While it might seem like a quick fix when you’re out of eye drops, contact lens solution is specifically designed to clean and disinfect your lens, not to hydrate your eyes. Therefore, contact lens solution is not a safe substitute for eye drops.
Using it as a replacement could cause irritation or harm your eyes. Instead, it is important to use products intended for the job, such as artificial tears that don’t contain preservatives to help keep your eyes healthy.
What’s the Difference Between Contact Lens Solutions & Eye Drops?
Although both products often reside in the same place or drawer for lens wearers, they are designed with distinctively different purposes.
Contact Lens Solution
The primary goal of contact lens solutions are to clean, disinfect, and store your lenses safely. Therefore, some of the common ingredients used are:
- Hydrogen peroxide or disinfectants that can kill microorganisms.
- Surfactants to remove proteins, lipids, and debris from the lens surface.
- Buffering agents to help maintain a pH level that is safe for contact use.
With a purpose of keeping your contact lenses sterile and safe to wear, these chemicals are not formulated to help soothe and hydrate your eyes directly.
Eye Drops
Eye drops, otherwise known as artificial tears, are specifically designed to lubricate and soothe your eyes. If you are experiencing dryness, redness, or irritation, eye drops are used to mimic natural tears and restore moisture. Ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose or hyaluronic acid commonly make eye drops safe and effective for direct application to the eyes.
Unlike contact lens solution, eye drops lack disinfecting chemicals that may irritate your eyes and are formulated to match the eye’s natural pH balance to help hydrate.
Why Contact Lens Solution Isn’t a Substitute for Eye Drops
It can be tempting to use contact lens solution in a pinch, but here’s a few reasons why you might want to think again:
Harsh Chemicals
Contact lens solution is not made to be put directly on the eyes. While safe for lens application, the substances used can irritate the sensitive tissues of your eyes and cause redness or discomfort.
Lack of Lubricating Properties
Eye drops are intended to provide hydration and moisture that help to soothe and relieve discomfort in dry eyes. Meanwhile, contact lens solutions lack those ingredients and can have the opposite effect, even worsening symptoms.
Risk of Contaminants
If the solution bottle has not been stored properly or is contaminated, then introducing it directly into your eye can increase the risk of eye infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis.
What To Do if You Run Out of Eye Drops?
Instead of reaching for your contact lens solution, here are a few things you can use until you get new eye drops:
- Use artificial tears: If you’re using prescription eye drops, opting for an over-the-counter substitute like artificial tears can offer a convenient and easy way to hydrate your eyes.
- Increase humidity: A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, reducing eye dryness.
- Blink more frequently: The simple act of blinking more can naturally boost tear production and help prevent your eyes from drying out.
How to Prevent Running Out of Eye Care Essentials
It can be annoying to run out of eye care tools, whether it be contact lenses, contact lens solutions, or eye drops. Here are a few tips to stay prepared:
Stock Up On Eye Drops
Keeping a small stockpile of eye drops spread out throughout commonly used areas in your house can be a great way to stay prepared. For example, keep a small bottle of artificial tears in your bag, at your desk, and home for easy access. Many brands offer single-use vials, which are great for storing.
Regularly Refill Your Supplies
Mark your calendar and schedule reminders for when to replenish your eye care essentials, including contact lens solutions, eye drops, and saline.
Schedule Regular Appointments
Schedule regular appointments with your eye care professional to discuss your eye health and needs. They can help recommend the best products for your specific needs and provide options on where to get them.
How to Use Eye Drops Properly
Using eye drops correctly leads to better effectiveness in maintaining your eye health. Here are some simple steps to applying eye drops safely:
- Wash your hands: before handling eye drops, wash your hands with soap and water to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Prepare the eye drops: If the label instructs you to do so, gently shake the eye drop bottle. Remove the cap and avoid touching the dropper tip to keep it sterile.
- Position yourself: Tilt your head back slightly or lie down for easier application. Use one hand to hold the bottle and the other to gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Apply the drops: Hold the bottle close to your eye, but avoid touching it. Squeeze only the prescribed amount of drops into your eye.
- Close your eye: Close your eye for a minute or two to allow for the drop to spread evenly.
- Clean up: Wipe away any excess liquid with a clean tissue, then replace the cap on the bottle tightly, storing the bottle as directed.
By following these tips, you can help apply your eye drops safely, but consult your eye care provider if you are experiencing any discomfort or have concerns.
Explore Eye Care Solution with Total Vision Pasadena When it comes to your eye health, professional advice can make a big difference. If you have questions about eye drops, contact lenses, or other aspects of vision care, our experienced team is here to help! Book an appointment today to get started on improving your eye health.
