Is it safe to use tap water in the eyes?

[Dude1238]

Hello dear doctor. Today I did something dangerous. My eyes were so itchy so I used my bathroom sink water to wash my eyes for 2 minutes. It felt uncomfortable for 5 minutes. But later on I was thinking did I put myself at risk for Acanthamoeba keratitis?the parasite infection.i know I should of used commercial eye wash but I did not have it. I later bought one. But it made my eyes dry and felt I chased irritation. Did that increase me having Acanthamoeba keratitis since the eye wash irritated my eye. I'm worried. As always your answer will be appreciated.

[JohnHaganMD]

I have never heard, read or taken care of a patient that got Acath.  as you describe. The cases I've seen swimming in a pond with contacts in,  Even then its relatively rare.   I suspect you will have a hard time finding a normal eye that got Acath from tap water in their eye.

[Dude1238]

Thanks doctor JohnHagan wish you the best. Please don't hesitate to inform me more. Thank you

[JohnHaganMD]

You are welcome.  

[JohnHaganMD]

The answer is no different than when you posted a similar situation Sept 2019.  Looking at some of your posts this is the least risk of infection you have posted.

[Dude1238]

I read online that any irritation or small tiny microscopic scratches could get you Acanthamoeba keratitis if exposed to tap water. I'm sure my eye was irritated afterwards. So I'm scared.

[JohnHaganMD]

Lighten up and learn to deal with your anxieties.  Extraordinarily unlikely.

[Dude1238]

Doctor please if you can only give me a reason why I shouldn't worry about this event. I promise i will leave you alone. I don't want to go see a doctor now for my anxiety since the covid-19 epidemic is going on. To calm me down please can you explain me why not to worry. I promise I will go

[Dude1238]

I love you doctor thank you