- Choosing contact lens solution starts with your lens type, not with the bottle that catches your eye the most.
- An all-in-one solution cleans, rinses, disinfects and stores soft lenses in a single product.
- A peroxide system disinfects using hydrogen peroxide and requires a full neutralisation period before the lens can be worn again.
- Rigid gas-permeable lenses have their own cleaners and storage solutions, and saline is only for rinsing.
- Tap water is never a suitable alternative, and if in doubt, ask your contact lens specialist which solution is suitable for your lenses.
Choosing contact lens solution may seem like a matter of personal preference, but it is primarily a question of matching the right product to the right type of lens. Whether on the shop shelf or in an online shop, the bottles look very similar. However, the difference lies not in the colour of the packaging, but in what the solution does and which type of lens it is designed for. A solution for soft lenses is not automatically suitable for hard lenses, and saline solution is no substitute for disinfection. In this article, you’ll find out what types are available and what to look out for when choosing. If you’d like to know exactly what this solution does first, read the information page on what contact lens solution actually is. That page explains its function; this blog will help you choose.
What types of contact lens solution are there?
There are a few different types of contact lens solutions. An all-in-one solution cleans, rinses, disinfects and stores soft lenses in a single product. A peroxide system disinfects using hydrogen peroxide, which is then neutralised. For rigid gas-permeable lenses, there are separate cleaners and storage solutions. Saline is a salt solution used for rinsing and does not disinfect. The type you need depends on your lens type.
In short, each type has its own specific function. All-in-one solution is most commonly used with soft lenses. The peroxide system is for those who want extra disinfection or fewer additives. Products for form-stable lenses are designed for hard lenses, whilst saline is purely for rinsing. Optometrists emphasise that contact lens care involves a combination of good hygiene and using the right product. If you’re unsure which type is suitable for your lenses, that’s exactly the question you should ask your specialist.
When should you choose an all-in-one lens solution?
An all-in-one solution is the usual choice for soft lenses, such as monthly lenses. You clean the lens by rubbing it with the solution in the palm of your hand, rinse it and place it in fresh solution in the lens case. This makes maintenance simple. Check the packaging to ensure the solution is suitable for the material of your lenses.
The order of the steps is important. First rub, then rinse, then store in fresh solution. The cleaning steps involved in lens care show why you shouldn’t skip the rubbing step: mechanical rubbing loosens deposits that rinsing alone leaves behind. So don’t skip that step just because the lens looks clean. If you choose your solution from the all-in-one solutions for soft lenses, check that it is suitable for your lens material, as indicated on the packaging.
If you have a sensitivity to preservatives, Avizor’s Regard all-in-one solution is an option to discuss with your specialist. This solution disinfects using an OxyChlorite complex which breaks down in the eye into water, salt and oxygen, meaning no preservatives remain in the eye. It is suitable for all soft lenses, including silicone hydrogel, and a 100 ml travel pack is available alongside the 355 ml bottles.
When is a peroxide solution the better choice?
A peroxide system is an option if you experience discomfort with an all-in-one solution or have a sensitivity to any of its ingredients. Peroxide disinfects and is then neutralised in the supplied container. You must wait for the full neutralisation time to elapse, as unneutralised peroxide must not come into contact with the eye. Your contact lens specialist will determine whether a peroxide system is suitable for your lenses and eyes. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
In day-to-day use, a peroxide system requires a little more discipline. You must always use the lens case provided, fill it with fresh solution and wait for the full neutralisation time to elapse before putting the lens in your eye. This means planning ahead, as the lens isn’t ready for use straight away. For those who are often in a hurry, this is something to bear in mind. For those who are sensitive to additives, however, the advantage of the simple solution after neutralisation outweighs this. Your specialist will help you weigh up these factors.
You can see how this works in practice with the Ever Clean Plus peroxide system: simply add one neutralising tablet to the solution and the lens is ready for use after two hours. This system works without preservatives and is suitable for soft, rigid gas-permeable and scleral lenses, as well as overnight lenses. If you wear your lenses in the morning, make sure to start the cycle in good time the evening before.
Which contact lens solution is suitable for rigid gas-permeable lenses?
Rigid gas-permeable lenses, also known as hard lenses, require specific care. You usually use a separate cleaner for the lens surface and a separate solution for storing the lens. Saline solution is used for rinsing, not for disinfecting. Solutions for soft lenses are not automatically suitable for rigid lenses. Ask your specialist which combination is right for your lenses.
It helps to distinguish between three functions: cleaning, storage and rinsing. Cleaning removes deposits from the surface, storage keeps the lens clean and moist whilst not in use, and rinsing is done using saline solution. The solutions for rigid lenses are formulated for the harder material. Do not use a solution intended for soft lenses on a rigid lens, unless the manufacturer permits it. This ensures you keep the lens clean without damaging the surface.
Which lens solution is suitable for sensitive or dry eyes?
If you have dry or sensitive eyes, your specialist will examine the composition of the solution and your tear film. Some wearers tolerate a solution with different additives better. A peroxide system may be an alternative. Dry eyes can also be caused by your environment and how long you wear your lenses, so simply changing your solution won’t always solve the problem. If your symptoms persist, please see your optician.
If you suffer from dry eyes, bear in mind that spending time in front of screens, dry air and wearing your lenses for long periods can all be contributing factors. These factors play a part, regardless of which solution you use. A different solution may help, but it isn’t always the complete solution. Also, do not confuse lens solution with eye drops: solution is for the lens, whilst drops are for the eye. If you experience persistent symptoms, find out what you can do to help and discuss this at your appointment. This way, you can tackle the cause rather than just the symptom.
Why isn’t tap water a suitable alternative to contact lens solution?
Tap water is not contact lens solution. It is not sterile and may contain microorganisms, including the amoeba Acanthamoeba. This can cause severe corneal inflammation. Water does not disinfect the lens or remove deposits. You should therefore never use tap water, distilled water, saliva or washing-up liquid on your lenses or your lens case. Rinse the lens case with fresh lens solution as advised by your optician.
The Acanthamoeba amoeba is found in tap water, amongst other places, and can cause long-term eye problems. Research into corneal infections also shows that water and incorrect lens care play a role in serious complications. If you run out of solution whilst out and about, do not use a makeshift solution made with water: do not wear the lenses and only put them back in once you have fresh solution. You can read why water and washing-up liquid are absolutely not suitable in the blog about cleaning lenses with water.
How long can a lens be left in the solution?
Once you’ve chosen a solution, there’s a second question to consider: how long can the lens be left in the solution? This timeframe varies by product and is specified in the package leaflet, not as a general rule of thumb. In the blog post on how long you can store your lenses in solution, you can read how this works with an all-in-one solution and a peroxide system, and what to do if a lens has been left in the solution for too long.
How to discuss your choice of contact lens solution with your optician
You don’t have to make this decision on your own. When you go to your appointment, take along the solution you’re currently using, note how your lenses feel at the end of the day, and mention any recurring symptoms you may have. Then ask three questions: which solution is suitable for my lens material, how long can an opened bottle be used for, and which lens case is recommended?
This brief preparation makes the consultation much more targeted. Your specialist will examine your lenses, your eyes and how you use them, and recommend the appropriate solution based on this. Ask your contact lens specialist which product is suitable and, if necessary, find a stockist nearby. That way, you’ll finalise your choice with someone who knows your eyes, rather than going for the bottle that just happens to catch your eye.
If you’d like to find out more about what’s available, take a look at the full range of contact lens care products. If you’re specifically looking for a preservative-free solution for soft lenses, start with the Regard all-in-one solution; if you want a peroxide system, the Ever Clean Plus peroxide system is the best-known example. With those two names in mind, your conversation at the counter will be much more specific.
Frequently asked questions about choosing contact lens solution
Can you mix and match different brands of contact lens solution?
Each solution has its own composition and instructions for use, so mixing or alternating between them can interfere with their effectiveness. You should therefore use one system per lens and only switch on the advice of your specialist. When switching, do not pour the old solution into the new container; instead, start with a clean container and fresh solution. Mixing products also makes things confusing, making it easier to miss a step. If you’re not happy with a solution, this is a reason to discuss it with your optician, not to start combining products yourself. This ensures that your cleaning and disinfection routine remains reliable.
How long can you use an opened bottle of contact lens solution?
The packaging shows both an expiry date and a use-by date after opening. These two are not the same, and the shorter of the two applies. The mandatory usage information for a medical device specifies both. Write the date of opening on the bottle so you don’t have to guess. A bottle that has been open for too long may not disinfect as effectively, even if the solution still looks fine. So do not use the liquid for longer than the specified period after opening. If in doubt, opt for a new bottle; that is safer than continuing to use it. Store the bottle in accordance with the instructions on the packaging.
Should you rub the lens or is rinsing enough?
Many solutions require a rubbing step, as mechanical rubbing removes deposits that rinsing alone leaves behind. You’ll find details of what applies to your solution in the instructions for use. Do not skip this step just because the lens looks clean, as grease and protein deposits are not always visible to the naked eye. Gently rub the lens in the palm of your clean hand with a few drops of solution, then rinse it off. Do this gently so as not to damage the lens. The rubbing step is one of the simplest ways to get your lens properly clean. If in doubt, ask your optician to demonstrate it for you.
Can you reuse the solution in the lens case?
No. Used storage solution is no longer reliable and contains lens residues and any micro-organisms. Empty the case after each use and fill it with fresh solution. Topping up with old solution is not an alternative and reduces the disinfecting effect. Rinse the case with fresh solution after use and leave it to dry as advised by your optician. A clean, dry case with fresh solution is one of the most important habits for healthy eyes. If topping up seems easier than changing the solution, bear in mind that it is precisely that convenience that is compromising your protection. You should therefore always use fresh solution every time.
Can you put contact lens solution in your eye?
Contact lens solution is intended for the lens, not for the eye, unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise. Peroxide solution must never come into contact with the eye, as it is corrosive. If you experience a dry or tired sensation, use a product designed for that purpose, such as suitable eye drops, and seek advice from your optician. The idea that lens solution and eye drops are interchangeable is incorrect: they have different compositions and serve different purposes. So do not simply put a splash of contact lens solution in your eye just because it happens to be to hand. If dryness or irritation persists, it is better to have the cause assessed rather than applying drops yourself.
What is the difference between lens solution and eye drops?
Contact lens solution cleans, disinfects and stores the lens. Eye drops are intended for use in the eye, for example if your eyes feel dry. The two are not interchangeable, not even for a short time. Contact lens solution comes into contact with the lens and the case; eye drops go into the eye. Some drops are suitable for use whilst wearing contact lenses, others are not, and this is stated on the packaging. So make sure you use the right product for the right purpose. If you’re unsure which drops are suitable for your lenses, ask during your fitting or at a check-up. This will prevent you from using a product that isn’t suitable for your lenses or your condition.
How do you store a bottle of contact lens solution?
Keep the bottle closed and follow the instructions on the packaging, without touching the spout. This ensures the solution remains sterile until you use it. If the spout comes into contact with your fingers, the lens or the rim of the case, micro-organisms may enter the bottle. Do not use a bottle that has been knocked over and opened, or whose nozzle has become dirty, for your lenses. Store the bottle in a stable, clean place and out of the reach of children. Check the use-by date and the shelf life after opening from time to time. By following these simple habits, you can ensure the solution remains safe to use right up to the very last application.
What do you do if you don’t have any contact lens solution with you?
Do not use water, saline without disinfectant or any other emergency solution to store your lenses. Water is not sterile and may contain microorganisms. Do not wear the lenses in this case, and only put them back in once you have fresh solution. With daily disposable lenses, this is simple: throw them away and use a new pair. With monthly lenses, it’s trickier, so always take a small bottle of solution and a spare case with you when travelling. If you do run out, it’s better to wear your glasses than to use an emergency solution. This way, you’ll avoid unnecessarily exposing your eyes to a risk that’s easy to avoid.
How often should you replace the lens case?
The lens case has its own replacement interval, which is stated on the packaging or in the instructions for use. After use, rinse the case with fresh solution and leave it to dry as advised by your optician. Replace a case sooner if it is damaged, discoloured or has a build-up of residue. Over time, a film can build up inside the case, making it easier for micro-organisms to thrive, even if you use it properly. That is why replacing it periodically is part of good maintenance. Keep a spare case so that you always have a clean one. When you’re getting your lenses fitted, ask how often it’s advisable to replace the case in your situation, as this can vary depending on the type of lens and how you use them. This way, the case remains an integral part of your hygiene routine.
Do you use the same solution for coloured lenses without a prescription?
Even non-prescription lenses sit on your eye and therefore require the same cleaning and disinfection. Which solution is suitable depends on the lens material, and you should ask about this during your fitting. In the Netherlands, there is a professional guideline for cosmetic contact lenses that sets out the recommended care procedures. Coloured lenses are not make-up, but a medical device that sits on your cornea. So treat them with the same care as prescription lenses: clean hands, the correct solution and a fixed replacement schedule. Don’t just buy them online or at a market; have them fitted by a qualified professional. That way, you can be sure which solution is suitable for the material and how to care for the lenses safely.
