Losing your contact lens case or running out of solution can happen to anyone, especially while travelling or late at night. But before you reach for water or another quick fix, it’s essential to know what’s safe and what’s not. How to store contacts without a case and a solution? According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), you should never store contact lenses without a proper case and disinfecting solution. However, if you’re in an emergency, there are temporary steps you can take to protect your lenses and, more importantly, your eyes.
This guide explains how to handle contact lens emergencies, what to avoid, and why responsible storage is essential for eye safety and long-term vision health.
Why You Shouldn’t Store Contacts Without a Solution
Contact lens solution is not just a liquid; it’s a carefully balanced formula that cleans, disinfects, and hydrates lenses to keep them safe for your eyes. Standard multipurpose solutions remove proteins and bacteria while maintaining the proper pH for comfort. Skipping this step exposes your lenses to harmful microbes and residue buildup.
When you store lenses without a proper solution, bacteria can multiply within hours. Research cited by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that up to 90% of contact lens-related eye infections result from improper storage or cleaning habits. These infections can lead to serious complications like corneal ulcers or keratitis, both of which can cause lasting vision damage.
Contact lens hygiene is a cornerstone of eye safety. Even if your lenses look clean, storing them in water, saliva, or other substitutes destroys their sterility. Always remember: lens solution isn’t optional—it’s protective technology designed for your eyes.
Learn more about how to use and care for lenses safely!.
How To Store Contacts Without a Case And Solution (Emergency Guide)
If you’re in a situation where your contact lens case or solution is missing, the safest option is to remove your lenses immediately and avoid reusing them until properly disinfected. However, if you need to keep them temporarily, follow this emergency protocol:
-
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Use antibacterial soap and a lint-free towel.
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Find a clean, airtight container. A new lens blister pack, sealed glass cup, or sterilised travel case can work in an emergency.
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If a multipurpose solution is available nearby, use it immediately to store the lenses.
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If you have no solution at all, remove the lenses and keep them dry in the clean container—never in water or saliva.
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Do not reuse the lenses unless you can disinfect them with fresh solution within a few hours.
- If more than 12 hours pass, discard them entirely to avoid infection.
This emergency method should be used only once and never become a routine habit. Contact lenses are medical devices - temporary shortcuts can cause permanent harm.
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Where To Put Contacts Without a Case (and What Not To Use)
When you don’t have your lens case, choosing a storage option can make or break your eye health. Here’s what’s safe—and what isn’t.
|
Safe Temporary Option |
Unsafe Substitute |
Why It’s Unsafe |
|
New, unused blister pack |
Tap water |
Contains Acanthamoeba bacteria that can cause severe infection |
|
Airtight travel container |
Saliva |
High bacterial load and contamination risk |
|
Clean, sealed plastic cup |
Eye drops |
Non-sterile and not disinfecting |
If you ever wonder where to put contacts without a case, remember this: if it’s not sterile and airtight, it’s not safe. Never improvise with tap water or cosmetic containers. The wrong storage environment can turn lenses into bacterial sponges.
Can You Put Contacts in Water or Saline?
One of the most common questions from new wearers is: Can you put contacts in water? Or can you use saline instead of the solution? The answer is no—neither tap water nor plain saline is safe for storing contact lenses.
Tap water often contains Acanthamoeba, a microorganism that can cause severe corneal infections. Unlike sterilised lens solution, water has no disinfecting properties and can alter the shape of the lenses, making them uncomfortable or even painful to wear.
Similarly, saline solution is not a disinfectant—it’s meant for rinsing, not cleaning or storing lenses. In comparison, multipurpose solutions contain cleaning agents, and hydrogen peroxide systems neutralise bacteria through a deep-cleaning process.
|
Type |
Purpose |
Safe for Storage? |
|
Tap Water |
Rinsing (unsafe) |
No |
|
Saline Solution |
Rinsing only |
No |
|
Multipurpose Solution |
Cleaning, disinfecting |
Yes |
|
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution |
Deep sterilization |
Yes (with neutralisation) |
The FDA and AOA strongly warn against using non-sterile liquids for storage, even briefly. If you’re travelling, always pack a travel-sized lens solution and a sealed case.
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What Happens If You Sleep or Travel With Contacts On?
Many users wonder whether it’s okay to nap or fly while wearing contacts—especially daily lenses. While it might seem harmless, sleeping in contact lenses reduces oxygen flow to the cornea, raising the risk of infection. During long trips, dry cabin air can make the problem worse.
If you’re asking, can I take daily contact lenses on a plane? The answer is yes, but they must remain sealed in their sterile packaging until use. Always pack travel-sized solution, a spare case, and lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated during flights. Never remove lenses mid-flight without having a clean, sterile place to store them.
When travelling frequently, daily disposables are ideal because they eliminate the need for cleaning or storage. See the Bellalense Lens Collection for safe, convenient options designed for travellers.
When to Throw Away Contacts After Improper Storage
Improper storage dramatically reduces the safety and comfort of your lenses. If you’ve had to store your contacts dry or without solution, discard them after 12 hours. Even if they appear clean, microscopic contaminants may already be present.
Warning signs of contamination include dryness, redness, blurred vision, or a cloudy film on the lens surface. Never try to “rinse and reuse” questionable lenses. Replace them immediately and disinfect your case thoroughly before inserting new ones.
Maintaining proper hygiene not only prevents infection but also extends the lifespan of reusable lenses. When in doubt, it’s always safer—and cheaper long-term—to replace than to risk your eye health.
Final Takeaway - Never Store Lenses Without Proper Care
How to store contacts without a case and a solution? Emergencies happen, but your eyes deserve professional care, not shortcuts. If you ever lose your contact lens case or solution, remove your lenses and store them dry only as a last resort. Replace them as soon as possible and avoid reusing improperly stored lenses.
Good hygiene is the foundation of healthy vision. Stay prepared by keeping a spare case, a travel-sized solution, and backup daily disposables on hand.
Your eyes are irreplaceable, so treat them with the same care you give your sight.
FAQs
Can I take daily contact lenses on a plane?
Yes. Keep them in their sealed blister packs and carry a small bottle of sterile lens solution in your hand luggage. Cabin air can dry your eyes, so use rewetting drops as needed.
Can you put contacts in water temporarily?
No. Water contains bacteria and Acanthamoeba that can cause serious eye infections. Never rinse or store contact lenses in tap water.
Where to put contacts without a case?
Use a new, sealed, airtight container—like a clean lens blister or travel pod—for short-term emergencies only. Replace with proper storage immediately.
Can you rewear lenses after storing them dry?
No. Lenses stored dry lose hydration and structure. Always disinfect with a fresh solution before reuse, or discard them.
