What Is Contact Solution (And What’s in It)?

Contact solution protects your eyes by removing protein buildup and debris from your contacts. Unless you use daily disposable contacts, you probably also have contact solution—your contacts need solution in order to function properly. 

If you don’t properly disinfect or clean your lenses as directed by your optician or eye doctor, your eyes can experience irritation or even infection as a consequence. That’s why it’s so important to always have solution on hand.

This article will dive into what contact solution does, what it’s in it, and the various solutions that contact wearers can use depending on their lens type. 

What Is Contact Solution?

Contact solution is a chemical substance used to store and disinfect contact lenses. It removes bacteria, other germs, and dirt that may have collected on the lens throughout the day. Ridding the lenses of these particles makes them safe to wear, so you don’t have any eye problems when you put them in again.

What Is Contact Solution Made Of? 

Contact solutions can contain disinfectants, surfactants, wetting solution, and preservatives. But how do these ingredients help take care of your lenses?  

• Disinfectants: Disinfectants can kill the germs that may cause eye infections, including the major one to watch for, keratitis. 
• Surfactants: Surfactants help to clear up any residue that’s stuck to the surface of the lens (without damaging the lens itself).  
• Wetting solutions: True to their name, these solutions ensure that your contacts stay moistened and comfortable. 
• Preservatives: Preservatives simply prolong the shelf life of your contact solution so you can keep using the same bottle—but be mindful of the expiration date. 

Is Contact Solution Saline?

Contact solutions usually have saline in their formulas, but the two aren’t the same thing. Saline solution doesn’t disinfect like a multipurpose contact solution—instead, it rinses the lenses after they’ve been disinfected. 

Some hygiene regimens require you to rinse your lenses with saline after they’ve been in contact solution and before you put them into your eyes. This final rinse removes any lingering particles from the lenses and prevents dryness. 

Because saline doesn’t disinfect on its own, you should never replace your multipurpose or disinfecting contact solution with a saline solution. 

Types of Contact Solutions

Each type of contact solution has a distinct purpose to suit different types of contacts. It’s important to note that some solutions should never be used with specific contacts, as they may damage the lens and/or hurt your eyes. 

Talk with your optometrist about the best contact solution for you, depending on your lens type and ocular needs. 

Daily Cleaning Solution 

A daily cleaning solution removes dirt, deposits, and other particles from your lenses. However, it doesn’t disinfect them, nor should it be used for contact storage—you’ll need another solution for that.   

Multipurpose Solution 

A multipurpose contact solution can be used to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store your lenses. Instead of having one solution that cleans and another that rinses or disinfects, you get it all-in-one with this solution.  

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Hydrogen peroxide solutions work similarly to multipurpose solutions, but they have specific care instructions to ensure that they don’t cause harm to your eyes. These solutions always require treatment with a neutralizing substance before you can wear your contacts. Be sure to follow all directions (both on the bottle and from your eye care provider), including never using hydrogen peroxide directly in your eyes.

Hydrogen peroxide solutions do not contain preservatives and are targeted toward contact wearers whose eyes may react to the preservatives in other solutions or who are more prone to dryness at the end of their contact replacement schedule. 

How Do You Use Contact Solution?

Contact solution comes into play when you clean and store your lenses. 

• Cleaning: Whenever you take your contact lenses out or prepare to put them in, you should clean them with solution using the rub-and-rinse method. 
• Storage: When you put your contacts into their clean storage case, each lens should sit in a small well of solution. Always fill the wells up completely, and ensure the contacts are fully submerged. Use fresh solution every time you put your lenses away—don’t reuse any of the solution that’s been sitting in the case.

How Long Can You Leave Contacts in Solution?

Some contacts can’t stay in a solution any longer than a day, whereas others can be stored for much longer (even up to a month). It depends on your lenses’ wear schedule. Leaving contacts in their solution for too long can allow germs to accumulate, especially if the wells in your lens case aren’t tightly sealed. 

Always check the solution manufacturer’s instructions for guidance, or ask your optometrist about best practices. 

What Happens if You Don’t Use Contact Solution?

If you don’t use contact solution to clean, disinfect, and store your lenses, you’re putting your eyes at risk of infection and discomfort. Contact lenses can pick up dirt, bacteria, and oil from your hands or their surroundings, and they can also harbor natural protein build-up from the surfaces of your eyes. 

Because the lenses sit right on top of your eyes, they can easily transfer germs or rub debris against the cornea and cause irritation and abrasions. The bottom line: contact solution is a must. 

Can You Put Contact Solution in Your Eye?

No, contact solutions should never be used as eye drops or go directly into your eyes due to the chemical substances they contain. They can irritate your eyes and they won’t solve any ocular health problems you’re experiencing. Hydrogen peroxide solutions can even cause damage to your cornea.

If your eyes are dry, irritated, or infected, always follow your optometrist’s guidance and use any eye drops or medications as prescribed. 

Contact Solution Is Crucial for Lens and Eye Care

For contact wearers, contact solution is a key component of contact lens care and eye health. Your eyes might get irritated or develop infections if there are contaminants or germs sticking to your lenses—but contact solution helps to keep them squeaky clean. Of course, buying the correct solution is important. Stores carry a variety of contact solutions, so consult with your doctor about the best options for you before making a purchase.