Is there a way to store your contacts without contact solution?

Monthly contacts and two weekly lenses require a lens-cleaning routine, which is why proper contact lens care is essential. Sometimes we don’t always have the necessities to hand, if you’ve found yourself suddenly out of contact lens solution, then you’ve probably wondered what you can use as an alternative.

In this article you’ll learn about the safe storage solutions for your contact lenses, as well as the unsafe alternatives that should be avoided.

Emergency contact lens storage solutions

Any type of alternative storage solution should only be used temporarily. Here’s what to do (and what not to do) when you’ve run out of contact lens solution.

Don’t sleep in your lenses

If you’ve discovered that you have no contact lens solution left in the evening, don’t be tempted to sleep in your lenses (unless your optician has approved this). Sleeping in your lenses limits how much oxygen can reach the eyes, causing dryness, discomfort and potentially eye infections.

Can you use water to store contact lenses temporarily?

Water should never touch your contact lenses; this is because water contains bacteria which can cause eye infections. This includes all types of water, such as distilled, bottled and spring water. For this reason, you should also avoid bathing and showering whilst wearing your lenses, as you risk transferring water to your lenses. Water contains bacteria and microbes which can cause infections such as acanthamoeba keratitis. You should never clean your lenses in water or use water as storage, not even temporarily.

Use saline to store lenses temporarily

Saline solution is widely available and is something many people may already have in their store cupboards, as it has many different uses, such as cleaning wounds. Although saline will keep the lenses hydrated and remove debris, it will not disinfect your lenses. As soon as you have contact lens solution again, ensure you thoroughly clean your lenses with it before you insert them again.

Stay prepared – always have contact lens solution

If you wear 2 weekly or monthly contact lenses, you should always ensure that you have an adequate supply of contact lens solution. It’s helpful to have a back-up solution for those occasions where you might have forgotten to replenish your stock. Luckily, at Feel Good Contacts you can get your order contact lens solution delivered quickly. We'll even despatch your order the same day when you checkout before 5:45pm.

Can I use expired contact lens solution?

It’s important to ensure you use the solution before it expires. Contact lens solutions don’t last indefinitely because the acidity of the solution changes over time, making it less effective at cleaning your lenses. Expired solution will not disinfect thoroughly and therefore can put you at risk of developing eye infections.

Choose Feel Good Contacts for affordable contact lens solutions

You’ll find the best price for contact lens solutions and saline solutions at Feel Good Contacts. You can also find the best optical advice in our eye care hub and blog articles, empowering you with the knowledge to maintain good eye health.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.