Sometimes, you may run out of contact lens solution when you really need to remove, clean, or store your contacts. In this condition, you can make contact solution at home to protect your lenses for some time, but you will eventually need to get the original solution for prolonged periods.
How to Make Contact Solution by Yourself
1. Get Some Distilled Water
Generally used for topping up car batteries and steam irons, distilled water is easily available in hardware stores, supermarkets or auto centers. Distilled water is sterile and is therefore safe to use for contact lens solution.
2. Buy Some Salt
You can find salt at any grocery store, but try to find iodine-free salt for the contact solution. Do not use sea salt or rock salt because they contain chemicals that may cause problems.
3. Wash Your Hands
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before making the solution. Use soaps that have antimicrobial essential oils added to them.
4. Mix Salt with Water
After you have washed your hands thoroughly, you should use a sterile container to mix water and salt. Add a liter of water and 9 g of salt to this container to make a saline solution. Be sure to mix the salt thoroughly.
Note: The solution is effective but you should use it in emergency only, and you should clean your contacts with regular contact solution before you wear them again.
Can You Use Water as Contact Solution?
How to make contact solution and can water be used as contact solution? Actually, you should not use tap water, distilled water, or bottled water as a substitute for your contact solution. There may be harmful microorganisms such as parasite in the water. They can contaminate and may even cling to your contact lenses. When you wear these contaminated lenses, you may have the risk of developing sight-threatening eye infections. Therefore, never use water as the contact solution.
Are There Any Other Alternatives to Contact Solution?
Learning how to make contact solution enables you to store your contacts safely in emergency conditions. So you may wonder whether there are other alternatives to contact solution. Unfortunately, there are not. It is important to clean and store your lenses with disinfecting lens solutions before you wear them again.
Contact lens solutions have certain chemicals that can kill harmful microorganisms and prevent infections. That is the reason why you cannot find effective replacements for these solutions, especially considering the fact that improper cleaning of contact lenses increases your risk of developing microbial keratitis, ocular infection and other issues. So, be very careful about cleaning your lenses and ensure that you do not wear them while showering and swimming.
How to Take Care of Your Contact
Learning how to make contact solution is helpful, but you should also pay attention to learn how to take care of your contacts. Here are some suggestions:
- Do not forget to wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. You should use a non-cosmetic soap to wash your hands, and avoid soaps with oils, perfumes, or lotions because they leave a layer on your hands that can be transferred to your contacts and irritate your eyes later. Besides, be sure to dry your hands properly using a clean, lint-free towel.
- Do not use hair spray after putting in your contacts, instead, do it before wearing your lenses.
- Keep your fingernails short and smooth, which will help prevent damages to your eyes or lenses.
- Put on your makeup only after wearing your contacts. Remember to remove your lenses first and then remove your makeup to avoid getting any on your lenses.
- Always make use of disinfecting eye drops, solution, and enzymatic cleaners to take care of your lenses. Avoid using eye drops or eye products while wearing your contact lenses.
- Be sure to clean your contacts by rubbing your index finger gently on it. Lightly rubbing your lenses may help remove surface buildup.
- Remember to clean your contact lens case regularly. It is better to clean it with sterile water every time you use your contact lenses. Let it air dry before storing your contacts again.