When you realize you are without contact lens solution, your priority must immediately shift from vision correction to eye safety. Contact lenses are medical devices that require a specific, sterile, disinfecting solution to remain safe for wear. Using the wrong liquid can introduce dangerous microorganisms to your cornea, potentially leading to severe, painful infections. The immediate action is to safely remove the lenses and switch to glasses, as improper cleaning or storage risks your vision.
Immediate Risks and Liquids to Never Use
The most common substitutes people reach for in a pinch are also the most hazardous to eye health. Tap water, even if potable, is not sterile and contains minerals and microorganisms that can harm the eye. A major danger is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but sight-threatening corneal infection caused by an amoeba commonly found in tap, well, and bottled water. When soft lenses absorb non-sterile water, they swell due to osmolarity differences, which can alter the lens fit.
This swelling can create microscopic breaks in the corneal surface, allowing infectious agents to enter. Using saliva is another dangerous habit, as it is full of bacteria that belong in the mouth, not the eye. Saliva contains a high bacterial load, including species like Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, which can rapidly multiply on the lens surface. This can cause a serious eye infection, and saliva’s pH balance is unsuitable for the delicate environment of the eye or the lens material.
Homemade saline solutions, distilled water, or any non-FDA-approved mixture should also be avoided completely. While these liquids may appear clean, they lack the necessary disinfecting agents found in commercial contact lens solutions. They are not guaranteed to be sterile and can easily become contaminated, leading to the same risk of infection as tap water. If you have no sterile, commercial contact lens solution, discard the lenses immediately to prevent eye damage.
Safe Short-Term Temporary Measures
If you cannot immediately discard your lenses and need temporary storage for a few hours until you can purchase proper solution, sterile saline is the least hazardous option available. Sterile saline solution can be used to rinse and keep the lenses from drying out. It is crucial to understand that it does not disinfect or clean the lenses, and is only for hydration. The lenses must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a multi-purpose solution for at least six hours before being worn again.
Re-wetting drops are designed only to lubricate the eye while the lens is being worn. They are not a substitute for disinfecting or storage solution. Using them for soaking will not clean the lenses and may not fully hydrate them for an extended period.
If you are forced to store the lenses without any liquid, a clean, airtight container can be used to store them dry as a last resort. When a soft contact lens dries out, it becomes brittle, shrivels, and may develop microscopic tears or warpage. While rehydration is possible, the lens’s original shape and integrity may be compromised, increasing the risk of corneal abrasion and infection upon re-wear. For this reason, the safest course of action remains to dispose of the lenses and transition to wearing glasses.
Priority Action Plan for Resolution
The immediate priority is to locate and purchase a travel-size bottle of multi-purpose disinfecting solution. Most major pharmacies, large grocery stores, and some 24-hour gas stations stock smaller bottles of solution. If you are traveling, check the pharmacy or convenience store within your hotel, airport, or nearby clinic. Acquiring the proper solution right away is the only way to avoid the risks associated with temporary storage methods.
If you have already used an unsafe liquid or worn your lenses longer than advised, monitor your eyes closely for signs of infection. Symptoms requiring immediate consultation with an eye doctor include:
- Severe pain that does not subside after lens removal.
- Sudden blurred vision.
- Extreme sensitivity to light.
- Any abnormal discharge.
These symptoms can indicate a serious condition like microbial keratitis, which must be treated urgently to prevent permanent vision loss.
To avoid this situation in the future, implement simple prevention strategies. Always keep a backup pair of glasses accessible. Maintain a small, dedicated travel kit that includes a fresh lens case and a travel-sized bottle of solution. Always check the expiration dates on your solution and replace your lens case every three months, as cases can harbor bacteria over time.