Cleaning your contact lenses without a proper solution might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not as simple—or safe—as it sounds. While using water or other household liquids in a pinch is tempting, these options can introduce bacteria or damage your lenses.
Regular eye exams and proper lens care go hand in hand in preventing infections or long-term damage. Your contact lenses need a specialized solution to keep them clean, comfortable, and safe for your eyes.
Why Proper Contact Lens Care Matters
Your contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, one of the most sensitive parts of your body. Proper care helps prevent:
- Irritation
- Infections
- Long-term damage to your vision
Dirty lenses can accumulate bacteria, proteins, and debris that may lead to serious complications such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. To keep your eyes healthy, disinfecting your lenses daily and storing them safely should be non-negotiable.
What Is Contact Lens Solution Made Of?
Contact lens solution is specially formulated for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing your lenses. It often contains:
- Saline solution to rinse the lenses and keep them hydrated.
- Disinfecting agents like hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Surfactants to remove debris, protein deposits, and oils from the lenses.
- Conditioning ingredients to help lenses stay comfortable by maintaining proper moisture.
The solution is carefully balanced to clean and protect your lenses without damaging your eyes. It’s not just water with cleaning agents—it’s a scientifically designed formula that’s important for safe lens use.
Risks of Cleaning Contact Lenses Without Solution
If you’re thinking, “I’ll just rinse my lenses in water,” hold that thought. Cleaning your contact lenses without a proper solution can expose you to serious risks, including:
- Bacterial contamination: Tap water and bottled water are not sterile. They may contain bacteria like acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections.
- Lens damage: Other cleaning methods—like soap or vinegar—can scratch or degrade the material of your lenses, rendering them unsafe.
- Eye Irritation: Using non-sterile liquids like water, spit, or household products can introduce foreign substances to your eyes, leading to irritation or allergic reactions.
Simply put, cutting corners on contact lens care isn’t worth risking your vision or comfort.
DIY Contact Lens Cleaning Myths: What to Avoid
Misinformation about contact lens cleaning is abundant, so it’s important to know what not to use.
- Spit: Your mouth is full of bacteria and germs that have no place on your lenses.
- Soap or shampoo: Even “gentle” formulas can damage your lenses and irritate sensitive eyes.
- Alcohol or vinegar: These are too harsh and can deform or damage the lens material, making them unsafe for use.
Stick to using approved products meant for lens care, and don’t take risks with homemade solutions.
What to Do When You Don’t Have Solution
If you find yourself without lens solution, it’s important to take the right steps to minimize harm to your eyes and lenses.
- Avoid wearing them: The safest option is to remove your lenses and avoid wearing them until they can be properly cleaned and stored.
- Store in a sealed container: If you need to store your lenses temporarily, place them in a clean, sealed container with sterile saline solution. Keep in mind that this will only prevent them from drying out, but it won’t disinfect them.
- Use fresh lenses if possible: For daily disposable lenses, it’s best to use a fresh pair instead of attempting to clean or store them without the proper solution.
Remember, these steps should be short-term solutions until you can properly care for your lenses with the correct supplies.
How to Maintain Healthy Contact Lens Habits
Consistency is key when it comes to contact lens care. Here are some tips to keep your eyes and lenses in top shape:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Use fresh solution every time you clean and store your lenses—never reuse old solution.
- Replace your lens case every 1—3 months to prevent bacterial build-up.
- Never wear your lenses longer than recommended by your eye care professional.
Routine care helps your contact lenses stay safe and comfortable to wear day after day.
When to Replace Contact Lenses or Solution
Even the best hygiene practices can’t extend the life of your contact lenses indefinitely. Here’s what to keep in mind to protect both your lenses and your eyes:
- Lenses: Follow the recommended schedule for replacement—daily, biweekly, or monthly—as prescribed. Overusing lenses increases the risk of discomfort and infection.
- Solution: Discard solutions past their expiration date. Old or improperly stored solutions become less effective and may harbor bacteria.
Contact Lens Care at Total Vision
Your eyes deserve the best care you can give them. While looking for quick fixes when you run out of lens solution may be tempting, nothing replaces proper cleaning methods and products.
Stick to approved solutions, practice good hygiene, and commit to regular eye appointments to keep your vision healthy and your lenses comfortable. If you’re due for your next eye exam, book an appointment with our Total Vision team in Hercules today.
