How to Store Contact Lenses Without Solution: Safe Alternatives

Quick Answer

If you're out of contact lens solution, the safest temporary option is to keep your lenses in a clean, sealed container with sterile saline solution—never water. For a few hours, you can also use a fresh, unopened bottle of contact lens solution from a pharmacy, but never reuse old solution or use tap water, which can cause serious eye infections.

You're about to take out your contact lenses and realize you've run out of solution. It happens to the best of us. While the best practice is to always have extra solution on hand, there are a few temporary alternatives that can keep your lenses safe until you can get proper care.

In this guide, we'll walk you through safe storage options, what to avoid, and how to handle your lenses if you're in a pinch. Remember, this advice is for emergencies only—your regular routine should always include fresh contact lens solution.

Why You Should Never Use Water

Tap water, bottled water, or even distilled water is not sterile and contains microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. Water also lacks the disinfecting and conditioning agents that contact lens solution provides, so your lenses won't be properly cleaned or hydrated.

If you absolutely must store your lenses for a short period and have no solution, the only acceptable liquid is sterile saline solution that is specifically labeled for contact lens use. Saline helps keep the lenses moist but does not disinfect, so you must still disinfect them later with multipurpose solution before wearing again.

• Never use tap water, bottled water, or saliva.
• Do not reuse old solution from the lens case.
• Always rinse the case with fresh solution before storing.

Temporary Storage Options

If you find yourself without solution, your best bet is to purchase a small bottle of sterile saline solution from a pharmacy or convenience store. Place your lenses in a clean lens case filled with saline and seal it tightly. This is only safe for a few hours, not overnight.

Another option is to keep your lenses in their original blister packs if you haven't opened them yet. If you have a spare pair of daily disposables, you can simply switch to those and discard the old lenses when you're done—no storage needed.

• Carry a spare pair of daily lenses for emergencies.
• Use sterile saline only for short-term storage (under 8 hours).
• After using saline, disinfect lenses with multipurpose solution before next wear.

What to Do If You Have No Solution at All

If you have no solution and cannot get any, the safest choice is to discard the lenses. Wearing lenses that have been improperly stored can lead to eye infections, corneal ulcers, and permanent vision damage. It's not worth the risk.

If you absolutely must keep the lenses, place them in a clean, dry, sealed container—like a lens case with no liquid. This will prevent them from drying out, but they will not be disinfected. You will need to thoroughly disinfect them before wearing again, which is difficult without proper solution.

• When in doubt, throw them out and use a fresh pair.
• Never wear lenses that have dried out—they may be damaged.
• If you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision, see an eye doctor immediately.

Step-by-Step: Emergency Storage Without Solution

1. Assess the situation: Determine how long you need to store your lenses. If it's more than a few hours, consider discarding them instead. Checkpoint: If you can't get solution within 8 hours, don't risk it—use a fresh pair.
2. Find a clean, sealable container: Use a contact lens case or a small, clean jar with a tight lid. Rinse it with hot water and let it air dry. Checkpoint: Never use a container that has residue from other products.
3. Use sterile saline if available: Fill the container with sterile saline solution labeled for contact lenses. Place your lenses in and seal it. Checkpoint: Saline keeps lenses moist but does not disinfect—do not wear them without proper disinfection.
4. If no saline, store dry: Place lenses in the clean, dry container and seal it. This prevents them from drying out completely but offers no disinfection. Checkpoint: This is a last resort—only for a few hours and never overnight.
5. Disinfect before next use: Once you have proper solution, soak your lenses in multipurpose solution for at least 4-6 hours (or as directed) before wearing them again. Checkpoint: If you experience any discomfort, remove lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional.

Choosing the Right Lenses for Your Needs

• It's Water 1Day Brown: Type: 1 Day, Pieces: 10pcs / box, Total Dia: 14.0mm, Graphic Dia: 13.7mm, Base Curve: 8.6mm, Water Content: 38%, Material: HEMA Daily disposables eliminate the need for storage—just wear and discard. This is the safest option if you frequently forget your solution.
• Joy Sand Brown: Type: 1 Month, Pieces: 2pcs / box, Total Dia: 14.0mm, Graphic Dia: 11.9mm, Base Curve: 8.6mm, Water Content: 38%, Material: HEMA Monthly lenses require proper storage and care, so they're a good choice if you're diligent about your routine and want a cost-effective option.
• Romantea Fixy Dewy Tear Gray: Type: 3 Months, Pieces: 2pcs / bottle, Total Dia: 14.2mm, Graphic Dia: 13.7mm, Base Curve: 8.6mm, Water Content: 45%, Material: Silicone Hydrogel Silicone hydrogel lenses offer high oxygen permeability, which is beneficial for eye health, especially if you wear lenses for long hours.

Storing contact lenses without solution is never ideal, but with these temporary alternatives, you can protect your eye health until you get proper care. The best defense is prevention: always carry a spare pair of daily lenses or an extra bottle of solution in your bag.