The Dangers of Using Improper Substitutes
When you are out of contact lens solution, it might be tempting to reach for a readily available substitute like tap water, bottled water, or saliva. However, this seemingly harmless decision can lead to serious and potentially vision-threatening complications. The risks far outweigh the inconvenience of not having your lenses, and understanding why these common alternatives are dangerous is crucial for your eye safety.
Why Water is a Major Risk
Water—whether from the tap, bottled, or even distilled—is not sterile and contains various microorganisms, including a very dangerous amoeba called Acanthamoeba. Exposure to this parasite can lead to a rare but devastating eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection is often very painful, difficult to treat, and can lead to permanent vision loss or the need for a corneal transplant. Furthermore, water can cause soft contact lenses to absorb the water, swell, and stick to your eye, leading to discomfort and potentially scratching the cornea. A scratched cornea creates an entry point for bacteria and other pathogens, significantly increasing the risk of infection.
The Problem with Saliva and Homemade Solutions
Your mouth contains a host of bacteria that are safe in their natural environment but can cause severe eye infections if transferred to your contact lenses. Using saliva to clean or store your lenses is, in essence, putting your lenses into a petri dish of germs. Homemade saline solutions, while they might seem like a clever hack, are also extremely dangerous. They cannot be guaranteed to be sterile, and the imprecise measurements and lack of disinfecting agents mean they offer no protection against harmful microbes. The risk of introducing a dangerous infection is simply too high to justify this approach.
The Safest Emergency Options
When you are without contact lens solution, your options are limited, but focusing on safety is paramount. The following are the only acceptable courses of action, depending on your situation.
Option 1: Discard the Lenses (The Best Choice)
The safest and most recommended action, especially for daily disposables, is to simply remove and discard your contact lenses if you do not have proper solution. This completely eliminates any risk of contamination or infection from improper storage. If you wear reusable lenses and have glasses, this is the best time to switch to them until you can buy more solution. Always carry a spare case and travel-sized solution for emergencies to avoid this situation.
Option 2: Use Sterile Saline Solution
If discarding the lenses is not an option, sterile saline solution can be used as a very temporary storage liquid to keep the lenses hydrated. It is critical to understand that saline solution does not clean or disinfect your lenses, it merely keeps them moist. This is a stopgap measure for a few hours at most. As soon as you obtain proper disinfecting solution, you must clean and disinfect your lenses thoroughly before wearing them again.
Option 3: Purchase an All-in-One Solution
If you have a special hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system, you could use a fresh dose of that solution with its corresponding neutralizing case. However, this is only safe if you have the full system. Never put hydrogen peroxide solution directly into your eye, as it can cause a severe chemical burn. If you are near a pharmacy, the fastest and safest solution is to simply buy a travel-sized bottle of multi-purpose solution.
Comparison of Emergency Options
| Method | Safety Level | Purpose | Cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discard Lenses | Highest | Eliminates all risk of infection. | Only if you have a backup pair or glasses. |
| Sterile Saline | Low to Moderate | Rehydrates lenses temporarily. | Does NOT disinfect; use for a few hours only; must disinfect later. |
| Tap Water | Extremely Low | (Unsafe) | Introduces bacteria, parasites like Acanthamoeba; swells and damages lenses. |
| Saliva | Extremely Low | (Unsafe) | Introduces harmful bacteria from the mouth; high risk of infection. |
| Homemade Saline | Extremely Low | (Unsafe) | Not sterile; contains unknown contaminants; cannot disinfect. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | High (with proper system) | Disinfects lenses. | Highly dangerous without the special neutralizing case; can cause severe eye burns. |
Advanced Tips for Preventing a Contact Solution Emergency
Proactive planning is the best way to avoid being in this situation again. Here are some key strategies for contact lens wearers.
- Always Carry a Travel Kit: Keep a small, sealed travel kit with a backup case and solution in your bag, car, or at your office. This is especially useful for unexpected overnight stays.
- Set Reminders: Set a reminder on your phone or in your calendar to check your contact lens solution levels before you run out.
- Purchase Multi-Purpose Solution: Multi-purpose solutions are versatile and widely available, making them easy to purchase in a pinch from most drugstores or grocery stores.
- Consider Daily Disposables: If you frequently find yourself without solution, daily disposable contacts are a safer option. You simply throw them away at the end of the day, eliminating the need for any cleaning or storage products.
- Keep Your Glasses Handy: Never rely solely on contacts. Always have an up-to-date pair of glasses for moments when you cannot wear your lenses safely.
For more information on proper lens care and eye health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Contact Lens Health page.
Conclusion
When you find yourself without contact lens solution, remember that your eye health is not something to gamble with. Avoid the temptation to use water, saliva, or homemade concoctions, as these pose a serious risk of infection. The safest course of action is to either discard the lenses if they are daily disposables or wear glasses until you can obtain a proper disinfecting solution. In a dire emergency, sterile saline can be used for a very brief period, but it is not a substitute for proper disinfection. By planning ahead and having a backup kit, you can ensure you are never caught unprepared and can keep your eyes safe and healthy.
