particularly Vulnerable: Soft contact lenses are especially susceptible because of their porous structure, which allows pathogens to be absorbed easily. If you expose your soft lenses to water, you’re turning them into a breeding ground for microbes.
What About Swimming with Contacts?
Another common misconception is that swimming with contacts in is safe as long as you keep your eyes closed. This is a myth. Even swimming pools—which are chemically treated—pose a risk due to chlorine, which doesn’t kill all types of pathogens.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) strongly advises against swimming with contacts, as this can result in eye irritation and increase the risk of infections. Even worse is swimming in natural bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, which are full of protozoa and bacteria.
One patient, a 29-year-old male, faced a serious corneal ulcer after swimming in a lake while wearing his contacts. The ulcer was linked to Pseudomonas contamination, and despite intensive antibiotic therapy, the patient suffered from permanent vision loss in one eye.
Stats You Should Know
- 33% of contact lens wearers in the U.S. admit to using water to clean their lenses at least once, according to a survey by Contact Lens and Anterior Eye journal.
- 47% of wearers are unaware that water can pose a significant risk to their eye health.
- Only 15% of contact lens users strictly follow the recommended cleaning practices as per their eye care professional.
Expert Opinions on Cleaning Practices
Optometrists have repeatedly emphasized the importance of using only the correct solutions for cleaning and storing contact lenses. Dr. Michael Hernandez, a cornea specialist, points out, “Contact lens solution is designed not just to clean but to disinfect. It’s the only way to ensure your lenses are free from harmful microorganisms. Water is not an acceptable alternative—not even for a quick rinse.”
In a recent survey among eye care professionals, 98% agreed that improper cleaning habits, particularly using water, are among the leading causes of preventable eye infections in contact lens wearers.
Our Editorial Advice
If you’re a contact lens wearer, don’t cut corners when it comes to cleaning. Contact lens solution may not always be the most convenient option, but it’s the safest. Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t wash a surgical instrument with tap water, why would you do that with something that touches your eye every day? Invest in proper contact lens hygiene—your vision is worth it.
Remember, your eyes don’t grow back or regenerate—take care of them by following best practices. Always use sterile solutions, never use water, and avoid swimming with your lenses in. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your lens care routine, reach out to your eye care professional for guidance.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, but keep that water away from your contact lenses!