When you run out of contact lens solution, it might feel tempting to reach for a bottle of eye drops instead. But can you use eye drops as a contact lens solution? The short answer is no—eye drops and lens solution serve very different purposes, and using one in place of the other can put your eye health at risk.
Why Contact Lens Solution Matters
Contact lens solution is designed to do three key things: clean, disinfect, and hydrate your lenses. Every time you wear your contacts, they come into contact with protein deposits, bacteria, and environmental debris.
Lens solution helps break down these deposits and kill germs so your contacts remain safe to wear. Without proper cleaning and disinfection, bacteria and other microorganisms can grow on your lenses, increasing your risk of eye infections like keratitis.
What Eye Drops Do
Eye drops, on the other hand, are designed primarily for temporary symptom relief. They may add moisture to dry eyes, reduce redness, or relieve itching caused by allergies. While they may feel soothing, most eye drops don’t have disinfecting or cleaning properties. This means they won’t kill harmful bacteria or remove buildup from your lenses.
Even if some eye drops are labeled “for contact lens wearers,” they’re not meant to replace cleaning solution. Instead, these drops are safe to apply directly to your eyes while wearing contacts to refresh moisture during the day. They work in addition to, not instead of, proper cleaning and disinfecting routines.
The Risks of Using Eye Drops as Lens Solution
Substituting eye drops for lens solution may seem harmless, but it can lead to serious consequences:
- Bacterial infections – Without disinfecting, lenses can trap harmful microbes against the surface of your eye.
- Corneal damage – Contaminants and protein buildup left on lenses can scratch or irritate your cornea.
- Increased dryness and discomfort – Eye drops don’t provide the same hydration balance as solution, which can leave lenses feeling sticky or dry.
- Reduced lens lifespan – Without proper cleaning, contacts can deteriorate faster, leading to more frequent replacements.
Ultimately, what feels like a shortcut can end up putting your vision at risk.
Safe Alternatives if You’re Out of Solution
If you realize you’ve run out of lens solution, it’s best to remove your contacts and switch to glasses until you can restock. Never use water, saliva, or household liquids like hydrogen peroxide that aren’t labeled for use with contact lenses. Even tap water can contain microbes like Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe, vision-threatening infections.
The safest approach is always to plan ahead. Keep an extra bottle of lens solution on hand, especially if you wear contacts daily. Travel-sized bottles are also available, making it easy to carry backup solution in your bag, car, or desk drawer.
Eye Drops & Contact Lens Comfort
While eye drops can’t replace lens solution, they can still play an important role in comfort. Many people experience occasional dryness with contacts, especially in air-conditioned or heated environments. Rewetting drops made specifically for contact lenses can refresh your eyes throughout the day without interfering with your lenses.
If you find yourself reaching for drops frequently, this may be a sign that your current lenses aren’t the best fit or that your eyes need more moisture support. In these cases, it’s a good idea to talk to your eye doctor.
FAQs About Eye Drops & Contact Lenses
Can I rinse my contact lenses with eye drops?
No, eye drops aren’t sterile cleaning agents. Rinsing your lenses with them won’t remove deposits or disinfect properly.
What should I do if I accidentally use eye drops on my contacts instead of solution?
Remove your contacts immediately, rinse them thoroughly with proper solution, and disinfect them before wearing again. If your eyes feel irritated, leave the lenses out and contact your optometrist.
Can I sleep in my contacts if I don’t have solution?
No. Sleeping in contacts is already risky unless they’re specifically approved for overnight wear. Without disinfecting, the risk of infection increases significantly.
Is saline solution the same as contact lens solution?
Not quite. Saline can rinse lenses, but doesn’t disinfect them. If you use saline, you’ll still need a proper disinfecting solution for safe wear.
Schedule an Eye Exam in Northwest Indiana
Eye drops are great for refreshing your eyes, but they’re no substitute for contact lens solution. Contact solution is carefully formulated to disinfect, clean, and hydrate lenses—something eye drops simply can’t do. If you ever run out, the safest choice is to switch to glasses until you can replace your solution.
At Moses Eyecare Center in Northwest Indiana, we help contact lens wearers find the safest, most comfortable care routines for their vision needs. Whether you need guidance on lens hygiene, the best rewetting drops, or a full contact lens fitting, our team is here to support your long-term eye health. Schedule your appointment today and keep your eyes clear, comfortable, and protected.
