Contact lens solution can be expensive, especially considering the solution we use to store and clean our lenses everyday is essentially just salt and water. It is important to select high quality, sterile ingredients when making your own contact lens solution. Experts recommended not using homemade solution for prolonged periods to reduce your risk of dryness or infection.
Buy some distilled water. Distilled water is generally used for steam irons and topping up car batteries, so you'll likely find it in the laundry section of your supermarket, a hardware store or auto center. Distilled water is sterile and many brands even state on the packaging they are suitable for contact lens solution.
Buy some salt. Ideally, sodium chloride used for pharmaceuticals should be used -- try asking in a pharmacy. Otherwise, simple cooking salt is the next best thing.
Mix your saline solution. Using a sterile container, add 9 grams of salt to 1 liter of water to make normal saline solution. Mix thoroughly.
This solution is suitable for cleaning and on occasions, storing your contact lenses.
Warning
If you notice any abnormalities with your eyes, or suffer any discomfort, seek advice from your optician or physician immediately. If you are susceptible to dry eyes, do not use homemade saline solutions.
References
Writer Bio
Joe Faulkner-Edwards has been a freelancer for the BBC since 2008. He writes and researches innovative new factual entertainment formats and output-related material for BBC Online. Faulkner-Edwards is also a health and fitness expert. His health and lifestyle articles have been featured in "The Leeds Student" newspaper. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in broadcasting from the University of Leeds.