By Eye Philosophy | Updated Contact Lens Safety Advice
There are just some things that don’t mix — oil and water, orange juice and toothpaste, and most importantly, contact lenses and tap water.
It might seem harmless to rinse your lenses or case with tap water, but doing so poses a serious risk of sight-threatening eye infections. Here’s why it’s never worth the shortcut.
The Invisible Danger: Acanthamoeba
Tap water, along with pool water, shower water, and even bottled water, can contain a microorganism called Acanthamoeba. This microscopic organism can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis — a rare but extremely painful and potentially blinding infection of the cornea.
These infections are difficult to treat, often requiring months of intensive care, and can result in permanent vision damage.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Here are the golden rules to keep your eyes safe:
- Avoid rinsing your contact lenses with tap water
- Do NOT store lenses in water
- Do NOT swim or shower in contact lenses
What Should You Use Instead?
To safely rinse or clean your contact lenses, use a sterile saline solution recommended by your optometrist. Saline is specially formulated to be safe and free of harmful microorganisms.
For daily cleaning and disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide systems like AOSept Hydraglyde are considered one of the most effective options. These systems:
- Kill a broad range of bacteria and microbes (including Acanthamoeba)
- Convert into harmless saline after 6 hours of neutralisation
- Require no rinsing after neutralisation is complete
Follow Your Optometrist’s Advice
Every contact lens wearer should follow the care instructions provided by their optometrist. Using the wrong products or shortcuts can lead to serious complications — and prevention is always easier than treatment.
If you’re ever unsure, ask us. At Eye Philosophy, we’re here to support your vision, safely and clearly.
Protect your eyes – only use approved solutions, and keep water away from your lenses.
Book an appointment if you’re due for a lens check or need help with your cleaning routine.
For more information, you can visit https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/danger-using-tap-water-contact-lenses.