Homemade Contact Lens Cleaner
Improper use of homemade saline solution when caring for your contact lens can result in serious eye infections that could cause eye blindness. Contact lens cleaners or saline solutions can be expensive. There are advantages in making your own solutions. However, you must take added precaution in preparation and sanitation.
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Making Contact Lens Solution
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Making your own saline solution (contact lens solution) is relatively easy. Purchase some distilled water at your local grocery store. You will also need salt. The best source of salt would be laboratory-grade sodium chloride, which is available through a lab supply company, but you can also use plain old cooking salt. You will also need a clean pan for cooking, a sterile container for storage and a funnel for pouring the solution. If you don't have rubbing alcohol in the house, pick up some rubbing alcohol as well. Boil one full liter of water. Using your funnel, pour the boiling water into your container (it should be approximately one liter or more) and pour one teaspoon of salt into the hot water. Put the lid on the container and shake.
Storing Contact Lens Solution
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Store the solution in a dark place to reduce the risk of algae growth. Always keep the lid on tight, and do not touch any surfaces with the rim when pouring. You can use smaller squirt bottles for day-to-day use. If you are disinfecting your lenses with heat, only use homemade saline solution before heat disinfection. Clean your lenses with fresh sterilizer daily. Never use homemade saline solution as an eye drop or to wet your lenses.
Preventing Eye Infections
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Avoid eye infection by not swimming or using a hot tub while wearing contact lenses. Also, wash your hands before handling your contact lenses, If you are experiencing discomfort, discharge, pain or blurred vision, remove your lenses immediately and consult your doctor.
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