How Safe Is It To Rinse Your Eyes With Tap Water?

Name: Miamisburg Vision Care
Address: 340 Alexandersville Rd, Miamisburg, Ohio, 45342, United States
Telephone: (937) 866-3471

Our eyes can be exposed to irritants daily — dust, smoke, allergens, and more. When that happens, many people instinctively reach for tap water to rinse them out. But is that safe?

For Non-Contact Lens Wearers

For people who do not wear contact lenses, rinsing the eyes with clean tap water is generally acceptable in a pinch — such as when a foreign substance gets in the eye. If a chemical gets in the eye, flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical care immediately.

For Contact Lens Wearers

Rinsing eyes with tap water is not recommended for contact lens wearers. Tap water can contain microorganisms that are normally harmless but can cause severe eye infections — including acanthamoeba keratitis — when trapped under a contact lens against the cornea. Always use sterile saline or contact lens solution instead.

Better Alternatives

Use sterile saline solution or contact lens solution for rinsing
Use preservative-free artificial tears to soothe dry or irritated eyes
Consult your eye doctor before using any over-the-counter eye drops

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If you experience severe pain, blurred vision, redness, swelling, or sensitivity to light that does not resolve quickly, contact Miamisburg Vision Care in Miamisburg at (937) 866-3471 to schedule an appointment.