Do you ever keep track of the amount of saline solution you use to soak your contact lens? If you do, you should notice the contact lens solution evaporates overnight. Have you ever wondered why & how is this happening? And also how to avoid contact lens solution evaporating?

Now that we have got your attention, read on to find out why it happens. Before that, there are some things you might really want to keep in mind as a contact lens user.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

The Whys To Evaporation Process of Contact Lens Solution & Effect

Let’s face it. Liquid evaporation is inevitable. But, why is this happening?

Just like any other liquid element, contact lens solution evaporates when the climate is dry or even when the humidity level is low.

These conditions help the changing process from liquid to gas or vapour even quicker. While water evaporation is totally safe, it is a different story for contact lens solutions.

Partial evaporation can affect the efficiency of multi-purpose solutions. In other words, the leftover solution will not be able to disinfect, moisturize and store your contact lens properly.

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Therefore, it is crucial that you always keep your contact lenses in enough solutions in your contact lens cases. 

Some wearers usually top off their contact lens cases with fresh solutions. Topping off means you add a fresh solution to the used solution which is already in your contact lens case. Sounds familiar?

It might seem to be cost-effective and time-saving for some. However, this practice actually reduces the effectiveness of disinfection. Hence, it will lead to unwanted eye complications and infections. So, never reuse, top off or leave used solution in your contact lens case.

Since we mentioned that liquid evaporation is unavoidable and topping off fresh solutions is not the best way to do it, how can we overcome this issue?

5 Precaution Steps That You Can Take To Avoid Evaporation Of Lens Solution

There are a number of ways to deal with this problem. Check out these five prevention methods to minimize the tendency of the contact lens solution from drying up.

1. Change The Contact Lens Solution Frequently

If you use the monthly contact lens, you need to change the solution in the case where you store your contacts every day. It doesn’t matter if you wear it just a few times and then let it sit in the case for the rest of the month. You should always replace your contact lens solutions.

If you are unable to adhere to this routine, you should switch to using a daily disposable contact lens. You must not be confused with daily contact lenses and daily disposable contact lenses.

A daily disposable contact lens means you only use it one time. It is designed to be thrown away after a single-use.

By using a daily disposable contact lens, you can eliminate the need for contact lens cleaning and disinfecting. So, you don’t have to worry about disappearing solutions in your contact lens case. You probably don’t even need a contact lens case and solutions.

2. Use Quality Contact Lens Case

There are a lot of contact lens cases in the market these days. They either come in standard case designs or in your favourite character designs. You can choose whatever design you like. However, always make sure that you choose the ones with the best quality. 

Poor contact lens cases may not be able to seal well. Thus, drying out the contact lens solution when you store your contact lens in it.  

Remember to check for the case’s condition. Make sure there is no breaking or cracking that may lead to leaking. Apart from that, you should always change your contact lens case frequently. 

As an avid contact lens wearer, you should know how often you need to change your contact lens cases. Practically, you have to change your contact lens case at least every three months. However, it would be even better if you could change it every month. 

You may think you have already sanitized and cleaned the case. However, that is not true. In fact, the longer you use the case, the more bacteria can breed in it. An unclean contact lens case may cause it to infect your contact lens and also your eyes. 

3. Put The Contact Lens Case Cover Properly

You read this right. You should be covering your contact lens lid properly. This is truly a no-brainer.

However, there are times that you might be in a rush and forget to put your contact lens case lid on. Or you probably already put the case cover on, but you don’t screw or snap it properly.

Be sure that the caps are closed tightly to avoid spilling while storing your contact lens.

4. Double Seal To Prevent Contact Lens Solution Evaporate

To prevent your contact lens solution from evaporating, you may want to take extra precautions on how you store them.

The best way you can do this is by keeping your lens in an appropriate contact lens case. Then, enclose it in a zipper bag. This way you can ensure that there is a barrier between your lens case and the direct open atmosphere.

For instance, lower humidity levels and hot or dry temperatures can dry off the solution from the cases if you don’t close the case cap properly or let it lie in an open atmosphere. Alternatively, keep them in a protected lens kit if you do not have a zipper bag to store them in.

5. Store Contact Lens Case In Temperature Controlled Room

Apart from all the precautions mentioned above, you can always go the extra mile. Hot and cold weather can really affect contact lenses and contact lens solutions. 

So, one of the best ways to reduce the contact lens solution from evaporating is by keeping your contact lens case in a temperature-controlled room.

You should place your contact lens case away from heat dan direct sunlight too. 

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Only Contact Lens Wearers Can Pass This Quiz...

1 / 18

How long do I need to soak contact lenses before first use?

1-2 hours

3-4 hours

6-8 hours

8-10 hours

It is recommended that colored contacts should be soaked for a good time of 6 - 8 hours before the very first use. This is done because the solution in which colored contacts come is for storing them. That solution is definitely not meant to come in contact with eyes.

2 / 18

How long can I use my contact lenses?

12 and half months

Within 12 months

1 year

2 years

If you open the lenses container, you shall dispose within the said period listed in the "Replacement Period" in product description, example 12 months. You can wear as many times as you want. Please dispose within the replacement period or after the expiry date on the label, whichever comes first.

Please also take note that the 12 months replacement period is a maximum period you can use

3 / 18

How many hours can you wear colored contacts for the first time?

0-2 hours

2-4 hours

4-6 hours

6-8 hours

It varies from person to person. Some people have sensitive eyes whereas others have dry. You need to figure out the duration yourself. As a rule of thumb, do not wear colored contacts for more than 2 - 4 hours the first time.

4 / 18

What is the first thing you should do when you first receive the contact lenses?

Make sure the lenses are not torn or damaged

Check the packaging

Sanitize everything!

Try it on.

Happy that it reached you safely! What you have to do now is to check you got everything as ordered. And inspect the contacts are in good condition (such as in 1 piece, no scratch, not glued on the bottle and etc) before you open it. Please sanitize your hands, lens case and related tools before using it.

5 / 18

How much water content should my contact lenses have?

20%-30%

30%-40%

50%-60%

60%-70%

IDEAL water content should be between 50% - 60%, but it varies among people. Experts recommend contact lenses with high water content to those eyes are easy to get dry.

6 / 18

How deep should my base curve be?

5.3-5.9mm

6.3-6.9mm

7.3-7.9mm

8.3-8.9mm

It is the centre area of the curvature of the lens. The basic rule to select Base Curve is: it should not be tight. Experts advise common Base Curve are between 8.3 to 8.9.  This helps it fit your cornea more comfortably since some corneas are "steeper" or "flatter" than others. The higher the base curve number the "flatter" the curvature of the cornea.

7 / 18

How to know if your contact lenses are worn the right way?

Cup shaped with a slight curve.

Perfect cup shaped without curve.

Flat with curve edges.

Rounded edges with slight cup shape.

If it’s pointing upwards, or if the edges appear to meet then the lens is the correct way around. If it bends outwards towards your finger and thumb, then the lens is inside out.

8 / 18

What is the safest way to insert contact lenses?

Plunger

Tweezer

Fingers

Cotton buds

The safest way to insert your contact lens as a beginner is with your fingers! After washing them thoroughly, just insert them to your eyes gently.

9 / 18

Do you need a prescription before ordering a pair of contact lenses?

No, I have perfect eye sight.

I will pick it based on the closest match to my previous lenses.

Yes, I need a prescription from an optometrist before purchasing any lens.

I will use my prescription from my glasses.

Yes even if you have perfect eye sight. The improper wear and care of contact lenses can cause eye infections that can lead to serious, long-term damage, including vision loss.

10 / 18

How to prevent risks of infection with contact lenses?

Use unwashed hands when inserting into eyes.

Use contact lenses right after receiving it.

Soak contact lenses for an hour.

Check contact lenses thoroughly and purchase it from a trusted distributor.

First and foremost, make sure your contact lenses are purchased from a reliable source that deals in branded and authentic contact lenses. Fake contact lenses run the risks of horrendous injuries since these cannot be claimed anywhere for incurring the damage. They are manufactured using substandard materials that fade the dyes. What worse, the uneven/jagged edges of fake contact lenses may scar the cornea.

11 / 18

How to know if a contact lens is defective?

Smooth edges

Cup shaped curvature

Even surface

Jagged and uneven edges

Inspect your contact lenses from the edges to the smoothness of the surface to avoid any discomfort or worse, a scarred cornea!

12 / 18

What do I do if my lenses are defective?

Rinse it with some multipurpose contacts solution.

Do not wear it.

Soak it overnight in contact lens solution.

Wear it like usual.

Unfortunately, if it is ripped, it's best to throw it away and get a refund!

13 / 18

What do I do if my contact lenses are uncomfortable? Even if it is not defective.

Use eyedrops to ease discomfort.

Soak the contact lenses for another 6 hours.

Blink profusely.

Ignore it and it will go away.

It's most probably due to dry eyes! Just drop some eye drops and you're good to go!

14 / 18

How often should I clean my lens holder?

Daily

Once a week

Twice a week

Monthly

Rinse out your contact lens holder weekly with the saline solution!

15 / 18

What are the basic rules when wearing contact lenses?

Wash your hands and sanitise everything before use.

Share the contacts with others.

Wear the contact lenses overnight.

Wear it immediately after receiving it.

Here are a few basics to know!

• Wash your hands and fingernails thoroughly before wearing lenses, do not touch other things after washing;
• After taking out the lens, soak the lenses in the lens case;
• Check the solution level in your lens case at least once a week.
• Dispose of the lens solution upon expired and replacing a new one;
• The lens case should be changed regularly (once every 3 months), clean the lens cases weekly with a soft brush;
• Colored contacts should be worn before makeup, and should be removed before cleansing;
• Used lens solution must be disposed of;
• Use only eye drops suitable for soft contacts lens;
• Do not wear lens overnight;
• Do not share the lens with others.
• Handle the lens with care, using inappropriate tools/ fingernail tips may cause damage to the lens;
• Examine your eyes before wearing circle lens. If eyes are inflamed or turn red after wearing, stop wearing the colored contacts;

16 / 18

If the contact lenses are rinsed thoroughly, I can sleep with it on.

True

False

It is not safe to sleep while wearing contacts, even if you are just taking a nap. The occasional or accidental nap in your contacts can increase your risk of infection. If you think there is a chance you could fall asleep, it is safest to remove your contact lenses first.

17 / 18

How to dispose of contact lenses?

Flush it down the toilet.

Recycle it.

Throw it in a rubbish bin.

Toss it in the sink.

Contact lenses should be disposed of in a rubbish bin. It may seem like an obvious answer but 19% of contact lens wearers toss or flush their contacts in the sink or the toilet, which is the wrong way to do it and completely unethical!

18 / 18

How often should you replace the contact lens solution?

Daily

Top it off with a fresh batch on contact lens solution.

Weekly

I have to change it?

Always use fresh contact lens solution when you’re storing your contacts overnight. Adding new solution to an old solution already in the case, or cleaning lenses with water can cause many untreatable infections.

Your score is

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Conclusion

With all that being said, you should by now, understand why your contact lens solution evaporates and how you can avoid the problem of contact lens solution evaporating.

Whatever your contact lens wearing routine is, you should always keep in mind that hygiene plays a huge part in keeping your eyes safe and healthy.

In short, play your part for a better vision. Take good care of your contact lens and your eyes.

Replenish Your Contact Lens Solution

Read More:

• Understanding Contact Lenses for a Comfortable Fitting
• Can I Sleep in Extended Wear Contact Lenses?
• Are Saline Solution & Contact Lens Solution the Same?
• Should I Really Bother about Contact Lenses Expiry?
• Contact Lens Solution Expired? 7 Brilliant Ways to Reuse It!