Understanding Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Case
Contact lenses have become a rather common aid for people experiencing vision problems in that they allow one to see clearly minus the glasses. Nevertheless, as much as contact lenses are convenient, they come with caution regarding proper care and storage. This is why it is imperative always to keep a contact lens case so that the contacts can remain clean and not contaminated with bacteria.
Normally, the lens case includes two tiny cases for each lens, and there is an extra space for the contact lens solution. The cases are constructed to protect the lenses and maintain their moisture and shape so they do not dehydrate. This is why, if you are a contact lens wearer, you well know that unsuitable cleaning and storage may cause severe infection in the eye.
Importance of Proper Storage for Contact Lenses
Contact lens case and solution are the two most important accessories through which the lenses remain clean and hygienic. Improper storage can allow harmful bacteria to develop on the lenses, causing discomfort, redness, or even infections. The contact lens case helps in keeping eye lenses moist since most of the dirt that forms during the day is cleaned by the solution.
Keep the case clean, and use fresh solution each time you store your contacts. Do not re-use the old solution. It doesn’t disinfect as well, and that can mean your eyes are more prone to irritation or infections. If you forget to clean your case regularly or store them in the wrong way, you could really be risking your eye health.
I Forgot My Contact Case!
Ever been in that situation when packing your traveling kits and you forget your contact lens case, or simply you have misplaced it? So, when without a contact lens case, here are some other techniques in which you can store them at least for a while: Contact lenses must stay hydrated and safe so they neither dry out nor get damaged and feel uncomfortable in your eye.
Though best use is made of a contact lens case specifically dedicated to preserving your lenses, there are several other readily available emergency substitutes you can go in for. These, however, should only provisionally be resorted to and you must replace them with the real contact lens case at your earliest so that the safety of your eyes is ensured.
Where Can I Store My Contact Lenses Without a Case?
If you’re ever out without a contact lens case, there are a couple of things you can try. While by no means perfect, these options will help to keep your lenses in a safe state for a little while. Let’s consider a few of these.
1. Small Containers with Lids
Keep small, clean containers like empty pill bottles or travel-sized containers around as emergency storage for your lenses. Check to see that they're perfectly clean and sterilize the one you select. Its cover should be firm so that the lenses do not spill out as well as to prevent contamination.
For the safety of your lenses, fill the container with contact lens solution. Without it, the lenses will dry out and get damaged, which will not only make them uncomfortable but could also prove unsafe.
2. Plastic Wrap or Plastic Bag
If you are really without any vessel, then you can put them in plastic wrap or a small plastic bag. Put the lenses on a small piece of plastic wrap, pour some contact lens solution over it and cover with another piece of plastic wrap. Fold it over the lenses to avoid dusting. It’s very interim, however, will be your go-to until you swap it with an appropriate stand-in.
3. Eyeglass Case or Other Small Case
If you have a clean eyeglass case or a small cosmetic bag with you, it can be used as a temporary substitute for a contact lens case. However, this method requires you to place your lenses in a small amount of contact lens solution to keep them moist. Eyeglass cases don’t provide the same sanitary conditions as a proper contact lens case, but they can work for a short period if you’re in a bind.
What Can You Put Your Contacts in if You Don't Have Solution?
Having the right contact lens solution is necessary to disinfect and store your lenses. However, you may find yourself without solution at some point. It is important to know what risks are associated when lenses are improperly stored and what other alternatives can be used.
Contact Lens Solution Alternatives
If you don’t have contact lens solution on hand, you can use a few alternatives. Still, I should note that these can only be used in an emergency or for a short period of time.
Saline Solution: If you have access to saline solution (which you clean wounds with or use for nasal irrigation), it can serve as a temporary contact lens solution. It is a sterile solution that will keep your lenses from drying out.
Distilled Water: If you don’t have saline, distilled water is the best bet when it comes to freeing impurities and chemicals from tap water interfacing with the safety of your lenses; still not ideal, however, as it doesn’t disinfect the lenses.
Eye Drops: Some eye drops will give temporary moisture to the lens for keeping your lenses hydrated. They, however, are not disinfectants for disinfecting or cleaners for cleaning the lens hence should not be a solution for the long run.
Do not substitute tap water or bottled water for contact lens solution because they carry bacteria and other microorganisms that cause eye infections.
Emergency Storage Methods
If you do not find the solution at all, I would advise you to take off your lenses and not wear them until you can clean and store them properly. In a true emergency, storing your lenses in a clean container without solution may actually be a last-ditch option. However, this is a last-resort tactic and you should not wear any lenses that have been incorrectly stored.
Please remember that inappropriate storage of lenses, especially without the cleaning solution, may affect your lenses and cause discomfort to you. Do not store your lenses in any liquid other than that meant for their care, e.g., tap water, alcohol, etc. not designed for contact lenses.
Risks of Improper Storage
The improper storage of your contact lenses can pose a number of serious risks, including:
Eye Infections: Keeping lenses in unst-erilized containers or using the wrong solutions can lead to it getting contaminated with bacteria. This increases the chance of developing eye infections such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and such other conditions that may impact your vision as well as your overall health.
Lens Damage: Since contact lenses aren’t stored properly in a contact lens solution, they would dry up, get warped, or just become brittle and uncomfortable to wear or break while using them.
Discomfort and Irritation: Temporary storage in any case doesn’t assure you of lenses that are comfortable to wear. Something gets changed while using improper storage in the case, which generally translates into discomfort, dryness, or irritation, thereby not allowing you to wear your lenses.
Conclusion
Contact lens cases are always best when they are, designed to store your lenses. There are others, and you can resort to them in case of an emergency if you do not have one. These, however, should with a proper contact lens case become only a temporary solution and replaced as soon as possible.
Remember proper contact lens case storage is vital for keeping your eyes healthy and your lenses lasting long. Always keep your contact lens case clean and closed with fresh contact lens solution in it; do not be lax about cleanliness and hygiene.
Proper care of your lenses will keep your eyes free from unnecessary risks and keep them comfortable and clear. So the next time you find yourself asking, 'What do I use in place of a contact lens case if I do not have one?' remember that there are stopgaps but nothing beats the convenience and efficacy of a proper contact lens case with contact lens solution.
