Can You Store Contacts Without Solution? The Truth About Emergency Storage

Here's a startling fact - improper storage or cleaning habits cause up to 90% of contact lens-related eye infections. Many people search for ways to store contacts without solution during emergencies. You're definitely not the only one who has faced this situation.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) strictly warns against storing contact lenses without proper cases and disinfecting solution. Life sometimes throws unexpected situations at us that require temporary alternatives. Contact lens hygiene serves as the life-blood of eye safety. Bacterial growth can develop on lens surfaces when stored in anything except their intended solutions for more than a few hours.

Let me share what you should do when contact solution isn't available. We'll look at safe temporary storage options and explain why water or saliva are absolute no-nos. You'll also learn how to prepare yourself for future emergencies to protect your contacts and most importantly, your eye health.

Why contact lens solution is essential

Contact solution isn't just a simple liquid. It's a product developed to handle multiple tasks that keep your contact lenses safe. Learning about proper solution helps you make better decisions during emergencies.

What does contact solution actually do?

Contact solution handles four critical tasks that are the foundations of lens safety and comfort. First, it cleanses your lenses by removing accumulated proteins, lipids, dust, makeup residue, and environmental debris that collect throughout the day. This cleaning action keeps your lenses clear and breathable.

Second, contact solution disinfects your lenses by killing harmful microorganisms that could cause serious eye infections. These disinfecting agents target bacteria, fungi, and amoebas that stick to lens surfaces.

The solution also works as a rinsing agent. It removes leftover debris or chemicals that might cause stinging or irritation when you put in your lenses. It creates a safe storage environment too, keeping your lenses hydrated and disinfected until your next use.

Each solution type serves specific purposes. Multipurpose solutions combine all functions in one bottle. Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions provide preservative-free disinfection that works especially well against many microorganisms.

Risks of skipping proper disinfection

Your contact lenses need proper disinfection. They collect debris and potentially dangerous microorganisms throughout the day that must be eliminated.

Poor disinfection substantially increases your risk of microbial keratitis, a painful corneal infection. Fungal keratitis makes up about 50% of all microbial keratitis cases that need therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (corneal transplant).

You expose your eyes to microbes like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium solani, Candida albicans, and Acanthamoeba when you skip disinfection or use wrong solutions. These organisms attach to lens surfaces and the contact case, creating perfect conditions for infection.

Of course, even small mistakes in contact lens hygiene lead to problems. You might experience eye dryness, irritation, blurry vision, and in worst cases, infections that threaten your vision.

Why water and saliva are not safe substitutes

Tap water, bottled water, and saliva should never clean or store contact lenses. These common substitutes put your eye health at risk.

Tap water contains microorganisms that stick to your lenses because it isn't sterile. Acanthamoeba, a microscopic amoeba found in water sources, poses a particular danger. This organism causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful infection that might damage your vision if it reaches your eye through contaminated lenses.

Your natural tears are different from tap water. Contact lenses swell up in tap water because it lacks salt. This swelling affects how the lens fits and creates tiny breaks in your cornea where infections can enter.

Your mouth's bacteria can damage your eyes, making saliva just as dangerous. These bacteria belong in your mouth—not on your lenses or in your eyes.

The best approach is to learn about temporary storage options or throw away your lenses if you don't have proper solution. This beats risking your vision with unsafe substitutes during emergencies.

Emergency storage options when you have no solution

Running out of contact solution can be stressful, but you have some emergency options for those rare situations. It's worth mentioning that you should use any alternative storage method as a last resort and for the shortest time possible.

Use saline as a temporary contact solution

Sterile saline solution works as a short-term emergency option when you don't have proper contact lens solution. Saline keeps your lenses hydrated but lacks the vital disinfecting properties that multipurpose contact solutions provide. Your contact lenses come packaged in a buffered saline solution—a weak saltwater mixture that has small amounts of buffers to maintain the right pH levels.

Saline will hydrate your lenses and remove debris in an emergency, though it won't disinfect them properly. You must clean your lenses with proper contact solution once it's available, before putting them back in.

Important note: Don't try to make your own saline solution at home. Some online recipes claim to create emergency saline for lens storage. These homemade versions don't have the right ingredients for proper lens maintenance and could put your health at risk.

Store lenses dry in a clean, airtight container

When you have no solution at all, storing lenses dry becomes your next best option:

1. Clean your hands really well with antibacterial soap and a lint-free towel
2. Take out your lenses with care
3. Put them in a clean, airtight container
4. Use fresh solution to disinfect as soon as you can

You shouldn't use this method too often since dry storage can damage lenses and might harbor bacteria. Yes, it is best to throw away the lenses if more than 12 hours pass without proper solution to avoid infection.

Use a new blister pack or sterilized cup

You have several container options for emergency temporary storage, though none are as safe as a proper lens case with solution:

• New, unused blister pack - Your lenses' original packaging can work as a makeshift storage container
• Clean, sealed plastic cup - You need to wash it well with soap and hot water
• Airtight travel container - Only use if you can sterilize it properly

Whatever container you pick, keeping it clean is key. Wash it well with antibacterial soap and hot water, then let it air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel instead of using cloth.

Label containers to avoid mix-ups

If you're using makeshift containers, label them clearly so you don't mix up your right and left lenses. Your contact prescriptions often differ between eyes, which makes proper identification vital.

Here's what you can do with makeshift containers:

• Use two separate containers with clear "L" and "R" marks
• Write directly on disposable containers with permanent marker
• Keep containers in different spots (though this isn't great for long-term)

These emergency measures shouldn't become regular habits. Contact lenses are medical devices, and cutting corners with their care might lead to serious eye infections or complications. The best approach is to carry travel-sized solution and a proper case, or switch to daily disposable lenses for travel to avoid storage issues altogether.

What not to use as a contact solution substitute

Research reveals shocking discoveries about what people put in their contact lenses when they run out of solution. A UK study found that people used beer, Coke, baby oil, petroleum jelly, lemonade, fruit juice, and even butter as contact lens solutions. These strange alternatives put your eyes at risk and should never be used for contact lens care.

Can you put contacts in water?

The simple answer is no - never store your contacts in water. Water might look clean, but it contains tiny organisms that stick to soft contact lenses and can get into your eyes.

Water creates two major problems for contact lens wearers. Your tap, bottled, and even distilled water might contain Acanthamoeba, a tiny organism found in many water sources. This organism can get trapped behind your lens and cause Acanthamoeba keratitis - a painful eye infection that doctors struggle to treat and could threaten your sight.

Water also makes soft lenses puff up and lose their shape. This happens because water doesn't have the same salt content as your tears. Your lenses won't fit right and could scratch or irritate your cornea. The lenses might become too soft, stick to your eye, or make your vision blurry.

Why you should never use saliva or eye drops

Eye care professionals say putting contacts in your mouth is "like putting them in a petri dish". An adult's mouth contains 500 to 650 different types of bacteria. These bacteria can move straight to your eye and cause serious infections.

Eye drops can't replace contact solution. They might seem like a good substitute, but they lack the power to disinfect. Eye drops only lubricate your eyes - they can't clean contact lenses. They won't remove protein buildup or kill germs. Even special rewetting drops made for contact lenses can't clean or disinfect them.

Dangers of using expired or homemade solutions

Expired contact solution puts you at risk of infections because its disinfectants stop working. The solution loses its germ-killing power over time. This creates perfect conditions for microbial keratitis - an infection that happens when germs move from poorly cleaned lenses to your cornea.

Homemade solutions are just as risky. You might find DIY saline recipes online, but these makeshift solutions lack the right ingredients and could harm your eyes. Even homemade saline with salt isn't safe because it can still contain harmful organisms.

With all these risks, wearing glasses is your safest choice when you're out of contact solution. If you have no other option, stick to the emergency options mentioned in the previous section.

How to store contacts without a case and solution

You're out somewhere and suddenly realize you don't have your contact case or solution. This stressful situation needs quick action to protect your eyes. Let's look at what you can do when regular storage isn't an option.

Where to put contacts without a case

You can store your contact lenses in these makeshift containers during emergencies:

• New, unused blister pack - Your lenses' original packaging works great as a temporary container
• Clean, sealed plastic cup - Clean it with soap and hot water first
• Airtight travel container - You'll need to sterilize it completely

Your choice of container must be clean. Use antibacterial soap and hot water to wash it, then let it air dry or use a clean paper towel. Don't wipe it with cloth. Stay away from cosmetic containers or anything that might be contaminated.

How to store contacts overnight without solution

Start by washing your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them using a lint-free towel. Take out your lenses with care and put them in your clean, dry emergency container.

A clean, airtight container is your only choice if you don't have solution. This should be your last resort for the shortest time possible. Water or saliva aren't safe substitutes - they carry harmful bacteria.

Mark your containers with "L" and "R" so you don't mix up different prescriptions. A clean lid or paper towel can help keep airborne bacteria away.

How long can contacts be stored dry?

Storing contacts dry isn't recommended. Soft lenses need moisture to keep their shape. Lenses start getting rigid and brittle after 15-20 minutes in low humidity.

Dried-out lenses need at least 24 hours in fresh solution before you try using them again. Check for any cracks, splits, or scratches after soaking - these mean you can't save the lens.

When to throw away lenses after improper storage

Toss your lenses if they've been stored improperly for 12 hours, even if they look fine. You can't see tiny contaminants. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Dryness or discomfort
• Red eyes
• Blurred vision
• Cloudy film on the lens

Scratched or damaged rehydrated lenses should go straight in the trash. These can scratch your cornea and lead to infections. The safest choice is getting a new pair rather than risking improperly stored ones.

Monthly or bi-weekly lenses aren't worth the risk after improper storage - eye infections can cause lasting damage. Daily disposables might work better if you travel often or struggle with proper storage.

How to stay prepared for future emergencies

Smart preparation helps you avoid contact lens emergencies. Let's look at some ways to make sure you never run out of storage supplies.

Keep a travel-sized solution and spare case

It’s always smart to have a travel-sized contact lens solution and an extra case on hand. Small solution bottles, usually around 2 to 4 oz, are easy to find at pharmacies and general retail stores. Many travel kits include both solution and a compact lens case, making them perfect for on-the-go use.

These mini bottles are affordable and designed to fit easily into carry-on luggage, purses, or small backpacks. To stay prepared, consider keeping one in your car, gym bag, or travel kit. Having a backup nearby makes it much easier to remove, clean, or store your lenses whenever your eyes need a break.

Use daily disposables when traveling

Daily disposable lenses remove the need for solution completely. These lenses are a great option for travelers since you won't need solution or cases. They also lower infection risks because each pair comes sterile. You just throw away each pair after use without any cleaning needed.

Do gas stations sell contact solution?

Gas stations rarely stock contact solution. Your best bet is to check pharmacies, grocery stores, or big-box retailers that regularly carry these products. Before your trip, take time to locate stores near your destination that sell eye care products.

Always carry backup glasses

Backup glasses can save you in emergencies. They give you clear vision without any risks that come with improper contact lens wear. Make glasses the first item on your packing list. This way, you'll have reliable vision correction if your lenses start bothering you or get contaminated.

Conclusion

Proper contact lens hygiene protects your eye health. Storing contacts without solution might seem harmless, but it creates most important risks to your vision. In this piece, we've learned that contact solution has everything in cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, and safe storage. No improvised alternatives can match these essential functions.

You might think water, saliva, or homemade solutions work fine in emergencies. These options actually expose your eyes to harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba and hundreds of oral bacteria. The safest choice during emergencies is either sterile saline solution or, as a last resort, dry storage in a clean container for less than 12 hours.

Smart preparation helps you avoid these dangerous situations. Travel-sized solution bottles, spare cases, and daily disposable lenses prevent most storage emergencies. On top of that, it helps to pack backup glasses so you won't feel pressured to wear potentially contaminated lenses.

Note that your eyes need the same care as any other part of your body. The minor hassle of throwing away improperly stored lenses is nowhere near the pain, expense, and potential vision loss from a serious eye infection. Taking shortcuts with contact lens care just isn't worth the risk.