This is why you should Never Store your Contact Lenses in Water

The first thing that hits your mind for storing contact lenses in absence of the contact lens solution is water. If you also resort to water; STOP! Stop immediately, as contact lenses should never be exposed to water- not even to the tiny droplet! Water carries a rare but horrific parasite “Acanthamoeba Keratitis” that actually feeds on corneal tissues. We advise you to rely on homemade Saline solution for soaking contact lenses instead, when your regular disinfectant is not readily available.  "That space between the eye and the contact lens is a place that this little amoeba really likes to live," says Dr. Andy Howard at LaFollette Eye Clinic.             

Doctors warns against Acanthamoeba that runs in water. They suggests to never shower, swim or wash face when wearing contact lenses. It is not only the pools that carry the risk but tap water too. The parasite devours cornea way too quickly than you might even think- sometimes it takes even less than 24 hours. Unfortunately, there is no over the counter treatment but removing the eyeball in most of the cases.

When you wash or soak your contact lenses in tap water, acanthamoeba from water can cling to your soft contact lenses that may then transfer to your eyes. In seconds, the parasite gets activated to feed on the tissues. The damage is often fatal leading to complete blindness. The symptoms of Acanthamoeba attacks are:

1. Extreme stinging burning sensation
2. Light Sensitivity
3. White spots on the surface of eye
4. Horrific inflammation & redness

According to the Howard; they see about one acanthamoeba keratitis infection every year. This is most common in people who disregard doctors’ suggestions and neglect taking care of their contact lenses. He encourages patients to talk their doctors about the best contact lens solution & contact lens care instructions. He stressed enough on never washing your contact lens cases with water.

Contact lenses are excellent vision correction devices and more than 30 million people are being benefitted. If you are really concerned about your vision; it is only your attitude towards contact lenses you need to improve. Look how people are creating exciting makeup looks using colored contacts whilst staying safe!

Why do My Eyes Itch after Removing Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses if bear manufacturing flaws will itch when you wear them. Contrary to this, if you get an eye sore or develop any kind of irrational discomfort after removing contact lenses then the problem is perhaps in your contact lens solution. Alike contact lenses, there are several varieties of contact lens solutions available in the market but only some meet the health standards.

The delayed hypersensitivity that develops after many months of contact lens wearing is more likely an indication of incompatible solution. Solutions including preservatives that are mercury based often lead to irritation & redness. Harsh chemicals trigger instant reactions leading to temporary ocular disorders. Whilst the best strategy is to discontinue wearing contacts for a day or two, it is advised that you meanwhile look for a hypoallergenic multi-purpose contact lens solution. Multi-purpose solution is a multi-tasking liquid that does not only soak & preserve your contact lenses but also disinfect them thoroughly by breaking down the lipids and proteins accumulated on the surface of circle contacts.

Patients with previous history of infections, allergies, eczema etc. are more likely to get affected by substandard solutions or lenses. The sensitivity grows further if the immediate actions to relieve the discomfort are prevented.

How to identify the culprit of the discomfort

If contact lens solution has been the problem; you should expect any of the following symptoms

1. Irritable & Itchy eyes with same pair of lenses you have been wearing for a couple of months
2. Increasing discomfort even after removing the contacts
3. Weepy eyes that feel warm

What to do?

1. Switch to pharmacy made multi-purpose solutions.
2. Use eye drops to help relieve the discomfort
3. Don’t leave the solution bottle unopened. Leaving the caps off reduces the efficacy of the disinfectant.

Most of the patients are concerned about what they take in their eyes. They however forget the importance of a good contact lens solution. Solutions are as significant as are your contacts. Contact lenses correct the refractive errors, where as a good antimicrobial & bio-compatible multi-purpose solution will form a protective barrier against germs, reaching your eyes.

Also Read: 

Alternatives of Contact Lens Solutions- Safe or Harmful?

DIY Contact Lens Solution: What to Expect From?

Contact lens solutions available in the market might be expensive for some; therefore we have been observing more people relying to DIY solutions of contact lenses. DIY solutions often are a reference to homemade saline solution that is generally a mixture of sodium & distilled water. Store bought saline solutions are also resorted for cleaning, soaking & storing contact lenses. Saline solution might be a cheaper alternative to your multi-purpose solution but its usage should be restricted to emergencies only.

Why DIY Solution of Contact Lenses in not always a Good Choice?

Contact lens solution is not always readily available thus you can safely use saline solution instead. A saline solution can clean your contact lenses from superficial dirt & debris but it cannot slow down the bacteria accumulation on your contact lenses. Saline solution is also unable of removing protein debris and minerals deposition from contact lenses. It only promises to prevent your contact lenses from drying out over night when you run out of your regular multi-purpose solution.

Saline solution is in appropriate to be used on long-term basis for cleaning, soaking & storing your contact lenses. It contains salt & disinfected water (Distilled water) that keep your circle lenses hydrated. However, saline solution runs risk of disturbing the water-content ratio in contacts. Only revert to saline solution or other alternatives when by no means you are able to access a good quality pharmaceutical contact lens solution.

Note: Cleaning properties of saline solutions and other alternatives of contact lens solution offer short term service. Since the cleaning properties are not as pronounced as of the enzymatic solutions; it is advised to only use the solutions, specially formulated to cleanse & disinfect contact lenses. If emergency strikes; use saline solution at your own risk.