Can You Put Contacts in Water: Tips for Contact Lens Care
Contact lenses are a convenient vision aid, but proper care is essential for eye health. A common query among wearers is whether contacts can be stored in water. Understanding the dos and don'ts of contact lens care is vital to avoid potential risks.
This article delves into the different aspects of storing contacts, offering valuable tips and insights into the best practices for maintaining these corrective lenses. Discover the crucial steps to preserve your eye health while ensuring the longevity of your contacts.
Can I put my contacts in water?
No, placing contacts in water is not advisable. Water, including tap water and even distilled or saline solutions, can harbour microorganisms, leading to serious eye infections.
Contacts should be stored and cleaned using recommended contact lens solutions to maintain sterility and prevent potential eye complications. Adhering to proper hygiene practices and following manufacturer instructions for contact lens care will safeguard your eye health.
What happens if I wet my contacts with water?
Wetting contacts with water, whether tap, distilled, or saline, poses significant risks. Water contains microorganisms that can stick to lenses, potentially causing eye infections.
These microorganisms, like Acanthamoeba, may lead to severe conditions like keratitis, causing redness, pain, and vision impairment. Water can alter the lens' shape, affecting vision and comfort. Additionally, minerals and impurities in water can adhere to lenses, causing irritation or discomfort upon insertion.
To maintain eye health, avoid using water on contacts and exclusively employ recommended contact lens solutions prescribed by eye care professionals for cleaning, storing, and hydrating lenses.
What can you put your contacts in if you don't have a solution?
If you don’t have contact lens solution, refrain from using water or saliva. Instead, opt for an appropriate alternative, like a sterile saline solution.
You can also consider employing a temporary storage medium, like a multipurpose contact lens solution.
Can I use homemade saline solution to store my contact lenses?
Using homemade saline solutions for storing contact lenses is not recommended. Homemade solutions lack proper sterilisation and the precise pH balance required for disinfection. As such, they may still contain impurities that could harm your eyes, increasing the risk of infections or irritations.
Can I leave my contact lenses without a solution?
Leaving contact lenses without solution isn't advisable as it may lead to lens dehydration, warping, or discomfort upon insertion. Doing so can affect their shape and cause irritation or compromise vision clarity.
Contact lenses must be stored in proper casing filled with a recommended contact lens solution to maintain moisture and cleanliness.
Can I still use my contacts if they dry out?
If contacts dry out, rehydrating them with a contact lens solution might restore their usability. However, prolonged dryness could warp or damage the lenses, causing discomfort or vision issues.
Inspect for damage and consult an optometrist if unsure before reusing dried-out contacts to prevent potential eye irritation or complications.
Can I swim with contact lenses on?
Swimming while wearing contact lenses isn't recommended. Water exposure, especially in pools, lakes, or hot tubs, can introduce harmful microorganisms, leading to infections or discomfort.
Consider using prescription swimming goggles or daily disposable lenses as safer alternatives to protect your eyes during water activities.
What should I do if water gets into my eyes while wearing contacts?
If water enters your eyes while wearing contacts, remove them immediately and rinse them with a sterile saline solution. Avoid rubbing your eyes and consult an eye care professional if irritation persists.
How to store contact lenses so that they last?
For contact lens longevity, ensure that you adhere to the following tips:
- Store contact lenses in a clean case with fresh, prescribed contact lens solution.
- Wash and thoroughly dry hands before handling lenses.
- Cleanse and rinse lenses with recommended solutions before storing.
- Avoid water or homemade solutions for storing or cleaning lenses.
- Prevent exposure to excessive heat or water while wearing lenses.
- Replace the storage case regularly.
- Adhere to prescribed wearing schedules and undergo routine eye check-ups for optimal lens care and longevity.
Where to buy contact lens solution?
You can purchase contact lens solutions conveniently online at PinkyParadise.com.
Our recommended solutions are suitable for cleaning, storing, and maintaining contact lenses. Additionally, we offer the convenience of purchasing quality eye care products online and delivering them directly to your doorstep.
Conclusion
Safeguarding your eye health through proper contact lens care is paramount. Avoid water exposure and homemade solutions, prioritise prescribed contact lens solutions, and maintain hygiene practices.
Regular check-ups and adherence to recommended wearing schedules are crucial. For convenient access to quality contact lens solutions, explore PinkyParadise.com. Embrace these practices to ensure prolonged lens longevity and preserve your eyesight for years.