Contact lenses have become so common that we often forget they and the solutions needed to care for them are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. That means their use should be overseen by a doctor and carried out with great care.
This applies not only to contacts worn for vision correction but to contacts worn for cosmetic purposes as well. After all – we have only two eyes and seeing the world around us is a priceless part of life that we should preserve and protect at all costs.
A component of proper care for contact lenses is, of course, selecting the right solution for cleaning and storing them. Whether we wear our contacts around the clock or only during certain hours, the solution we use can impact vision and comfort and contribute to the longevity of the lenses.
What You Should Know
The fundamentals of contact care are three-fold – inserting and removing them, cleaning and storing them and following a proper replacement schedule.
If you’re reading this Best Contact Solution guide, we believe it’s safe to assume you are well-informed on the first and last fundamentals so it will be our job to provide information about the highest rated contact solutions in the market for cleaning and storage.
Let’s get the basics down first. These simple laws to live by for contact lens wearers will ensure that you keep your eyes safe and comfortable.
Do’s:
- Always wash your hands before handling your lenses.
- Always use sterile cleaning solutions that have been kept tightly closed between uses.
- Always throw out solutions that have reached their expiration date.
- Replace cases monthly to avoid bacteria buildup.
Dont’s:
- Never use tap water on your lenses.
- Never spit on your lenses or put them in your mouth.
- Never reuse solutions.
- Don’t store your lenses in a simple saline solution since this does not disinfect them.
- Now it’s time to choose a solution from our best contact lens solution list. Please note that all of the products in the list with the exception of one are cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
The one product that will not disinfect is #7 even though it was rated by consumers among the 10 best products for contact lenses. This product is a saline solution only and appropriate for rinsing lenses or diluting enzymatic cleaning tablets but should not be relied on to disinfect or be used to store your contacts.
Best Contact Solution Reviews
1. Biotrue
Biotrue’s multi-purpose solution claimed the #1 spot in our best contact lens solution list for many reasons but the most important may be that its formula has the same pH as healthy tears and includes a lubricant found naturally in your eyes.
Review
Because it essentially works like your eyes, it is ultra comfortable and soothing. Users comment again and again that this solution makes their contacts so comfortable they cannot tell they’re wearing them.
It is multi-purpose meaning it cleans, removes protein deposits, disinfects and rinses and is also perfect for storage when you’re not wearing your lenses. It is safe and effective, even for silicone hydrogel lenses which require a bit of special care.
The maker does recommend rubbing your lenses after placing a few drops of solution on each side and then rinsing them well before putting them back in your eyes or storing them.
And though it is perfectly safe to disinfect and clean your lenses and put them right back in your eye, be sure to find time to leave them in the solution for a period of about 4 hours periodically to get maximum disinfection.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose (storing, rinsing, cleaning, and disinfecting)
- Safe for silicone hydrogel lenses
- pH-balanced to healthy tears
Con:
- Difficult to dispense
2. Opti-Free
Made for both soft contacts and silicone hydrogel lenses, this dual-action disinfecting and cleaning product has a patented HydraGlyde Moisture formula that users love because it keeps contacts moist from early morning to late evening.
Review
This formula also creates a thin barrier over contacts that reduces debris and deposit build-ups over time.
Many contact wearers who use this solution have asked if it can be used to rewet their lenses during wearing since it is so comfortable and easy on the eyes. While the solution is completely safe, the manufacturer does recommend using a more traditional rewetting drop rather than this product when your eyes become dry.
Do be aware that a very small percentage of users of this product experienced eye reddening and some irritation from its formula.
Pros:
- Forms a protective layer over contacts
- Dual-action disinfectant
- Hydrates and moisturizes
Con:
- May cause minor eye irritation and reddening
3. Bausch & Lomb
The Bausch & Lomb name is well-known in the eye care industry and their ReNu multi-purpose solution has been a tried and true, ever-popular choice for decades.
It effectively removes protein deposits, cleans, disinfects and conditions your contact lenses and even helps prevent protein buildup over the life of your contacts.
Review
By conditioning the surface of your lenses, they retain more moisture during wear and that means greater comfort and less need to use rewetting drops throughout the day. Users who suffer from allergies also swear by this product for reducing itching and irritation during pollen season.
The larger 16 oz size bottle is a great value (most solutions come in a 12oz size) and lasts longer than some other brands.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose contact lens solution
- Prevents protein build-up
- Helps reduce irritation and itching
Con:
- Solution streams out
4. Boston Simplus
A brand owned by Bausch & Lomb, the Boston Simplus line of contact lens solutions is preferred by many contact wearers who are bothered by the preservatives in the formulas of some other products.
Review
This particular product comes in at #4 in our best contact solution list and is as wonderfully effective as other Bausch & Lomb products.
While some users complained a bit about the screw on cap – versus the flip-tops on most other products – they consistently reported that no rubbing of contact lenses and no weekly protein removal soak was necessary with this product since it seems to fully clean during normal rinses and storage.
Pros:
- Preservative-free formula
- Multi-purpose
- Prevents protein buildup
- No rubbing of contact lenses required
Con:
- Can be difficult to dispense
5. Clear Care
The first hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning solution in our best product guide, this product is the top rated among consumers who use hydrogen peroxide systems.
It is a system that does include the special lens case we talked about in our buying information section that has a holder for the lenses and a separate bottom area where a solid platinum-based disk immediately begins to neutralize the solution.
Review
Once the neutralization reaction is complete, your lenses can be safely stored in the case overnight or when you’re resting your eyes. Do be aware that the manufacturer and most eye care professionals recommend that you leave the contacts in storage for a minimum of 6 hours at a time with this system before wearing the lenses again.
If you need your lenses in less than 6 hours you might consider storing them in another solution until you have time to be without them for a while.
It is also important to pay attention to the neutralizing disc in the bottom of the case. It should begin to bubble right away after you fill the case with solution and should continue to bubble for several minutes. If bubbling does not occur, that means the disc is bad and you should replace your case as soon as possible.
Pros:
- Great hydrogen peroxide solution
- Comes with a special lens case
- Multi-purpose
Con:
- Must store lenses for at least six hours in the solution
6. Purilens Plus Preservative Free Contact Lens
Purilens believes that anything that makes contact with our eyes should be pH-balanced, preservative-free, sterile, and isotonic. You get exactly that with the Preservative Free Contact Lens, an FDA-approved insertion solution for scleral lenses.
Review
One of the main issues when it comes to contact lens solutions is preservatives. These can result in itchiness, irritation, or pain in some cases.
Purilens Plus’ Preservative-Free contact lens solution is free of the usual culprits that lead to these unfavorable outcomes. It doesn’t contain thimerosal, chlorhexidine, and other compounds that contain mercury and could irritate the eyes.
Instead, it is a sodium chloride isotonic solution buffered with sodium borate and boric acid for safe and effective application. So, like the other products on this list, it’s high on most eye practitioners’ list of recommendations for contact solutions.
You can use the Purilens Plus Preservative-Free Saline Solution to rinse hydrophilic (soft), hard, and gas-permeable contact lenses with great efficacy. As mentioned, the solution is also ideal for rinsing scleral (large-diameter) lenses.
Pros:
- Ideal for dry and sensitive eyes
- pH-balanced to match natural tears
- Designed for maximum clarity and lens comfort
- Travel-sized bottle
Con:
- Built-in cap piercer creates a large opening
7. Bausch and Lomb ScleralFil Preservative Free Saline Solution
Bausch and Lomb’s ScleralFil is a sterile isotonic saline solution for large-diameter (scleral) rigid and soft gas-permeable contact lenses. It is buffered to match the pH levels of tears and provide that barely-there feeling and enduring comfort.
Review
Comfort isn’t just determined by your choice of contact lenses; your pick in contact lens solution tends to determine that, as well.
The ScleralFil Preservative-Free Saline Solution is buffered to ensure the maintenance of pH levels in the eye. Thus, you will find that it supports a comfortable wearing experience, even for an extended time.
This Bausch and Lomb solution comes in ready-to-use 10ml vials that are easy to carry around. One carton holds an entire month’s supply for both hard and soft gas-permeable lenses.
You know you’re in good hands with Bausch & Lomb. The company is one of the leading providers of specialty vision products, and it has exceeded expectations with this formula yet again.
Pros:
- Buffered for pH-level maintenance
- Comes in single-use vials that are easy to carry around
- One-month supply carton
- Specially formulated for rigid and soft gas-permeable contact lenses
Con:
- The vials lack protection
8. Equate Saline Solution
The Equate Saline Solution is a sterile solution specifically formulated for rinsing and storing soft lenses for sensitive eyes. A single package contains a total of 24 fluid ounces of solution (two 12 fluid-ounce bottles).
Review
The Equate Saline Solution offers two 12 fluid-ounce bottles of a sterile, buffered, isotonic solution to effectively maintain your soft lenses.
Whether at home or on the go, you can care for your lenses without any trouble. You can leave one bottle at home and bring the other one with you. It’s easy to carry and, more importantly, safe and soothing to the eyes.
Even if your eyes are a little bit more sensitive than most, Equate Saline has got you covered. It is a great addition to any daily eye care routine and a fantastic decision for your health.
Pros:
- For rinsing and storing contact lenses
- Safe for sensitive eyes
- Maintains pH balance
- Travel-friendly
- Affordable
Con:
- Cannot be used as a disinfectant
9. Menicon Unique pH Multi-Purpose Solution
As far as contact lens solutions are concerned, it doesn’t get more complete than Menicon’s Unique pH Multi-purpose Solution. Use it to rinse, disinfect, rewet, or reinsert your contacts without any issues whatsoever.
Review
Menicon’s Unique does more than hold its own against other great products by great brands. That has a lot to do with its completeness. After all, you don’t often find good products you can use to clean, disinfect, rinse, and store contact lenses.
That said, this particular lens solution does all those things and does them pretty well. Also, while other solutions would have your lenses fogging up in mere minutes, this one provides the most enduring clarity.
Furthermore, it is safe and effective to use on large-diameter (scleral) lenses and tends to also work for users with eye disabilities. Still, you do not want to go down this road without consulting your doctor first.
Pros:
- Great for scleral lenses
- Cleans and disinfects
- Enduring clarity (prevents fogging)
Con:
- A bit overpriced
10. ACUVUE RevitaLens Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution
ACUVUE’s RevitaLens is another fantastic contact solution for sensitive eyes. It is an all-purpose formula you can use for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, storing, and reinserting lenses. Not to mention, it helps prevent redness and dryness, too.
Review
The RevitaLens formula stands out among contact lens solutions for several reasons. For one, it boasts a double-disinfecting technology that kills over 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. Not many can claim to have such a powerful disinfecting solution that’s still safe for sensitive eyes.
Like other lens solutions on this list, the Acuvue RevitaLens is formulated to maintain pH balance in the eyes for all-day comfort. It is the perfect match for barely-there soft contact lenses and sensitive eyes. Your lenses don’t fog up, and there is a light, effortless feeling to them.
Another of this item’s key features is that the flip-top cap remains open as you pour, which makes using the solution so much easier. Plus, it also helps protect from spills.
Acuvue has earned a reputation in the eye industry for its perfect packaging, and that trend continues with this product. The packaging alone should make you want to get it. You will find that to be an awesome decision, considering the inside matches the outside as far as quality.
Pros:
- All-purpose solution (cleaning, disinfecting, storing, rewetting, reinserting, and rinsing)
- Easy to use (comes with a flip-top cap)
- Safe for sensitive eyes
Con:
- Too little solution
What To Consider When Buying Contact Solutions
There are two types of contact lens cleaning systems – multi-purpose solutions and hydrogen peroxide-based care systems. As you can see, there are both in our Best Contact Solution guide and each has advantages and disadvantages.
1. Multi-purpose Solutions
These solutions are dual-purpose meaning they both clean and disinfect contact lenses. Often called “no-rub” solutions, they are designed to clean and disinfect through routine rinsing and storing and do not require that you rub the lenses to remove deposits and debris.
Multipurpose solutions are the most popular method of cleaning contact lenses because they have been proven to be safe and are less expensive and easier to use than hydrogen peroxide-based solutions.
However, research has suggested that rubbing lenses during rinsing even with multipurpose solutions provides greater cleaning effectiveness. Based on this research, many eye care professionals recommend a short rubbing period regardless of the solution you use.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Lens Care Systems
These systems of contact lens care are highly effective in disinfecting and cleaning contacts but they are a bit more cumbersome than the multipurpose solutions since most of them require a two-step process of cleaning and then neutralizing.
The two-step process is required because hydrogen-peroxide, while a very effective cleaning and disinfecting agent, is toxic to the cornea and has to be neutralized after cleaning to avoid eye irritation.
Contact lenses are either rubbed in a stream of solution to remove deposits then rinsed with saline or they are placed in a case to soak for a specified period of time after which neutralizer is added to convert the hydrogen peroxide to harmless saline.
There are a few special contact lens cases for hydrogen peroxide cleaning systems that include a holder for the lenses and a separate bottom area where a solid platinum-based disk immediately begins to neutralize the solution.
There are certainly supporters of both systems among long-time contact lens wearers and both – when used properly – will care for your lenses effectively, but it is best to discuss the pros and cons of each with your eye care professional to determine which is right for you.
And do always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor and see your doctor regularly for eye examinations.
Contact Solutions FAQs
1. How long can you store contact lenses in a lens solution?
That depends on the solution. Some allow for 24 hours of storage, while others let you store lenses for up to an entire month. Generally, solutions for soft lenses allow for longer storage than those meant for other types of contact lenses.
2. Should you change your contact lens solutions every day?
Disinfecting solutions should be changed once every month at least. That said, you may need to be more frequent about these changes based on your contact replacement schedule. Either way, your eye doctor should be able to help you find the answer.
3. What happens when you over-soak contact lenses in their solutions?
Soaking your lenses for too long (more than 30 days) tends to weaken their structure, making them prone to germ and bacteria infiltration. That’s horrible news, as these products go inside your eyes and could increase your risk of getting an eye infection.
4. What is an alternative to a contact lens solution?
A properly formulated homemade saline solution should serve as a decent alternative to a brand-name contact lens solution.
5. Can contact solutions be reused in an emergency?
Under no circumstances should you reuse your solution. Even in an emergency, reusing a solution could lead to an eye infection. Always replace an old solution with a fresh batch to avoid redness, itching, blurred vision, and tearing.
Which Contact Solution Tops the List?
For a contact lens solution that matches the pH balance of healthy tears, you might want to check out Biotrue’s formula. It contains a natural lubricant that will not irritate your sensitive eyes. Plus, you can use it to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store your precious contacts.