Why You Should Never Use Contact Lens Solution as Eye Drops

Understanding Contact Lens Solutions

Contact lens wearers use special solutions to clean, disinfect, store, and wet their lenses. These solutions are carefully formulated for safe use directly on contact lenses.

Typical Ingredients

Contact lens solutions contain ingredients like salts, buffers, preservatives, surfactants, and wetting agents. These maintain hydration, neutralize acids, remove debris, disinfect against microbes, and allow lenses to be comfortably worn.

Regulation as Medical Devices

The FDA classifies contact lens solutions as Class II medical devices given frequent direct contact with eyes. Manufacturers must adhere to stringent biocompatibility, stability, efficacy and quality standards regarding formulation and labeling.

Dangers of Misusing Contact Lens Solution

While contact lens solutions are tested as safe for their intended use with lenses, they have risks when used off-label as eyedrops for conditions like dryness or redness.

Incorrect Ingredient Concentrations

The salt, buffer and preservative levels suitable for soaking contact lenses are often too strong for direct application to eyes. This can disturb the tear film and epithelial cells lining the cornea and conjunctiva.

Higher Contamination Risks

Since contact lens solution bottles are frequently exposed to hands, lenses and storage cases, they harbor more bacteria and pathogens despite containing disinfectants. Reusing old solution also increases contamination likelihood further.

Potential Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may be sensitive to ingredients in contact lens solutions not found in standard eye drops. Benzalkonium chloride used as a common antimicrobial is a frequent irritant for many contact lens wearers when overused.

Proper Use of Contact Lens Solutions

Following proper usage guidelines is critical when handling contact lens solutions to avoid complications:

Rinse Lenses Before Insertion

Always rinse your lenses thoroughly with fresh solution right before insertion. Never place lenses in eyes directly from the storage case without rinsing.

Rub and Rinse Hands Before Handling

Thoroughly wash and rinse hands with soap and water before touching contact lens cases or solutions to minimize transfer of makeup, lotion or dirt.

Discard Old Solution Frequently

Never reuse old lens solution after soaking contact lenses in it. Solution should be discarded and replenished routinely to limit bacterial growth during storage.

Seeking Alternatives to Contact Lens Solutions

For anyone experiencing eye issues like irritation, burning, dryness or redness, contact lens solutions should not be substituted for legitimate medical eye drops.

Consult an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to identify the underlying cause of any eye problems. An exam allows diagnosis of issues like infection, inflammation, allergies or insufficient tearing.

Incorporate Proper Eyedrop Hygiene Habits

When using any medicated eye drops as directed, be vigilant about always washing hands thoroughly before use. Never allow dropper tips to contact surrounding skin or surfaces to prevent contamination.

Consider Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

Switching to daily disposable contact lenses eliminates the need to regularly disinfect lenses and cases. This reduces solution exposure for those sensitive to preservatives.

Emergency Care for Accidental Exposure

If contact lens solution accidentally gets splashed directly in your eyes despite proper precautions, take emergency action:

Immediately Rinse Eyes With Tap Water

Hold eyelids open and flush eyes continuously using cool clean tap water for 15-20 minutes to dilute solution remnants and restore tear pH.

Avoid Eye Rubbing

Do not rub eyes, as this can worsen corneal damage. Let tears passively overflow from the inner to outer eye instead during rinsing.

Seek Medical Attention if Symptoms Persist

Call an ophthalmologist promptly if stinging, blurred vision, redness or light sensitivity continues despite extended flushing. Serious injury to the cornea or conjunctiva may require medication to aid healing.

Remember, while vital for contact lens use and storage, contact lens solutions have no place being substituted as general eye drops. Always follow usage guidelines closely and handle with great care to promote eye health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.