The sudden realization that you need to remove your contact lenses but lack a proper case can be a moment of genuine panic, but it does not justify compromising your eye health. While a purpose-designed contact lens case and fresh, sterile solution are the only safe methods for long-term storage, temporary emergency alternatives exist. The primary goal in this situation is to prevent microbial contamination and to maintain the lens’s hydration and structural integrity until you can secure a standard case. Any makeshift storage solution must prioritize a non-porous environment and the use of the correct disinfecting solution to mitigate the risk of severe eye infection.
Acceptable Temporary Containers
The most suitable emergency containers are those made of materials that are non-porous and can be thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Small glass containers, such as a clean, unused shot glass or small food sample jar, are generally the safest option. Glass is chemically inert and non-reactive, meaning it will not leach chemicals that could damage the lens material or irritate the eye. Since glass has a smooth, non-absorbent surface, it is less likely to harbor bacteria or form the microbial films that can lead to contamination.
Rigid, unused plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, like small travel toiletry containers or food sample cups, can also serve as a temporary measure. This rigid structure is preferable to soft plastics because it reduces the potential for chemical leaching into the disinfecting solution. The container must have a leak-proof seal to ensure the lens remains fully submerged and prevent the solution from evaporating, which would cause the lens to dry out. It is imperative to use two separate containers, clearly marked for the left and right lenses, to maintain the correct prescription for each eye.
Critical Hygiene Steps for Temporary Storage
The choice of container is secondary to the strict hygiene and solution requirements for safe temporary storage. Before placing any lens inside, the container must first be sterilized by washing it thoroughly with hot, soapy water. After washing, a complete rinsing with clean, running water is necessary to ensure no soap residue remains, as even trace amounts can be highly damaging to the lens and toxic to the cornea. The container should then be allowed to air dry completely, or dried with a clean, lint-free cloth, before adding the solution.
The most critical step is using only fresh, commercially manufactured contact lens solution, which contains specific antimicrobial agents. Tap water, bottled water, or homemade saline solutions must be strictly avoided because they do not contain the necessary disinfectants. These non-sterile water sources frequently harbor microorganisms, including the dangerous parasite Acanthamoeba, which can adhere to the lens surface. Exposure to this microbe can lead to Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe and painful corneal infection that can cause permanent vision loss.
Containers and Materials to Strictly Avoid
Many common household items should never be used for contact lens storage due to the risk of contamination or physical damage. Soft, flexible plastics, such as sandwich bags or food cling wrap, should be avoided because they can contain plasticizers that may leach into the solution, altering its chemical balance and damaging the lens polymers. These materials are also prone to tearing the delicate lens surface when the lens is inserted or removed.
Porous materials like paper towels, aluminum foil, or cardboard are high-risk options because they cannot be sterilized and harbor pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Similarly, metal containers, especially those made of unsealed or reactive metals, should not be used as they may corrode or react chemically with the lens solution. Even seemingly clean food containers that previously held greasy or strongly flavored foods can leave invisible residue behind. This residue can transfer to the lens, causing severe eye irritation or a painful foreign-body sensation upon reinsertion.
Duration Limits and When to Discard the Lens
Emergency storage must be treated as a short-term, temporary measure, and the duration should not exceed 24 hours. Ideally, the lenses should be transferred to a proper, sterile case with fresh solution as soon as possible, preferably within 8 to 12 hours. This strict time limit is necessary because makeshift containers cannot guarantee the same level of sterility and consistent disinfection provided by a purpose-built case.
Storing the lens too long, or in an inadequately cleaned container, increases the likelihood of microbial proliferation. You must immediately discard the lens if it shows any signs of structural compromise or contamination, including cloudiness, discoloration, or an unusual, warped shape after being submerged. The lens must also be thrown away immediately if your eye experiences any unusual redness, pain, excessive tearing, or a gritty feeling upon reinsertion, as these are common early indicators of an eye infection.