Alternatives for Contact Solution
Contact solution is the best way to clean and store your contact lenses because alternatives can lead to eye infection and even vision loss or blindness. If you must use an alternative to store or clean your lenses, make sure not to use saliva and to avoid tap water. Does this Spark an idea?
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Saline Solution
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Saline solution is the best alternative to contact lens solution. Saline solution with preservatives is the best choice because the preservatives will slow bacteria growth on the lenses. Preservative-free saline solution is a suitable option as well, especially if you have a sensitivity to preservatives. Signs of a sensitivity include itching and redness. In some situations, you have to use the types of saline readily available. The bottles do attract bacteria once open, so choose smaller bottles and wash your hands before handling them.
Homemade Saline Solution
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Homemade saline solution should only be used temporarily and in emergency situations. Combine distilled water with a pinch of salt to make the solution. Distilled water is recommended because bacteria is found in lower levels than in tap water. If you must use homemade saline solution, clean your lenses in commercial contact solution as soon as possible.
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Distilled Water
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Another option is to use plain distilled water. It's a better alternative than tap water because tap water sometimes contains a virus called acanthamoeba keratitis. The virus can lead to an infection that causes side effects such as blindness and vision loss. Distilled water can sometimes carry other types of bacteria so it's not the best alternative and should only be used when necessary. Contacts should be placed in contact solution as soon as possible for cleaning.
Salt Water
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If all else fails, you can use tap water with a pinch of salt. The salt can help neutralize the viruses and bacteria that are harmful to eyes. This is not recommended, however, because of the risks of infection. If you go this route and store the lenses in your regular contact case, make sure to clean it well with contact solution as soon as you buy new solution.
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References
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