homemade contact lens solution recipe and substitutes
Homemade Contact Lens Solution: Recipe and Substitutes
Have you run out of your contact lens solution and need some pronto? Don't worry! This Buzzle article has a solution (pun intended) for you! However, make sure you use them only in case of an emergency. Take a look further to know the recipe for making a homemade contact lens solution.
Did You Know?
- Leonardo da Vinci first came up with the idea of contact lenses in 1508 that led to many developments of what is known as contact lenses in today's world.
- In the year 1887, the first contact lenses were manufactured from glass that could cover the entire eye.
DIY Contact Lens Solution
These solutions will prevent your lenses from drying out overnight. You will need to be extra cautious and careful while preparing the solution at home. Never use normal tap water because it contains bacteria and minerals that may damage the lenses or your eyes. An alternative to distilled water would be Reverse Osmosis-treated water. Make sure you prepare a fresh saline solution every time you want to use it.
You will need
- Distilled water, 1 L
- Salt (uniodized), 9 g
- Sterile container
Instructions
- Wash your hands properly with soap before making and using the solution.
- Sterilize the container before using by boiling it in water.
- Add in 9 g of salt, preferably sodium chloride.
- Add 1 L of water in the container, and mix the solution thoroughly until the salt dissolves completely. Use 9 g of salt for every 1 L of water.
- Pour it in a sterilized bottle having a small opening, and store it in a cool, dark place to avoid bacterial attack.
Substitutes for Contact Lens Solution
Saline Solutions
Saline solutions brought from the stores are nothing but a saltwater solution that has been disinfected. It is sterilized and stored under pressure so that the smudges from the contact lenses can be cleaned. However, it is not recommended to keep the lenses in saline solution daily as it may not clean the mineral deposits sitting on the lenses. This is the reason it is not recommended for long-term use.
Distilled Water
Ensure that you don't use tap water to store or clean your lenses. Distilled water is treated, boiled, and condensed. It doesn't contain any impurities or bacteria. It removes smudges from the lenses, but doesn't clean it thoroughly. However, they can be used to store the contact lenses overnight, which will help in preventing them from drying out. One of the common bacterial infections that you can get afflicted by is Acanthamoeba keratitis, and there may be chances that the distilled water may contain this if it is not sterile. It can lead to inflammation of the cornea and eventually blindness. It is best to add a little salt to get rid of any sort of microorganisms present in water.
Salt Water
You may be prone to Acanthamoeba keratitis if you use any kind of untreated or normal water. Adding small amount of salt will kill all the bacteria. Tap water can be used only if distilled water is unavailable. For better results, boil the water and let it cool down while it is covered properly with a lid. It will help in killing greater amounts of bacteria that may be the cause of some infection.
Contact Lens Solution with Hydrogen Peroxide
Solutions made from hydrogen peroxide are a great choice to store, disinfect, and clean your lenses. It is hypoallergenic and a good option for people with allergies and sensitivity issues. However, it can cause corneal damage and burning sensation to eyes, which is why it is necessary to disinfect it and treat it with a neutralizer. It converts hydrogen peroxide into harmless water. Neutralizing the solution is an important step to overcome the possibility of allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Ensure that you don't reuse any of the solutions that you prepare in order to prevent the growth of bacteria. Also, keep in mind not to use these solutions for a longer time. These are just occasional alternatives in case of an emergency. The best contact lens solutions are multipurpose solutions or the prescribed contact lens solution.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only. Consult your ophthalmologist before you make use of a homemade lens solution or alternatives to the same.