Are you tired of running out of contact solution at the wrong time? Maybe you’re on a vacation, on a trip or simply too busy to go out and buy some new solution. Of course, it’s important to take care of your eyes by using contact solution regularly, but don’t panic if you run out! There are alternative options you can try that can help you continue using your contact lenses safely and comfortably. Here are some quick fixes to try the next time you run out of contact solution.
Use Saline Solution
If you run out of contact solution, you can use saline solution as a substitute. It’s not necessarily as effective at cleaning your contact lenses as traditional contact solution, but it’s a good alternative if you’re in a pinch. Saline solution is available at most pharmacies and drug stores, and it’s affordable. Keep in mind that saline solution is only safe for rinsing your lenses, not disinfecting them. Make sure you use a different disinfecting solution when you have access to it.
How to use saline solution?
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Remove your contact lenses and gently rinse them with saline solution.
- Place your lenses in your designated case and add fresh saline solution to it. Make sure your lenses are completely submerged in the solution.
- Leave your lenses to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before putting your lenses back in your eyes, rinse them with fresh saline solution again.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide solution is an effective way to clean and disinfect your contact lenses. You can use it as an alternative if you’ve run out of your traditional contact solution. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide solution needs a different method of application to traditional solution. Hydrogen peroxide solution needs at least six hours to fully neutralize, so make sure you have enough time to leave your lenses to soak before using them again.
How to use hydrogen peroxide solution?
Using hydrogen peroxide solution as a contact lens solution can be a bit complicated, but it’s worth the effort to ensure that your lenses are clean and safe to wear.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Remove any debris from your lenses by rinsing them with saline solution.
- Place your lenses into the dedicated case that came with your hydrogen peroxide solution along with a cleaning disc or tablet.
- Fill the case with the hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Make sure the case is tightly closed, give it a good shake and leave it to sit for at least six hours.
- After six hours, the cleaning disc or tablet should have neutralized the hydrogen peroxide solution, rendering it safe to use.
- When you’re ready to wear your lenses again, rinse them with saline solution to remove any remaining solution from the lenses.
Use Distilled Water
Distilled water can be used to rinse your contact lenses when you run out of regular contact lens solution. However, it is essential to be careful with the brand of water you use as using tap water can introduce harmful bacteria into your eyes that could cause an infection. Use only distilled water to avoid potential complications.
How to use distilled water?
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Remove your contact lenses and place them into a clean contact lens case.
- Fill the case with distilled water until the lenses are completely covered. Avoid using tap water as it may contain bacteria that can be harmful to your eyes.
- Allow your lenses to soak for at least a few hours or overnight.
- Rinse your lenses with saline solution before putting them back in your eyes.
Borrow a Small Amount of Contact Solution from Someone Else
If you’re out of contact solution, you can ask someone to lend you a small amount if they have some to spare. You can use this small amount to rinse your lenses, but make sure you don’t use it for long-term storage. Remember that sharing contact lenses and solution can also introduce bacteria into your eyes, so avoid this method if possible.
What should you Consider before borrowing contact solution?
- Make sure to ask a person who you trust to have clean and safe contact solution.
- Ask the person about the type of solution they use and double-check if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Don’t use borrowed solution as a long-term replacement for your solution.
- Make sure to reorder a fresh bottle of solution as soon as possible.
Use Eye Drops
If you have run out of contact solution, eye drops can be used to lubricate and hydrate your contact lenses. However, make sure that the eye drops you choose are suitable for contact lens wearers. Do not use eye drops that are not designed for contact lens wear. Lubricating eye drops should only be used as a temporary solution and should not be used as a long-term substitute for contact solution.
What should you consider while using eye drops?
- Make sure the eye drops you select are safe to use with contact lenses.
- Do not use eye drops that are not designed explicitly for contact lens wearers.
- Be aware that eye drops only provide temporary relief and aren’t a substitute for proper daily contact lens care.
- Make sure to remove your contact lenses before applying eye drops.
- Rinse your lenses with saline solution before putting them back in your eyes.
Conclusion
Running out of contact solution can be frustrating, but don’t panic. There are temporary substitutes you can use to take care of your contact lenses until you can get access to specially-formulated contact lens solution. Saline solution, hydrogen peroxide solution, and distilled water are all potential alternatives to regular contact lens solution. Borrowing small amounts of solution from someone is also an option. While using eye drops, be careful to choose those that are safe for contact lens wearers.
List of FAQs about running out of Contact Solution
- Q1: Is saline solution safe as a substitute for contact solution?
- Q2: Can distilled water be used to store contact lenses?
- Q3: Can I use tap water in place of contact solution?
- Q4: Can I wear contact lenses without any solution?
A1. Saline solution is safe as a temporary substitute for contact solution, but it cannot be used for long-term storage or disinfecting lenses.
A2. No, distilled water should not be used to store contact lenses for longer periods because it does not contain disinfectants.
A3. No, tap water should never be used to clean or rinse contact lenses as it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause infection.
A4. No, you should never wear contact lenses without cleaning and disinfecting them with the properly-formulated contact lens solution.