Saline solution is a sterile mixture of salt and water formulated to match the body’s natural salt level. In eye care it is mainly used for rinsing lenses or filling certain speciality lenses, not for disinfection.
Uses in Eye Care
Preservative‑free saline can rinse contact lenses after cleaning, fill scleral lenses before insertion, or dilute and wash away debris from the eye surface. It is gentle and usually well tolerated.
- Does not kill germs and must not replace disinfecting solutions
- Single‑use vials are preferred to minimise contamination
- Tap water is never an acceptable substitute for sterile saline
- Some saline products are specifically labelled for scleral lens use
Safety Points
Always check that saline is intended for ocular or lens use and is within expiry date. Contaminated or home‑made saline should not be used with contact lenses.
- Discard opened vials when recommended, usually after one use
- Multi‑dose bottles should be closed tightly and not touched to any surface
- Seek advice if saline causes stinging or discomfort
- Use saline only as one step within a full care routine where appropriate
