Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Washing eyes with tap water

Hi everyone, I have been washing my eyes with tap water for the last few years....not every single day but often as I’m always worried that i have something in my eyes not knowing till now that is actually not a good thing as tap water not clean or has a good ph. Only now I realise why my eyes were itchy after splashing them with tap water as I was irritating them; I noticed few years ago that I’m sensitive to light.....like can’t look at the blue sky as seems so bright sometimes. Does anyone think i damaged my eta by doing so ? Due to my paranoia of washing my eyes I went to an eye doctor 2 years ago for a check up  and he couldn’t find anything so I’m wondering if i did damage my eye would the eye doctor should have spotted something ? Thx
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
177275 tn?1511755244
If you live in a developed country it's not likely that tap water would damage the eye. In undeveloped countries the water can be contaminated with bacteria and fungi.  Stop doing it and use artificial tears or commercial sterile eye wash. 2 years is a long time. If they are bothering you have a repeat eye exam.
Helpful - 0
8 Comments
Thank you, I learned something new today.....does it mean if is unlikely to damage them as you stated because unlikely in developed country the water is contaminated....but if the water not contaminated can you still effect in some ways the lens cells like some random sites keep saying as even contaminated water does not have enough salt and the ph not ideal ? Also dosent really bothers me....when I did it would irritate my eyes a bit and felt a sharp feeling like when you have conjunctivitis but then will go away. To conclude and sorry for the long message but many will learn from your replies ...is unlike become blind from my case and if I did have an exham as per your advice if I had anything wrong will it show ? Thank you.
First of all that is a rare way to injure the eyes. Damage usually comes from people rinsing contact lens in tap water rather that contact solution. If you eyes are white and clear and you see well, quit worrying but stop doing it. If your eyes are red and you don't see well see an ophthalmologist an exam 2 years ago isn't enough. There are a lot of things in the world to worry about, I think this is taking too much of your time
I completely agree that I’m spending too much time worrying , unfortunately I have been like that most of my life ( I’m 39 ) ..... my mum also has those worrying issues. I think myself as an intelligent person but when the irrational part of my brain takes control well not an easy task to take the control back, but I’m really trying ; obviously your replies are helping a lot. Why rinsing contact lens with tap water  rather then contact solution can cause damage as you said and not washing eyes with water like I have done it for sometime ?  A reaction between water and contact lenses pheraps ? Thx and this is my final question. Look forward to read your reply and thanks for supporting many people like me on this amazing site. Sometime a simple explanation from specialist like yourself can reassure so much so I thank you.
The contact lens often causes microabrasions to cornea and hold bacteria/fungus over the abrasion for hours on end. Same thing swimming in ponds/rivers/creeks.    You should not have to go through your life dealing with this level of anxiety. take this in a constructive way. I would suggest you see a psychiatrist. I think you would benefit enormously from anti-anxiety medication and perhaps cognitive behavior therapy.
I understand now. In regards about living like this well I couldn’t agree more and I did start few years ago a cbt therapy thru the U.K  nhs and I was assigned for 3 months and gave up after 3 session simply because I didn’t believe the method....well how silly was that as I should have completed and then make a judgment....I felt ungrateful as I may have took away a space for someone that may need it and wanted help. Also as you probably know is a free service and i should have used it as I can’t afford a private doctor. Will apply again but now with coronavirus Issues I may not be so lucky to have a session soon. Also I’m even worried of medication that I know for a fact that they can help but I have this belief that are not healthy for your body but surely severe anxiety can do more damage in the long run.  What I’m trying to undertstand is if I did damage my eyes with so many years of repetitive washing my eyes with tap water, well if I go for an eye exam with an Optician will he be able to see any damage or some kind of damage maybe they will not show with a standard eye test and they can show years later maybe? Is the eye like a lung that even after a damage can heal itself ?I’m trying to end this horrible chapter of my life.
Thank you
Time to move on. Yes an ophthalmologist could tell if there was injury to eye from tap water but HIGHLY UNLIKELY.  Stop obsessing
Cool. Thank you
Yes stay COOL
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community

Top General Health Answerers
177275 tn?1511755244
Kansas City, MO
Avatar universal
Grand Prairie, TX
Avatar universal
San Diego, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.