Which is the best contact lens solution?

We’ve all been there—lost in the eyecare aisle at the grocery store, wading through a sea of contact lens solutions with no end in sight. Seriously, why are there so many types of solution? And where’s a phone-a-friend option when you need it? (We could have really used that in the shampoo aisle.) 

Unless you wear daily lenses, you’ll need to clean and soak your contacts every day (for at least six hours) with an FDA-approved solution so that they stay fresh. No one wants gunky, spotty contacts, amiright? The better your contact lens hygiene, the healthier your eyes. So, let’s get to it. 

Which is the best contact lens solution?

While it may feel like there are a bajillion types of solutions available, there are only three that you need to worry about: multipurpose, hydrogen peroxide, and saline solution. 

The best contact lens solution for your eyes depends on the contacts you wear. Always stick with the solution type that your eye doctor recommends, as not all solutions are appropriate for all contact lens materials (and wearers). So, when in doubt, call your friendly optometrist for their recommendations. Here’s what you need to know about each type:  

1. Multipurpose solutions

The nice advantage of multipurpose contact lens solutions is that you can use the same solution to clean, rinse, disinfect and store your contact lenses. With multipurpose solution, all you need to do is rub and rinse the lens first, then soak. Rubbing your lens is simple: wash your hands and squirt some solution into your palm. Drop one lens into the solution and use the pad of your index finger to rub gently against the lens. Turn the contact over and repeat the process. Voila. So clean. 

2. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutions

Since hydrogen peroxide is hypoallergenic, this type of solution is often best for people with allergies. Much like multipurpose solution, you can use hydrogen peroxide solution to clean, rinse, and store your contact lenses. The biggest difference between hydrogen peroxide and multipurpose solution, however, is that you need to neutralize your contacts before wear. This can be done by soaking contacts in a special neutralizing contact lens case or by adding a neutralizing tablet to a regular contact lens case. Make sure to keep your contacts in the solution for at least 6 hours to allow completion of the neutralizing process. 

What happens if you don’t neutralize your contacts after using hydrogen peroxide? Pain. Lots of pain. Hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning, but will sting your eyes, so it’s crucial to follow proper rinsing methods before every use. Never put hydrogen peroxide solution directly into your eyes.  

3. Saline solution

Saline is a common household solution that also works great as a rinse aid for your contacts, however, it doesn’t contain any cleaning agents, so it shouldn’t be used disinfecting, cleaning, or storing contacts for extended periods of time. And while there are plenty of do-it-yourself saline solution recipes out there on the internet, they may be linked to infection risk among other health issues, so save the DIY chemistry for Walter White. 

Best contact solution for dry eyes

If your eyes are a bit dry, go for a solution with fewer ingredients or stick to one with hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, mineral oil, or hyaluronan. (A nice giveaway is when a bottle has the word “moist” in it. You know, everyone’s favorite word.) You may also want to consider switching to daily contacts, as a fresh, new contact every day is less irritating than a monthly or weekly lens. Using a powerful disinfectant can also help clean your contacts and remove irritating buildup. 

How to clean your contact lenses reeeal good (with multi-purpose solution)

• Wash your hands before handling your contacts.
• Splash a few drops of solution into the palm of your hand and place one of the lenses in it.
• Use small circles when you rub the lenses and be sure to do both sides.
• When you’ve thoroughly rubbed them, give them a good rinse with solution.  
• Repeat once a day. 
• For brownie points: clean your contact lens case before you refill it with solution. This helps maintain the life of your case and makes contact-wearing that much cleaner. 

6 tips to keep your contacts clean with solution

1. Rinse out the contact lens case each day and replace the solution. Never reuse old solution.
2. Saline solutions are safe for rinsing your contacts but should never be used for cleaning or disinfecting. 
3. We've said it before, and we’ll say it again: never put hydrogen peroxide near your eyes. Always neutralize your hydrogen peroxide-rinsed contacts before use. 
4. Always keep the lid on your solution when not in use so it stays nice and clean. 
5. Replace your contact lens case every 3 months. We know, it seems like a lot. But they attract bacteria, even when you keep everything neat and tidy.  
6. Never run your contacts under tap water. Only use contact lens solutions to rinse and disinfect. Tap water can carry eye irritants and bacteria. 

Now that you’re a contact lens solution expert, finding the right one for you should be a total breeze. Don’t be afraid to try a few different brands (within your recommended solution type) to see which one works best for your eyes. Seeing clear is a wonderful thing, but feeling comfortable is equally as important.  

Original published date: 1/23/2020

Updated: 7/13/2022