Keeping your contact lenses clean is essential for maximum comfort and healthy eyes. But with so many solutions available, how do you know which one to use?
We asked our optometrist, Roshni Patel, to explain what contact lens solutions are and what they do — so you can feel confident before your next purchase and avoid any costly mistakes.
Why are there so many types?
The world of contact lens solutions can seem overwhelming, but it’s simpler than it looks. In brief, there are two main types: saline solution and contact lens solution — each with a very specific role in lens care.
While it’s important to understand the role of these solutions, only an optician can determine the right combination of lenses and solutions for your eyes.
What is contact lens solution?
Contact lens solution is a product used to clean, disinfect, and preserve contact lenses — both soft and rigid. It comes in several forms:
All-in-one multipurpose solutions
Multipurpose solutions are easy to use: you only need one product to clean, disinfect, rinse, and store your lenses. Practical and convenient, they’re a great option for anyone with a busy lifestyle.
After a full day of wear, simply “clean and rinse” your lenses before storing them in the case with fresh solution. Their ease of use also makes it easier to remove your lenses and give your eyes a rest for a few hours each day.
Peroxide solution
In my view, hydrogen peroxide is the best solution for disinfecting contact lenses. It requires a little more care, but it provides a deeper clean than other solutions. It also contains no preservatives, making it ideal for those prone to allergies.
It’s important to remember that hydrogen peroxide must be neutralised before it comes into contact with your eyes. Each bottle comes with a special lens case that has a platinum ring which neutralises the peroxide over approximately eight hours.
Hydrogen peroxide can burn the eye, but this is easily avoided by following the instructions carefully. Always use the special lens case and never put the solution (or a lens cleaned with it) directly into your eye. If peroxide does come into contact with your eye, remove the lens, rinse the eye with sterile saline solution, and contact your optician immediately.
Rigid and RGP lens solution
Invented before soft contact lenses, rigid contact lenses were once the dominant type on the market and still exist today, available as annual lenses. Unlike soft lenses, they don’t contain water, although they are exceptionally breathable thanks to the natural exchange of tears.
Their design means they require different cleaning and storage, and therefore a specialist solution.
Rigid and RGP lens solutions are designed to clean, disinfect, and preserve your gas-permeable lenses, effectively removing any trace of bacteria or dirt that builds up on your lenses throughout the day.
So if solution is for cleaning, what is saline for?
Many people mistakenly think that saline solution serves the same purpose as contact lens solution. It doesn’t!
Saline solution is not suitable for cleaning, disinfecting, or storing contact lenses. It is simply for rinsing lenses after they have been cleaned with one of the solutions mentioned above. Its gentle salt-water formula makes it essential for anyone with sensitive eyes.
If you use saline solution, always buy a commercial product. Homemade versions are not safe and can cause serious eye infections.
Any other tips?
Keeping your contact lenses clean and your eyes healthy is straightforward if you follow the steps recommended by your optician. Here are some basic tips for all reusable lenses (monthly and fortnightly):
- Follow the lens care advice recommended by your optician
- Use fresh solution every time — never reuse or top up old solution
- Always keep your lens case clean (rinse with solution and leave to air dry)
- Replace your lens case every month