TL;DR
- There is no fixed storage period for all contact lenses, as the period applies to the specific product and not to contact lenses in general.
- The storage period is always stated in the leaflet accompanying the lens solution and in the product information for the lenses.
- For all-in-one solutions, there is a maximum storage period in the sealed container; after that, you must change the solution before putting the lens back in your eye.
- With a peroxide system, the lens can only be worn safely once the solution has been fully neutralised, and once neutralised, there is a specific maximum storage time.
- You should never store daily disposable contact lenses, not even overnight, as they are for single use only and must be discarded after removal.
How long you can store your contact lenses in lens solution depends on the solution and the type of lens. The manufacturer specifies the maximum storage period and states this in the package leaflet. If you do not adhere to this period, you will lose the guarantee of disinfection and the lens must be cleaned again before it is worn. There is therefore no single timeframe that applies to all lenses.
Why isn’t there a standard storage period for all contact lenses?
There is no fixed timeframe for all lenses, as the storage period depends on the composition of the solution and the material of the lens. A peroxide system works differently from an all-in-one solution, and a rigid gas-permeable lens requires different products to a soft lens. The manufacturer tests this combination and sets out the results in the product information. Therefore, the package leaflet is the authoritative source.
Three variables together determine the storage period: the type of solution, the lens material and whether the container has been opened in the meantime. An opened container changes the situation, as the solution has already been used and is no longer fully effective. The manufacturer tests which combination of solution and lens material is safe and for how long. These general care principles explain why you can never simply transfer the usage period from one product to another.
How long can you store contact lenses in an all-in-one solution?
When stored in an all-in-one solution, the lens remains in the sealed case for up to the maximum storage period specified by the manufacturer. An all-in-one solution cleans, disinfects, rinses and stores soft lenses in a single product. If the lens remains in the case for longer than the manufacturer permits, you should refill the case with fresh solution and allow the lens to sit for the full contact time before inserting it.
If a lens has been left in the case for longer than permitted, discard the old solution, fill the case with fresh solution and leave the lens in for the full contact time again. This ensures the lens undergoes a full cleaning and disinfection cycle. In the ‘all-in-one’ solutions for soft lenses category, you’ll find the solutions supplied by SMEYEL for soft lenses; the exact storage period and contact time are specified for each product in the package leaflet.
The storage period therefore varies from bottle to bottle. With Avizor’s Regard all-in-one solution, you can find the storage period and wear time in the package leaflet. This solution is suitable for all soft lenses, including silicone hydrogel, and leaves no preservatives in the eye. For wearers who are sensitive to additives, this is a reason to recommend this particular solution.
What about a peroxide system?
With a peroxide system, you should only store the lens once the solution has been fully neutralised. Neutralisation means that the hydrogen peroxide has been converted into a saline solution that is safe for the eye. The manufacturer specifies the required soaking time and the maximum period for which the lens may remain in the neutralised solution afterwards. Never interrupt the cycle and always use the case supplied with the system.
Once neutralised, the lens cannot remain in the case indefinitely; a maximum period is specified in the product information. If you interrupt the cycle – for example, by removing the lens too early – you must start again with fresh solution and a full cycle. A lens from an incomplete cycle must not be placed on the eye, as there may still be unneutralised peroxide in the case, which, according to information on complaints relating to lens use, can cause eye irritation. Take a look at the peroxide systems in our range; the exposure time for each system is specified in the package leaflet.
You should therefore plan your cycle in advance. With Avizor’s Ever Clean Plus peroxide system, neutralisation takes two hours, so the lenses need to be placed in the case in good time in the evening. This system uses a neutralising tablet and is suitable for soft, rigid-gas-permeable and scleral lenses. Make sure you explicitly inform the wearer of this two-hour period, so that the lenses are not removed from the case too early.
Can you store daily disposable contact lenses in contact lens solution?
No, you should never store daily disposable contact lenses in contact lens solution. A daily disposable lens is intended for single use and should be discarded after removal. The lens is not designed to be cleaned, disinfected or reused, not even after being left in the case overnight. Advise wearers to always carry a spare pair with them, so that the temptation to keep a used daily disposable lens is removed.
The difference in replacement schedules between daily disposable lenses and reusable lenses explains why storage isn’t an issue here: daily disposable lenses do not include a cleaning step in their design. You can read more about this in the blog post ‘What is a daily disposable lens?’. The principles behind the replacement schedules show that you should always use a product as it is designed.
Why should you never store contact lenses in water?
Tap water is not suitable for storing contact lenses. Water does not disinfect and may contain microorganisms that can multiply in the lens case, as shown by research from the RIVM and information from the Oogfonds regarding Acanthamoeba. A lens that has been left in water should not be worn on the eye. Store lenses only in a solution intended for this purpose by the manufacturer, and discard the old solution after each use rather than topping it up. You can read more about this in the blog post ‘Cleaning lenses with water’.
When should you replace the storage solution and the lens case?
Using fresh solution for each storage cycle is the rule. Never top up a storage case, as the remaining solution has already lost its effectiveness. Empty the case after inserting the lenses, rinse it with the solution specified by the manufacturer and leave it to dry open. The manufacturer specifies how long the solution remains usable after opening and when the case needs to be replaced.
The routine you advise a wearer to follow: insert the lenses, empty the case, rinse with the recommended solution, leave to dry upside down on a clean tissue, and refill with fresh solution the next time you store them. Replace the case in accordance with the manufacturer’s advice, or sooner if it is damaged or shows signs of build-up. These hygiene principles regarding the lens case are essential for safe lens use. View the lens cases and lens mat in the lens cases and accessories section.
Which solution is suitable for your wearer’s lenses?
The storage period therefore depends on the solution you use, and that choice starts with the lens material. In the contact lens care overview, you’ll find all solutions – from all-in-one to peroxide – with the corresponding wear time and storage period listed for each product. If you’re looking for a preservative-free solution for soft lenses, the Regard all-in-one solution is a logical choice; for a peroxide cycle with a neutralising tablet, it’s the Ever Clean Plus peroxide system.
If you’d like to get a clear picture of what’s in contact lens solution and what each step does, read our guide on what contact lens solution is. If you’re unsure about how to use it or which pack size is right for your practice, please contact SMEYEL to discuss it.
Frequently asked questions about storing contact lenses in lens solution
Can a contact lens dry out in a sealed lens case?
Yes. If the case does not close properly or contains too little solution, the lens may dry out and become misshapen. A lens must be completely submerged in the solution to retain its shape and ensure it is properly disinfected. You should therefore fill the case up to the marked line and check that the lid is securely closed. An old or damaged case that no longer seals properly can also cause the lens to dry out. A dried-out lens will no longer fit on the eye: the material will have warped and is no longer reliable. Discard such a lens and use a new one, or, if in doubt, have the lens assessed by a specialist.
What should you do with a lens that has been sitting in its case for weeks?
Treat the lens as no longer reliable and discuss replacement. A lens that has been left in the case for much longer than the manufacturer permits is no longer guaranteed to be disinfected, and the solution may have lost its effectiveness or evaporated. If the solution has discoloured, evaporated or the lens shows any abnormalities such as a film or distortion, reuse is not an option. Even if there are no visible abnormalities, caution is advised. If in doubt, the specialist will opt for a new lens rather than one that may no longer be clean or retain its shape. Certainty regarding safety takes precedence over the cost of a new lens.
Can you top up the lens case with fresh solution?
No. Topping up dilutes the active ingredient and the remaining solution has already been used, meaning disinfection is no longer guaranteed. The solution already in the case has used up its cleaning and disinfecting properties during the previous storage cycle. You should therefore empty the case completely, rinse it with fresh solution if necessary, and refill it. This applies to every type of storage solution, whether it is an all-in-one solution or a peroxide system. Topping up may seem economical, but it results in unreliable storage. Using fresh solution for every storage cycle is one of the most important hygiene rules you should advise a contact lens wearer to follow.
Does the storage period differ for rigid gas-permeable lenses?
Yes. Rigid gas-permeable lenses require specific products and have their own storage times, which differ from those for soft lenses. The material of a rigid gas-permeable lens is different, and the solutions for these lenses are tailored to this. The manufacturer of the solution for rigid lenses specifies the storage period and wear time in the package leaflet. Do not use solution intended for soft lenses with a rigid gas-permeable lens unless the manufacturer expressly permits it, as the combination has not been tested. Always advise the wearer to use the product designed for their specific lens and explain why they should not switch between systems.
Is there a different storage period for scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger and require a case and a care system designed specifically for them. Due to their larger diameter, these lenses do not fit in a standard case, so you will need to use a case with larger compartments. Follow the product information for your chosen peroxide or rigid gas-permeable system and the corresponding case, regarding both wear time and storage duration. Here too, the manufacturer tests the combination and specifies the time limits. Do not switch between systems or cases without good reason, and if in doubt, consult the supplier or specialist about which products are suitable for scleral lenses. The package leaflet for the chosen system remains the authoritative guide.
Can you leave a contact lens in the same solution for several nights?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly permits it and within the period specified by the manufacturer. Some solutions allow a lens to remain in the closed case for a number of days, whilst others do not. This maximum period is stated in the package leaflet and varies from product to product. If the lens remains in the case for longer than permitted, or if you are in any doubt, replace the solution and allow the lens to soak for the full contact time again before putting it back in your eye. Do not assume that the lens will be fine; instead, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures effective disinfection and helps you avoid unnecessary risks.
What exactly does ‘wear time’ mean?
The contact time is the minimum period for which the lens must remain in the solution before disinfection is complete. During this time, the solution does its job: cleaning the lens and neutralising any microorganisms. This time is specified in the package leaflet and varies by product; with a peroxide system, the contact time is linked to the neutralisation time. If you use a shorter time than prescribed, the disinfection will be insufficient and the lens will not be safe to wear. Therefore, never insert a lens before the full contact time has elapsed, even if you are in a hurry. Explain this to the wearer as well, so that they adhere to the time at home.
How do you explain a storage period to a wearer who asks for a specific number?
Quote the number shown on the leaflet for the product supplied and write it on the instructions you provide. This way, the wearer still gets the specific answer they’re looking for, but linked to their own product. Explain that the number applies to that specific product and not to lenses in general, so that they do not apply it to another brand or another solution. Point them to the leaflet and the packaging so that they can find the expiry date themselves. This approach prevents misunderstandings and gives the wearer clear guidance without quoting a general figure that is incorrect.
What should you do if a peroxide cycle is interrupted?
Start again with fresh solution and a full cycle. Half neutralisation means there is still hydrogen peroxide in the case, and this must not come into contact with the eye, as unneutralised peroxide irritates the eye. If you accidentally remove the lens too early or interrupt the cycle in any other way, discard the solution, refill the case and allow the full neutralisation time to elapse. Never shorten the neutralisation time and always use the container supplied with the system, as this forms part of the neutralisation process. Make sure you explain this clearly to wearers who are starting to use a peroxide system.
Where can the wearer find the storage period themselves?
In the leaflet included in the contact lens solution packaging and on the packaging itself. These specify the wear time, the storage period and the shelf life after opening. Advise wearers to keep the leaflet for as long as the bottle is in use, so that they can refer to the details. Also write the key time limits on the instructions you provide upon delivery, so that the wearer does not have to search for them. If the wearer switches to a different product, point out that the time limits may change and that they must read the new leaflet. This ensures that the correct information is always associated with the correct product, even at home.
