Can You Rehydrate Already Dried-Out Contacts?

Have you ever woken up to your contact lenses left out in the open or sitting in an empty case? It’s a frustrating moment, especially if you were counting on them for the day ahead. You might be wondering: Can I rehydrate my dried-out contacts and still wear them safely?

The answer is, unfortunately, not a simple yes or no. It depends on the circumstances of how you found them, and there are other issues to address as well, such as if you can save them even after long periods of dehydration and how to avoid this problem in the future.

Why Contact Lenses Need Moisture to Stay Safe and Effective

Contact lenses are meant to stay hydrated, that way they can keep their flexibility, shape, and breathability (for your eyes).

When lenses are properly stored in solution, they stay soft, smooth, and, most importantly, safe, but once they’re exposed to air for too long, especially outside of a sterile case, they begin to dry out and become brittle.

When lenses dry out:

• They can warp, crack, or tear
• They may no longer fit your eye correctly
• They become more likely to scratch the surface of your eye (your cornea)
• They are more prone to bacterial contamination

Once this happens, wearing dried-out lenses can result in irritation, blurred vision, eye infections, or, in more serious cases, long-term damage.

What Happens If You Try to Wear Dried-Out Contacts?

Dried contact lenses may look harmless, but they often aren’t safe to use. Even if the lenses appear intact, the drying process can create microscopic cracks or stiffness that irritate the surface of your eye.

Wearing a dried-out lens, even briefly, can lead to:

• Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye)
• Eye infections, such as keratitis
• Burning, stinging, or excessive tearing
• Increased risk of lens tearing while in your eye

If the contact lens is damaged in any way, do not try to wear it. It’s not worth the risk.

Can You Rehydrate a Dried Contact Lens?

In some cases, and only under the right conditions, you might be able to rehydrate a dried-out contact lens.

Here’s when rehydration might be safe:

• The lens was left in a case but the solution dried up
• The lens was not exposed to dirt, dust, or unclean surfaces
• The lens shows no visible damage (cracks, tears, scratches, warping)

It's important to keep in mind that while this method is quite effective, it's not guaranteed to work every time. So, it's best to think of it as a strong possibility rather than a sure thing. 

How to Rehydrate a Dry Contact Lens

If you believe the lens is salvageable, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Clean your lens case and fill it with fresh multipurpose contact lens solution
3. Gently place the dried lens into the case
4. Let it soak for at least 2–24 hours
5. After soaking, inspect the lens for any signs of damage
6. If the lens looks intact, gently rub and rinse it again before wearing

If the lens still feels stiff or uncomfortable after rehydrating, throw it out and use a new one. Most importantly, never use water, saliva, or expired solution to rehydrate or store contact lenses. These can introduce dangerous bacteria or damage the lens material.

When Should You Throw Away a Dried-Out Contact Lens?

There are times when it's safer to say goodbye. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is best to say goodbye to your lenses:

• The lens was left on a countertop, desk, or bathroom sink
• You’re unsure how long it’s been exposed to air
• The lens feels stiff or uneven after soaking
• You see visible cracks, chips, or tears
• It doesn't feel comfortable in your eye after cleaning

A new pair of contacts costs far less than a trip to the eye doctor to treat an infection or eye injury. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to Prevent Contact Lenses from Drying Out

The best way to avoid this issue altogether is through proactive contact lens care:

• Always store your lenses in a clean case filled with fresh solution
• Never reuse solution. Always discard old solution daily and use fresh multipurpose solution every time
• Close the lens case tightly to prevent evaporation
• Keep your lenses submerged fully in solution at all times
• Replace your lens case every 3 months
• Don’t wear lenses overnight unless they are specifically approved for extended wear

The good news is these simple habits drastically reduce the risk of contamination and dryness, which, in turn, keeps your eyes safe and your vision clear.

Why You Shouldn’t Take Shortcuts With Eye Health

It’s tempting to cut corners to save a few dollars or avoid the hassle of finding a new pair of contacts, but your eyes are incredibly sensitive. Once they’re damaged, your vision may not fully recover. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so always avoid shortcuts.

Complications from dried or contaminated lenses include:

• Bacterial keratitis (a serious corneal infection)
• Corneal ulcers
• Chronic dry eye
• Blurred or distorted vision

That’s why we always recommend erring on the side of caution. If you’re not 100% sure your contact lens is safe, it’s best to open a fresh pair.

Choose Safe, Comfortable Contacts

Your vision is extremely important, and keeping it safe is a top priority. Blue Planet Optics offers top-rated lenses from trusted brands, sustainable packaging, and various resources to help you wear your contact lenses safely and confidently.

Looking for more care tips? Visit our contact lens blog for in-depth articles on eye health, product comparisons, and everyday wellness tips for contact lens wearers.

In sum, yes, it is possible to rehydrate a dried-out contact lens in rare cases, but the safest choice is often the simplest one, and in this common case, the solution is to replace the lens with a fresh pair. Your eyes will thank you.

At Blue Planet Optics, our goal is to make it easy to find affordable, high-quality contact lenses delivered to your door, all with a focus on sustainability, transparency, and real care for your eyes.

Need help choosing lenses or learning how to care for them? Feel free to contact us or visit our blog for more guides.

FAQs: Rehydrating and Caring for Dried Contact Lenses

Q: Can I rehydrate a dried-out contact lens and wear it again?

A: Possibly, but only if it dried out in a clean, closed case and shows no signs of damage. Soak it in fresh multipurpose solution for several hours or overnight. If the lens is warped or uncomfortable, do not use it.

Q: What should I do if my contacts feel dry while I’m wearing them?

A: Remove the lenses and rinse them with contact lens solution. You can also apply preservative-free artificial tears labeled for contact lens use. If dryness continues, discard the lens and switch to a fresh one.

Q: Can I rehydrate dried-out lenses with water or saliva?

A: No. Never use water, bottled water, or saliva to clean or store your contacts. These can introduce harmful microorganisms and increase the risk of eye infection.

Q: Is it safe to store lenses in hydrogen peroxide solution overnight?

A: Hydrogen peroxide solutions are good disinfectants, but they need a special neutralizing step before use. Never put lenses directly from hydrogen peroxide into your eyes unless they’ve been neutralized. Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for rehydrating dried-out lenses.

Q: What if I don’t have contact solution? What can I use temporarily?

A: In an emergency, sterile saline (not tap water) can be used to keep lenses moist for a short time. However, saline does not disinfect. Replace with proper contact lens solution as soon as possible and avoid wearing lenses stored in saline until they’ve been disinfected.

Published: October 15, 2025