The answer to whether you should rinse contact lenses before placing them on the eye is a qualified yes, but the rinse must only be performed with fresh, authorized contact lens solution. This final flush is a protective measure designed to remove any residual debris or lingering chemicals from the overnight cleaning and disinfection process. While the storage solution is formulated to kill microbes, it can sometimes leave behind trace elements that may cause mild irritation or discomfort once the lens is inserted. Following this step helps ensure the lens is clean, comfortable, and ready for wear immediately before it touches the cornea.
The Essential Rinse Before Insertion
The primary purpose of the rinse before insertion is to enhance comfort and safety by clearing the lens surface of material that accumulated during storage. Even after soaking, the lens may have residual cleaning agents, such as traces of hydrogen peroxide or preservatives, that are best flushed away. This step is especially relevant for lenses soaked in hydrogen peroxide-based systems, which require a neutralization period and sometimes a final rinse with saline to prevent stinging upon insertion.
The procedure is simple: remove the lens from the case, cup it in your clean hand, and apply a steady stream of fresh, authorized solution. This final rinse is a brief, flushing action to prepare the disinfected lens for comfortable wear. It should not be confused with the more vigorous “rub and rinse” performed when lenses are taken out at night, which is designed to physically remove protein buildup and biofilm.
The Critical Danger of Tap Water
A strict rule of contact lens care is never to use tap water for rinsing or storing lenses, as this poses a severe health risk. Tap water is not sterile and contains microscopic organisms, including a protozoan called Acanthamoeba. This amoeba is ubiquitous in the environment and can readily adhere to the surface of a contact lens.
The danger lies in the possibility of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but painful and vision-threatening corneal infection. When a lens contaminated with the amoeba is placed on the eye, the organism can invade the cornea, particularly if the eye’s surface has microscopic abrasions. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, this infection can lead to permanent vision loss and, in some cases, the need for a corneal transplant. Beyond the biological risk, tap water also contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can bind to the porous structure of a soft lens, causing deposits that lead to eye irritation and reduced vision quality.
Maintaining Overall Contact Lens Hygiene
Safe rinsing is part of a larger regimen of hygiene that begins before the lens is even touched. Before handling any lens or case, hands must be washed thoroughly with a mild soap and water, then dried completely with a clean, lint-free towel. This prevents the transfer of dirt, oils, and microbes from contaminating the lens surface.
The contact lens case requires daily attention and is a frequent source of contamination if neglected. After the lenses are inserted, the case should be emptied of the old solution, rinsed with fresh disinfecting solution, and then left open to air-dry completely. Air-drying is important because it prevents the growth of moisture-loving bacteria inside the case.
A common mistake is “topping off” the old solution in the case with new solution, which must be strictly avoided. Reusing or mixing old solution significantly reduces the concentration and effectiveness of the disinfectant, allowing microbes to survive and multiply. To minimize risk, the lens case should be replaced entirely on a frequent schedule, typically every one to three months, because biofilms can develop on the plastic surfaces even with proper cleaning.