If you’ve ever worn contact lenses, you know how much freedom they give compared to glasses. But that freedom comes with responsibility, especially when it comes to cleaning and storing your lenses. One of the most common questions people ask is: can you put contacts in water?
It might seem harmless. After all, water is clean enough to drink, bathe in, and brush your teeth with. But when it comes to contact lenses, water is one of the riskiest substances you can expose your eyes to. In fact, eye doctors warn that water—whether from the tap, a bottle, or even a swimming pool—should never touch your lenses.
In this article, we’ll explore why water and contacts don’t mix, what dangers are involved, and what to do if your lenses accidentally come into contact with water.
Why Water and Contacts Don’t Mix
At first glance, water looks pure. It’s clear, refreshing, and something we rely on daily. But what many people don’t realize is that even the cleanest water sources are not sterile. Water contains microscopic organisms and impurities that aren’t a problem when you drink them, but they can become very dangerous when introduced directly to the eyes.
When contact lenses are exposed to water, two major problems occur:
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Lack of Disinfection
Water cannot disinfect or clean contact lenses. Unlike proper contact lens solution, which is formulated to kill bacteria and remove protein buildup, water simply hydrates the lens without removing any harmful organisms.
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Risk of Infection
Microorganisms present in water, especially a parasite called Acanthamoeba, can attach to the surface of contact lenses. If they get trapped between the lens and your eye, they can cause infections, some of which are rare but very serious.
The Threat of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
One of the greatest risks of putting contacts in water is an infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. While it is not common, it is extremely difficult to treat and can lead to severe pain, scarring of the cornea, and in extreme cases, vision loss.
Acanthamoeba is a tiny organism found in lakes, tap water, swimming pools, and even soil. When contact lenses come into contact with contaminated water, the parasite can latch onto the lens surface. Because contacts sit directly on the eye for hours, they create the perfect environment for the parasite to invade the cornea.
Even though this condition is rare, the fact that it can have life-changing consequences is reason enough to take precautions. Eye doctors stress that avoiding water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your risk.
Everyday Situations Where Water Puts You at Risk
You might think that rinsing lenses in tap water is the only danger, but the truth is that there are many situations where water can come into contact with contacts. Here are some of the most common:
- Showering with contacts in – Even a quick shower can allow tap water to seep behind your lenses.
- Swimming with contacts – Whether it’s a pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean, water exposure carries risks. Chlorine doesn’t kill all organisms, and natural water sources are especially full of microorganisms.
- Washing lenses in water – Some people mistakenly rinse their lenses in bottled or distilled water, thinking it’s safe. Unfortunately, no form of water is sterile enough for lens care
- Accidental splashes – Washing your face or getting caught in the rain can also expose lenses to water.
What Happens if You Put Contacts in Water?
If you accidentally rinse or soak your contacts in water, the lenses immediately become unsafe to wear. Even if they look fine, they may have absorbed harmful microorganisms or changed shape slightly. Contacts are designed to hold moisture, which means they also hold onto whatever water they’ve been exposed to.
The safest response is to throw the lenses away and start fresh with a new pair. If you wear daily disposable contacts, this is an easy solution. If you use bi-weekly or monthly lenses, you should still avoid reusing a pair that’s been in contact with water. While it may feel wasteful, it’s a small price to pay compared to the risk of an infection that could damage your eyes.
What Should You Do If It Already Happened?
Accidents happen, and sometimes water exposure is unavoidable. If your lenses have touched water, whether from swimming, showering, or rinsing—you should:
- Remove the lenses immediately. Don’t wait until later in the day.
- Discard the lenses. Even if they look fine, they may be contaminated.
- Clean your lens case thoroughly with fresh contact solution if it comes into contact with water.
- Monitor your eyes. If you experience redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision in the days after water exposure, contact your eye doctor right away. Early treatment is essential for infections.
Safe Alternatives to Water
The only safe liquid for your contact lenses is proper contact solution. It’s specifically designed to clean, disinfect, and hydrate your lenses while keeping your eyes protected. If you run out of solutions, it’s better to keep your lenses out until you can purchase more.
For those who often find themselves in situations where water exposure is likely—such as swimmers or athletes—daily disposable contacts are a great option. They can be worn for a single day and then thrown away, reducing the risks associated with contamination.
For a full overview of safe substitutes and emergency options, check our article: [Contact Solution Alternatives: What Works and What Doesn’t].
Why Contact Solution Is Always the Answer
To put it simply, water doesn’t clean your lenses—contact solution does. Solutions are formulated to mimic the natural pH of tears while including disinfectants that kill bacteria and fungi. They also prevent protein buildup that can make lenses cloudy or uncomfortable.
If you ever find yourself tempted to use water as a quick fix, remember that the risks far outweigh the convenience. A single lapse in lens hygiene can undo years of healthy vision habits.
For more background, see our guide: [What Is Contact Solution?].
FAQs
Is it safe to rinse contacts with bottled water?
No. Bottled water may be filtered, but it isn’t sterile. It still contains microorganisms that can harm your eyes.
Can I swim with contacts in?
Doctors recommend avoiding it. If you must, wear daily disposables and throw them away immediately after swimming. Goggles can also help protect your eyes.
What if my contact case got filled with water by mistake?
Empty it right away, rinse with fresh contact solution, and let it air dry. Replace the case as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Putting contacts in water may seem harmless, but it’s a mistake that can carry serious risks. Water cannot disinfect your lenses, and it can introduce harmful microorganisms that cause painful and potentially vision-threatening infections. Whether it’s tap water, bottled water, or even a swimming pool, the rule is the same: keep your contacts away from water.
The safest approach is to always use the right contact solution, follow proper hygiene practices, and replace your lenses as recommended. Your eyes are too important to risk on shortcuts.
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