Contact Lens Solution

Lens solution cleans, rinses and disinfects contact lenses. Pick the type your eye doctor approved.

Updated Oct 20, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Pharmacies, supermarkets and big box stores stock the main brands. Your eye doctor's office may sell the one they prescribed. Buy sealed bottles from the store itself, not loose resellers.

Professional insight

Optometrists match the solution to the lens material. Then they check seal and date.

Rigid gas permeable lenses need RGP solution only.
Peroxide kits must use their own neutralizing case.
Switching brands can cause stinging with some lenses.
Discard solution by the after-opening date.

Check the label

Lens type listed: soft, silicone hydrogel or rigid.
Solution type: multipurpose, hydrogen peroxide or saline.
Disinfecting claim is stated, not just rinse.
Expiry date printed on the bottle and box.
Tamper seal on the cap is intact.
Discard-after-opening period is given.
Peroxide boxes warn not to put it in eyes.

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Types

Main contact lens solution types
Type	What it does	Watch for
Multipurpose	Cleans, rinses, disinfects and stores soft lenses	Preservative sensitivity
Hydrogen peroxide	Deep disinfection, preservative free after neutralizing	Needs its special case and hours of soak time
Saline	Rinsing only	Does not disinfect lenses
RGP solution	Conditions and disinfects rigid lenses	Not for soft lenses
Rewetting drops	Adds moisture while lenses are in	Not a cleaning solution

Safe use

Wash and dry hands before touching lenses.
Use fresh solution every time; never top up old fluid.
Never rinse or store lenses in tap water.
Never use saliva or homemade saline.
Rub and rinse if the label says to.
Replace the lens case at least every three months.

Red flags

Bottle seal is broken or missing.
Expiry date is near or scratched off.
Label is in a language you cannot read.
Seller has no brand name in the listing.
Liquid looks cloudy or has particles.

Ways to save

Lens solution cost per ounce

Calculator

Compare bottle sizes and multipacks fairly.

Pack price

Bottles in pack

Ounces per bottle

Cost per ounce$0.63

Store brands can be fine if your doctor agrees.
Travel bottles cost more per ounce.
Do not buy more than you will open before expiry.

Common questions

Can I use any brand of solution?: Not always. Some lenses react badly to certain formulas. Ask your eye doctor before switching.
Is saline enough to clean lenses?: No. Saline only rinses. It does not disinfect.
Can I use glasses cleaner on contacts?: No. Eyeglass sprays are not made for eyes. Use only labeled contact lens products.