Cosplay is all about accuracy—from the wig to the boots and especially the eyes. Colored contact lenses can bring any anime, game, or fantasy character to life. But in the rush of convention prep or a photoshoot, many cosplayers make a critical mistake: they rinse contact lenses with tap water. Whether you’re trying to clean off makeup residue or forgot your lens solution, using tap water might seem harmless. But this simple shortcut could cause permanent damage to your eyes.

In this blog post, we’ll explain why you should never rinse contact lenses with tap water, what can go wrong if you do, and how to care for your cosplay lenses properly.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

What’s Really in Tap Water?

Tap water might look clean and refreshing—but it’s far from sterile. It contains microorganisms and impurities that are completely safe to drink but absolutely unsafe for your eyes. One of the most dangerous is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found in water and soil.

While your stomach can handle these invaders, your eyes cannot. Contact lenses can trap these harmful microorganisms against the surface of your eye, allowing them to grow and cause infections.

Even clear-looking tap water can contain:

• Bacteria and viruses
• Fungi and parasites
• Chlorine, metals, and minerals
• Microscopic debris that can scratch or cloud lenses

This makes it especially risky to rinse contact lenses with tap water, no matter how clean your faucet or bottle water may seem.

The Risks for Cosplay Contact Lens Users

Cosplay contact lenses are often:

• Larger and thicker than standard lenses
• Worn for long hours at conventions or events
• Decorated with colors and patterns that reduce breathability

These factors mean your eyes already face extra stress when wearing costume lenses. If you rinse them with tap water—even just once—you increase the chances of infection and damage significantly.

Cosplayers are also more likely to:

• Wear lenses over heavy makeup
• Remove lenses with unclean hands during a quick change
• Store lenses in rinsed-out cases between events
• Share lenses between friends for the same character

Every one of these habits can compound the dangers of tap water exposure. Once again, never rinse contact lenses with tap water – especially when using lenses designed for cosplay.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: The Infection That Can Cost You Your Sight

One of the most serious risks of using tap water is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but devastating eye infection.

This condition causes inflammation of the cornea and can lead to severe pain, vision loss, and even blindness if left untreated.

Symptoms include:

• Eye redness and excessive tearing
• Blurry or foggy vision
• A sensation of something in your eye
• Light sensitivity
• Eye pain that gets worse over time

This infection is notoriously difficult to treat and may require months of medication, or in extreme cases, corneal transplant surgery.

Many sufferers lose permanent vision in the affected eye. All because they rinsed their contact lenses with tap water.

Common Mistakes Cosplayers Make

Here are a few common cosplay-related lens care errors that can put your eyes at risk:

1. Rinsing lenses with tap water after removing makeup
   • Always use sterile saline or multipurpose contact lens solution.
2. Cleaning the lens case with water
   • Water can introduce bacteria into your storage case.
3. Storing lenses in tap water between events
   • Only use fresh disinfecting solution each time.
4. Using saliva or bottled water in emergencies
   • Saliva carries bacteria, and bottled water isn’t sterile either.
5. Sharing lenses with friends
   • This can transfer bacteria, viruses, and even eye infections.

Each of these can be a gateway to infection—and most involve rinsing or exposing lenses to unclean water.

What to Do If You Accidentally Used Tap Water

Accidents happen. If you realize you rinsed contact lenses with tap water, follow these steps:

1. Remove the lenses immediately.
2. Rinse them thoroughly with multipurpose solution.
3. Soak them for at least 6 hours (or overnight) in fresh disinfecting solution.
4. Monitor your eyes for any irritation, redness, or pain.
5. See an eye doctor at the first sign of discomfort.

If you’re unsure whether the lenses are safe after rinsing them with tap water, it’s better to discard them and replace them than risk your vision.

Safe Practices for Cosplayers

To make sure your cosplay look is both accurate and safe, follow these eye-care tips:

• Always wash and dry hands before touching lenses.
• Use only lens solution approved for soft contacts.
• Clean and dry your lens case daily—no water!
• Replace your cosplay lenses according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Apply makeup after inserting lenses and remove lenses before taking makeup off.
• Carry a mini lens care kit to conventions.
• Never sleep in costume lenses unless specifically designed for extended wear.

Conclusion: Protect Your Vision Like You Protect Your Character

Your cosplay might take hours to perfect, but one wrong step with your contact lenses can undo it all in an instant. Remember this simple rule: never rinse contact lenses with tap water. It’s a shortcut that could cost you your sight.

Take your eye health as seriously as you take your costume design. Whether you’re becoming an elf, a demon slayer, or a superhero—protect your real-life superpower: your vision.

Read More:

• Health Alert – Patients Losing Vision From Using Tap Water With Contact Lenses
• Can You Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses with Contacts?
• Gift Ideas for Cosplayers That Are So Awesome
• The Top 5 Gifts For Every Cosplayer with Colored Contacts Needs
• How Often to Clean Contact Lens Case & How to Store Contact Lens Case?