A hydrophilic intraocular lens storage system includes: a) a substantially air tight container containing a small quantity of free water and b) a foldable hydrophilic intraocular lens disposed within the container at a location wherein the lens is not immersed in liquid. The storage system can be employed to maintain the hydrophilic intraocular lens in a foldable state without being immersed in liquid. The method includes the step of storing the foldable intraocular lens within a substantially air tight package containing free water, the lens being stored within the package at a location wherein the lens is not immersed in liquid.
