Running out of contact lens solution presents an immediate problem because these specialized liquids are formulated to clean, disinfect, and hydrate lenses safely. Commercial solution is the only product designed for long-term use and effective disinfection. Any alternatives discussed are strictly for extremely short-term, emergency situations when the only choice is between improper storage and discarding the lenses entirely. The goal in an emergency is to keep the lenses hydrated to prevent damage and minimize contamination until a proper, sterile solution can be acquired.
Immediate Safe Steps for Rinsing and Rewetting
If a lens feels dry, dirty, or has debris on it while you are wearing it, the safest immediate option for rinsing is a small amount of sterile saline solution. This solution is purely for rinsing and hydration; it is not a multipurpose solution and contains no disinfecting agents. Saline is a balanced salt-and-water solution that mimics the osmolarity of the eye’s natural tears, preventing the lens from changing shape or sticking to the cornea.
Another acceptable short-term option is to use sterile rewetting or lubricating eye drops specifically labeled for use with contact lenses. These drops are designed to be applied directly to the eye while the lens is inserted, and they can be used to moisten the lens surface quickly. Unlike multipurpose solutions, rewetting drops do not contain the surfactants necessary to physically clean the lens material of protein deposits and accumulated biofilm.
These two methods are solely for immediate relief or for a quick rinse to remove foreign debris before placing the lens back in the eye. If you must remove the lens for a period, these fluids will keep it from drying out, but they should not be considered a substitute for a full cleaning and disinfection cycle.
Temporary Storage Options and Limitations
If you must remove and store your lenses for a period without a disinfecting solution, the primary goal is to keep them from drying out, which would permanently damage the lens material. Using sterile saline solution in a clean case or container is the least harmful way to hydrate the lenses temporarily.
The risk of infection increases significantly with every hour the lenses spend in a non-disinfecting liquid. Lenses stored in this manner are considered highly contaminated, and should only be worn again after a minimum of six hours in a fresh, commercial disinfecting solution. This six-hour soak is necessary for the solution’s chemical agents to effectively kill any bacteria or fungi that may have colonized the lens surface.
If the situation is likely to last longer than 8 to 12 hours, or if only rewetting drops are available for storage, discard the lenses entirely. Lens materials are porous and absorb contaminants quickly, and their integrity cannot be guaranteed after prolonged storage without proper disinfection. Protecting the eye from severe infection must take precedence over saving the lenses.
Hazardous Liquids Never to Use
Under no circumstances should you ever use tap water, bottled water, or any homemade solution for rinsing or storing contact lenses. Tap water is not sterile and contains various microorganisms, most notably the amoeba Acanthamoeba. If this organism comes into contact with the eye via a contaminated lens, it can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, a sight-threatening corneal infection that often requires prolonged treatment and can lead to permanent vision loss.
The danger of using any form of water, including bottled or distilled water, extends beyond microbial contamination; the differing osmolarity can also cause problems. Soft contact lenses are designed to maintain a specific shape in a balanced saline environment, and exposure to non-saline water causes them to rapidly absorb the liquid and swell. This swelling alters the lens fit, leading to discomfort and potentially causing microscopic abrasions on the cornea where infection can then take hold.
Saliva is also strictly prohibited, as the human mouth harbors a dense population of bacteria that can easily be transferred to the lens and then to the delicate corneal surface. Homemade saline solutions are equally dangerous because it is impossible to ensure the mixture is truly sterile or has the correct pH balance and salt concentration. If the only available options are these hazardous liquids, the absolute safest directive is to remove the lenses and discard them immediately rather than risk a severe, potentially blinding eye infection.