Some wearers of contact lenses may be tempted to save money by taking hygienic shortcuts when it comes to keeping their contacts clean. Instead of buying cleansing solution for their lenses, they may decide to rinse them with plain water or even attempt to use a homemade solution. While a few dollars may be saved by taking this nonchalant approach to cleaning the contacts lenses, the possible harmful consequences far outweigh the financial benefits of adopting a do-it-yourself mentality.
The problem with homemade concoctions is that these will lack anti-bacterial efficacy harmful bacteria will continue run rampant on contact lenses and can cause serious medical complications if the eyes become infected.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or non-penetrating erosion in the transparent area at the front of the eyeball the cornea and is associated with infections caused by bacteria. This is exactly the kind of bacteria that freely grows on contact lenses when homemade solutions are substituted for commercial cleansing solutions. Corneal ulcers can also be precipitated by wearing soft contact lenses overnight.
Those who attempt to use their own...