Emergency Contact Lens Storage: What to Do Without a Case

For contact lens wearers, a contact lens case is an essential item. It’s the safe haven for your lenses when they’re not in your eyes, protecting them from damage, contamination, and drying out. However, there are times when you might find yourself in a bind, without your trusty case. Maybe you’re traveling, at a friend’s house, or simply misplaced it. In such situations, knowing how to safely store your contact lenses becomes crucial to maintain eye health and avoid discomfort. While it’s always best to use a proper lens case, this guide outlines emergency methods and essential precautions if you find yourself without one.

Why You Need a Contact Lens Case

Before diving into emergency solutions, it’s important to understand why a dedicated contact lens case is so vital:

• Hygiene: Contact lens cases are designed to be easily cleaned and disinfected. They minimize the risk of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms from contaminating your lenses and causing eye infections.
• Hydration: Contact lenses need to be stored in a suitable solution to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. A case allows you to submerge them in a sterile solution.
• Protection: The case physically protects your lenses from damage, such as scratches, tears, or warping, which can impair vision and cause discomfort.
• Organization: Cases typically have separate compartments for the left and right lenses, preventing mix-ups and ensuring you insert the correct lens into the corresponding eye.

Using an improper storage method significantly increases the risk of eye infections and damage to your lenses. Therefore, prioritize finding a proper case as soon as possible.

The Golden Rule: Never Use Tap Water!

This is the most important rule of contact lens care. Never, ever, store or rinse your contact lenses with tap water. Tap water, even if it’s clean enough to drink, can contain microorganisms, including *Acanthamoeba*. This microscopic amoeba can cause a rare but serious and painful eye infection called *Acanthamoeba* keratitis, which can lead to permanent vision loss. The amoeba can adhere to the contact lens and then infect the cornea. Boiling tap water does NOT eliminate the risk, as it might not kill all microorganisms and can leave mineral deposits. Distilled water is also not sterile and should not be used.

Emergency Contact Lens Storage Methods (When a Case is Absolutely Unavailable)

If you’re truly stuck without a contact lens case, these are the *only* acceptable emergency measures. Remember these are short-term solutions and you should replace your lenses with a fresh pair and obtain a new case as soon as possible.

Method 1: Sterile Saline Solution in a Clean Container (Best Option)

This is the safest emergency option if you can find sterile saline solution and a clean container.

Materials Needed:

• Sterile Saline Solution: This is crucial. It must be sterile, specifically designed for rinsing contact lenses. You can find this at most pharmacies or drugstores. Do not use homemade saline solutions.
• Small, Clean Container: The ideal container would be a small, airtight container. A thoroughly cleaned medicine cup, a small glass, or even a clean, resealable plastic bag can work in a pinch, BUT are significantly less ideal than a commercial lens case.
• Antibacterial Soap: For cleaning the container.
• Clean Water (Bottled or Filtered): For rinsing the container after washing it. While you don’t use it *on* the lenses, you need to ensure the container is free of soap residue.

Instructions:

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and water, and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel.
2. Clean the Container: Wash the container thoroughly with antibacterial soap and rinse it very well with clean (bottled or filtered) water. Ensure all soap residue is removed. If using a plastic bag, use a new, unused one if possible.
3. Pour Sterile Saline Solution: Fill the container with enough sterile saline solution to completely submerge your contact lenses.
4. Carefully Place the Lenses: Gently remove your contact lenses one at a time and carefully place them into the container filled with saline solution. Make sure each lens is fully submerged. If using a non-divided container, keep track of which lens is which (e.g., left and right). Consider laying them out on a clean surface before placing them in the container to remember the order.
5. Seal or Cover the Container: If using a container with a lid, seal it tightly. If using a cup or glass, cover it with a clean piece of plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band to prevent evaporation and contamination. If using a resealable bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.
6. Short-Term Storage Only: This method is suitable for overnight storage at most. Replace the lenses and get a proper case as soon as possible.

Important Considerations:

• Sterility is Key: The success of this method relies heavily on maintaining sterility. Use only sterile saline solution and a thoroughly cleaned container.
• Gentle Handling: Be extremely careful when handling your contact lenses to avoid tearing or damaging them.
• Monitor for Irritation: When you reinsert your lenses, pay close attention to how your eyes feel. If you experience any redness, irritation, pain, or blurred vision, remove the lenses immediately and consult an eye doctor.

Method 2: Multi-Purpose Solution in a Clean Cup (Less Ideal)

If you don’t have sterile saline solution but have multi-purpose solution, this is a less ideal, but still acceptable, emergency solution. Multi-purpose solution is designed for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses.

Materials Needed:

• Multi-Purpose Solution: The same solution you normally use for cleaning and storing your lenses.
• Small, Clean Cup or Glass: As with Method 1, a thoroughly cleaned medicine cup or small glass will work.
• Antibacterial Soap: For cleaning the container.
• Clean Water (Bottled or Filtered): For rinsing the container after washing it.

Instructions:

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and water, and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel.
2. Clean the Cup/Glass: Wash the cup or glass thoroughly with antibacterial soap and rinse it very well with clean water. Ensure all soap residue is removed.
3. Pour Multi-Purpose Solution: Fill the cup/glass with enough multi-purpose solution to completely submerge your contact lenses.
4. Carefully Place the Lenses: Gently remove your contact lenses one at a time and carefully place them into the cup/glass filled with multi-purpose solution. Make sure each lens is fully submerged. Remember which lens is which.
5. Cover the Cup/Glass: Cover the cup/glass with a clean piece of plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band to prevent evaporation and contamination.
6. Short-Term Storage Only: This method is suitable for overnight storage at most. Clean and disinfect your lenses with fresh multi-purpose solution, and get a proper case as soon as possible.

Important Considerations:

• Use Fresh Solution: Always use fresh multi-purpose solution. Never reuse solution that has already been used.
• Cleaning Before Re-Insertion: Before reinserting your lenses, rub and rinse them thoroughly with fresh multi-purpose solution.
• Monitor for Irritation: As with Method 1, pay close attention to how your eyes feel. If you experience any redness, irritation, pain, or blurred vision, remove the lenses immediately and consult an eye doctor.

What NOT to Do: Absolutely Avoid These Methods

These methods are extremely dangerous and can lead to serious eye infections or permanent damage. Never do the following:

• Store Lenses in Tap Water: As mentioned before, tap water contains microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections.
• Store Lenses in Saliva: Saliva is not sterile and contains bacteria that can contaminate your lenses.
• Store Lenses in Homemade Saline Solution: Homemade saline solutions are difficult to prepare accurately and can contain harmful impurities.
• Store Lenses Dry: Allowing your lenses to dry out will damage them, making them uncomfortable to wear and potentially causing them to warp or become brittle.
• Share Solution: Never share contact lens solution with another person. This can spread bacteria and infections.
• Use Expired Solution: Always check the expiration date on your contact lens solution. Expired solution may not be effective at disinfecting your lenses.

Long-Term Solutions: Preventing Future Emergencies

While knowing emergency storage methods is helpful, the best approach is to prevent these situations from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for avoiding contact lens storage emergencies:

• Always Carry a Travel-Sized Case and Solution: Keep a small contact lens case and a travel-sized bottle of multi-purpose solution in your purse, backpack, or car. This will ensure you’re always prepared.
• Keep an Extra Pair of Glasses: If you wear contact lenses daily, having an up-to-date prescription for glasses is crucial. Keep a spare pair of glasses readily available in case you need to remove your lenses.
• Consider Daily Disposables: If you frequently find yourself in situations where you might not have access to a lens case, consider switching to daily disposable contact lenses. You can simply discard them at the end of the day, eliminating the need for storage.
• Regular Eye Exams: Visit your eye doctor regularly for comprehensive eye exams and to ensure your contact lens prescription is up-to-date.
• Proper Lens Care Routine: Establish a consistent contact lens care routine, including washing your hands before handling your lenses, cleaning your lenses daily, and replacing your lens case regularly (at least every three months).
• Clean Your Case Regularly: Rinse your contact lens case with sterile saline solution after each use and allow it to air dry upside down. Avoid using tap water to rinse your case.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Share this information with other contact lens wearers to help them avoid potential eye infections and complications.

What to Do After Emergency Storage

Regardless of the emergency storage method you use, it’s crucial to take these steps afterward:

• Discard the Lenses (Ideally): The safest option is to discard the lenses you stored using an emergency method and replace them with a fresh pair. This minimizes the risk of infection, especially if you had to use a less-than-ideal storage method.
• Thoroughly Clean and Disinfect: If you choose to reuse the lenses, thoroughly clean and disinfect them with fresh multi-purpose solution before reinserting them. Rub the lenses gently with your fingertips to remove any debris or deposits.
• Monitor for Symptoms: Closely monitor your eyes for any signs of infection or irritation, such as redness, pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, or sensitivity to light.
• Consult an Eye Doctor: If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and consult an eye doctor for evaluation and treatment.
• Replace Your Case: Obtain a new contact lens case and discard the one you used for emergency storage.

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s essential to know when to seek professional medical advice. Contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden or severe eye pain
• Redness that doesn’t improve within a few hours
• Blurred vision or vision changes
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing or discharge from your eye
• The sensation of something being stuck in your eye

Conclusion

While storing contact lenses without a case is not ideal, understanding the emergency methods and precautions outlined in this guide can help you minimize the risk of eye infections and damage. Remember that these methods are temporary solutions, and it’s crucial to obtain a proper contact lens case and solution as soon as possible. By prioritizing proper lens care and following the advice of your eye doctor, you can maintain healthy vision and enjoy the benefits of contact lens wear safely and comfortably. The key takeaway is that prevention is always the best strategy, so keep a travel-sized case and solution handy, and consider daily disposables for added convenience and safety. Always prioritize your eye health and never compromise on hygiene when it comes to contact lens care.