Which contact lens solution do I need? A simple guide

The solution you need depends on your lens type. If you wear two-weekly or monthly lenses, you need either a multi-purpose or hydrogen peroxide solution. If you wear daily disposables, you need no solution at all. Not sure which one is right for you? This guide breaks it down simply, so you can choose with confidence and get back to wearing your lenses comfortably. 

Do daily contact lens wearers need solution? 

Short answer: no. If you wear daily disposable lenses, you can skip this guide entirely. Daily lenses are designed to be worn once and thrown away, so there’s no cleaning, storing, or soaking involved. Just pop them in, live your life, and bin them at the end of the day. 

Solution is only needed if you wear reusable lenses – two-weekly or monthly disposables – that need to be cleaned, disinfected, and stored between wears. If that’s you, read on. 

The main types of contact lens solution 

Here’s a quick overview of what’s out there: 

Multi-purpose solution – the everyday choice 

Multi-purpose solution is exactly what it sounds like: one bottle that does everything. You use it to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store your lenses overnight. In the morning, your lenses are ready to wear. 

This is the most popular choice for monthly and fortnightly lens wearers, and it’s easy to see why. You don’t need multiple products, and the routine takes seconds once you’re used to it. 

Pros: convenient, widely available, works well for most lens types. 

Cons: contains preservatives, which some people with sensitive or allergy-prone eyes can react to over time. 

Popular options include Biotrue, ReNu Multi-Plus, and Opti-Free PureMoist, each formulated slightly differently, so it’s worth checking which is recommended for your specific lens brand. 

Hydrogen peroxide solution – the deep clean 

If your eyes are sensitive, prone to irritation, or you’ve found that standard multi-purpose solution leaves them feeling dry or uncomfortable, hydrogen peroxide solution could be worth exploring. 

It works by using a chemical reaction to break down and destroy microorganisms on the lens surface, with no preservatives involved. The result is a thorough, gentle clean that’s particularly well suited to sensitive eyes. 

The process takes longer than MPS. You place your lenses in the special case provided, add the solution, and leave them to soak for at least 6 hours. During that time, the hydrogen peroxide is converted into harmless water and oxygen by a neutralising disc built into the case. 

Pros: preservative-free, excellent for sensitive or allergy-prone eyes, thorough disinfection. 

Cons: requires the correct case and a minimum soak time; the process cannot be rushed. 

⚠️ Important safety warning: Hydrogen peroxide solution must never be applied directly to the eye, and lenses must never be inserted before the full neutralisation cycle is complete. Doing so can cause serious pain and eye damage. Always use the case provided with your solution and never use a regular lens case with a hydrogen peroxide system. 

A popular option is AOSept Plus with HydraGlyde. Browse the full range of hydrogen peroxide solutions at Lenstore. 

Saline solution – for rinsing only 

Saline is often misunderstood. It looks like a contact lens solution, it comes in a similar bottle, but it is not a disinfectant and cannot replace multi-purpose or hydrogen peroxide solution. 

Saline is sterile salt water. It’s used to rinse lenses after cleaning, or to rinse your lens case. It won’t clean or disinfect your lenses on its own, so it should always be used alongside a proper cleaning system, not instead of one. 

Browse saline solutions at Lenstore, including Lens Plus OcuPure. 

How to choose the right solution for you 

Not sure which direction to go? Use this as your decision guide. For a deeper look at the science of lens care, read the science behind lens care and wear. 

If you want something simple and convenient, multi-purpose solution is your best bet. One bottle, one step, done. 

If you have sensitive eyes or find MPS causes irritation, consider hydrogen peroxide solution. It’s preservative-free and gentler for reactive eyes; just factor in the longer soak time. 

If you mainly need to rinse your lenses after another cleaning step, saline can support your routine, but it won’t replace your main solution. 

If you wear hard or RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses, you’ll need a solution specifically formulated for hard lenses. Standard soft lens solutions aren’t suitable, so check with your optician and look for RGP-specific products. 

If you’re unsure whether a solution is right for your lenses, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific lens brand. Not all solutions are compatible with all lens materials, and using the wrong one could affect the comfort and safety of your lenses. 

Can I use any solution with my lenses? 

Not always, and this is important. Some contact lens materials are sensitive to certain preservatives found in multi-purpose solutions. Using an incompatible solution can cause discomfort, affect lens performance, or in some cases compromise lens safety. This applies whether you wear toric lenses, multifocal lenses, or standard spherical lenses. 

The safest approach is to: 

• Check the instructions that came with your lenses. 
• Look at the solution manufacturer’s compatibility guidance. 
• Ask your optician if you’re switching solution type or trying something new. 

When in doubt, your optician is the right person to advise you. They know your lens prescription, your eye health history, and your sensitivity profile, so it’s always worth a quick ask before making a change. 

For a full step-by-step guide to keeping your lenses clean and safe, read how to clean your contact lenses. 

Frequently asked questions 

Can I use tap water to rinse my contact lenses? 

No, never. Tap water is not sterile and can contain microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, which can cause a serious and painful eye infection. Always use sterile saline or contact lens solution for rinsing. 

How often should I replace my contact lens case? 

Your lens case should be replaced at least every 1–3 months, or whenever you open a new bottle of solution. Clean it daily by rinsing with fresh solution (not water) and leaving it face-down on a clean tissue to dry. You can pick up a replacement lens case at Lenstore. 

Can I top up my solution rather than emptying and refilling the case? 

No. Always empty your lens case, rinse it with fresh solution, and refill completely. Topping up dilutes the disinfectant and reduces its effectiveness. 

Is hydrogen peroxide solution better than multi-purpose solution? 

Neither is universally better; they suit different needs. Hydrogen peroxide offers a more thorough, preservative-free clean, which is ideal for sensitive eyes. Multi-purpose solution is more convenient for everyday use. The best one is the one that works for your eyes and your routine. 

Do I need solution if I wear extended-wear lenses overnight? 

Some extended-wear lenses are approved for continuous overnight wear, but you’ll still need solution for cleaning and storing on the days you remove them. Check the approved wear schedule for your specific lens and follow your optician’s guidance. 

Ready to stock up? 

Now you know what you need, finding the right solution is the easy part. Lenstore stocks a full range of contact lens solutions, from everyday multi-purpose options to preservative-free hydrogen peroxide systems for sensitive eyes. 

Browse by type: 

• Multi-purpose solutions 
• Hydrogen peroxide solutions 
• Saline solutions 
• Hard & RGP solutions