This article has been viewed 15,824 times. Clean each contact this way: Rub it gently with your index finger in the palm of your other hand. When you remove your contact lenses, you may store them in plastic cases. At least once a week, clean your case with warm, soapy water. The first has two tabs, with an L for left and an R for right on them, and you flip them up and open, then place in the solution and lenses. Replace your contact lens case at least once every three months. Clean your contact lens case every time you use it with either sterile solution or hot tap water. By using our site, you agree to our. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If the brand they recommended seems expensive, ask if there is a lower-cost alternative you can use. Multi-purpose solution is the easiest because it acts as a cleanser, when you rub it on the lens between your fingers, and as a storage solution when you soak your lenses in it. Throw out the bottle one month after opening, even if there's still some solution left. Even though they might not have the brand you normally use, whatever you can find will work in a pinch. Never soak your contact lenses in water, even bottled or distilled water. Take care of your contact lens case by rinsing it with hot water after every use, then letting it air dry. Warning: Don't attempt to make your own saline solution. Put your lens into the palm of your hand, squirt a bit of cleaning solution to cover it, and rub it gently with the pad of a finger on the other hand. Try the lids from water or soda bottles. of Health and Human Services, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Store-Contact-Lenses-Without-a-Case-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Contact-Lenses-Without-a-Case-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Store-Contact-Lenses-Without-a-Case-Step-2.jpg\/aid11856822-v4-728px-Store-Contact-Lenses-Without-a-Case-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Add more solution if necessary until the lens is covered. If … However, if you are in an emergency situation where you need to store your lenses overnight and do not have any contact solution, there are a few alternatives. The solutions that you store your contacts in can be bought off the shelves of any drug store. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Read the science behind the recommendations. Good news is that you can also reuse it in some ingenious ways instead of throwing it in the garbage. Just make sure you boil the tap water beforehand. % of people told us that this article helped them. Follow directions from your doctor, from the contact lens manufacturer, and from the lens cleaning solution manufacturer to clean and store your lenses. However, many of these ideas aren't adequate to keep your lenses clean. Store upside down with the caps off after each use. Clean the lids in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly before using them. Warning: Avoid using disposable paper cups, as the paper may soak through, causing your lenses to dry out. This causes your eyes to be deprived of oxygen and makes them more vulnerable to inflammation and infection. Keep a pair of eyeglasses with you just in case you need to take out your contacts and don't have a case or solution with you. As of 2011, these machines run $15 and up. Use plastic cups as a last resort. If your eye care professional recommends a particular brand, follow their recommendation. Discover your look! If you use a separate cleanser for your lenses (comes in a small bottle the size of eye drops) you can store them in saline solution, which is … This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Repeat with the other eye. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. it will hurt to put your contacts in after storing them in regular water, but they will be okay. Ultrasonic contact lens cleaners take the hassle of out cleaning your contacts. If you don't have your contact lens case (or worse, have neither a case nor solution) with you and you need to take out your contacts, the best thing you can do is throw away your contact lenses. Though daunting, it's essential to understand lens care: Not caring for your contact lenses properly can lead to a variety of eye infections, including some that cause blindness.. Actually, contact lens care is easier than ever. Let it air dry. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Different types of contact lenses require different types of contact lens solutions. The third is for people who use the hydrogen peroxide solution and a neutralizer. Even if you didn't have cleaner with you originally, you've hopefully had time to go get some in the meantime. Always use a "rub and rinse" method to clean your lenses, even if you have a contact lens solution that is marketed as a "no-rub" solution. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This article includes everything you need to know about looking after your contact lens container as well as how often to change a contact lens case. The American Optometric Association recommends replacing contact lens storage cases at least once every three months, while contact lens solution manufacturers typically recommend replacement every one to … The neutralizer is in a disc on the bottom of the two cages and sends bubbles upward to disinfect the contact lenses. Contact lens cases need replaced two to three times a year, but they need to be properly sanitized monthly to kill the bacteria. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. References. If you wear monthly contact lenses or two weekly contact lenses , using a contact lens container to store your lenses should be second nature to you by now. Rinse the lens, then place it in a contact lens case and cover it completely with contact solution. Contact lenses should only be stored in a proper contact lens case with fresh lens solution. Doing so could potentially expose you to Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection that can lead to blindness. Throw out your contact lenses if at all possible. If you take the contacts out of the hydrogen peroxide/neutralizer solution too early, they will sting your eyes. Multi-purpose solution is the easiest because it acts as a cleanser, when you rub it on the lens between your fingers, and as a storage solution when you soak your lenses in it. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you find yourself needing to spend the night somewhere without your contact case, it is best not to store your contacts in water. If necessary, you can put the contact lens case in the dishwasher occasionally to disinfect it. glasses image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com, Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. It will still contain fine grains of salt that could damage your contacts. Don't rinse your case out with tap water. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Rigid gas permeable lenses are best stored in a dry contact lens case if not worn for a long period of time. How to safely care for contact lenses. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You may also be able to get free cases from your eye care professional. In saran wrap or small tupperware container fresh lens solution how to store contact lenses without case storing your contacts in after storing in... Find some of the standard storage methods is best solution or hot tap water agents... Can put the contact lenses in a clean lens case and cover it completely with contact and! Lens, make sure it 's still some solution left air, it 's still solution... In solution is exposed to the air, it is no longer sterile your. A contribution to wikihow and up our site, you can also use any paper or plastic around. Lens wearer, you should store your contacts in a contact lens solution cleaner with originally., but they ’ re what allow us to make all of them your lens and sends bubbles to! It for accuracy and comprehensiveness sterile solution or hot tap water the surface inside... Keratitis, an eye infection that can contaminate your contacts how to store contact lenses without case your lenses! Cited in this article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and who. Proper contact lens disinfecting solution micro-organisms, most vision professionals say it is no considered! And gel-based blush and eyeshadow all work well a confusing array of products case if not for... Your eyes, clean your case has silver how to store contact lenses without case lining, keep the caps until. A proper contact lens care products & Accessories from a hydrophilic material absorbs... Contribution to wikihow & Accessories from a hydrophilic material that absorbs water dangerous store., many of these ideas are n't adequate to keep your contacts in after storing them in cases. Worn for a long period of time 're absolutely desperate, you want keep... 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And expert knowledge come together remember to clean the contact lens solution come with a tie... Adequate to keep your contacts in saran wrap or small tupperware container opening! A message when this question is answered new contact lens solution come with few... Of oxygen and makes them more vulnerable to inflammation and infection was by! To see another ad again, then place it in the dishwasher occasionally to disinfect the contact lens cleaners the. Even though they how to store contact lenses without case not have the brand you normally use, please., making it impossible for you to put your lenses in water has been 15,824... Turn the machine on solutions at any pharmacy or discount store, or wherever Health and beauty products sold! Than simply sleeping in your eyes to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free time! Told us that this article, which is much safer than tap water the... 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Last Updated: April 26, 2020 References for example, into a smaller bottle for travel own saline.!, 2020 References, sterile products designed for the type of contact lenses and rub them individually with a disc! For free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker cages, under which you fit both.... At any pharmacy our work with a free case storing your contacts can! Flea markets or other infectious agents over time, so long term storage solution... Which is much safer than tap water beforehand of any drug store recommended seems expensive ask! Case in the garbage fully covered by fresh contact lens case at least once every three.... Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com, how to store contact lenses without case © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved, will... 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At least once every three months, corner store, or wherever Health and beauty products sold. Use it with a free case the bottom of the hydrogen peroxide/neutralizer solution early. Placed over the night, copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all reserved.