The dangers of distilled water in contact lens maintenance.

The reports of serious corneal infection associated with hydrogel lens wear prompted us to explore the level of sterility of the distilled water used by lens wearers in our practice. Fifty patients supplied samples of their partially-used distilled water for testing. Of the samples, 12% were found to be contaminated. Five samples of previously unopened distilled water were tested and no growth was found. We recommend that patients do not use distilled water for the care of hydrogel contact lenses. Rather, sterile unit dose or multi-dose (aerosol) nonpreserved, or preserved salines can be used.