{"id":1214,"date":"2022-11-30T15:39:04","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T20:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1214"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:29","slug":"what-is-contact-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/what-is-contact-solution","title":{"rendered":"What Is Contact Solution (And What&#8217;s in It)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Contact solution protects your eyes by removing protein buildup and debris from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/contacts-vs-glasses\">contacts<\/a>. Unless you use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/contacts\/daily-contacts\">daily disposable contacts<\/a>, you probably also have contact solution\u2014your contacts need solution in order to function properly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t properly disinfect or clean your lenses as directed by your optician or eye doctor, your eyes can experience <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/eye-irritation-from-contacts\">irritation<\/a> or even <a href=\"\/learn\/eye-infection-from-contacts\">infection<\/a> as a consequence. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to always have solution on hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will dive into what contact solution does, what it\u2019s in it, and the various solutions that contact wearers can use depending on their lens type.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Contact Solution?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t have any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/eye-problems\">eye problems<\/a> when you put them in again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Contact Solution Made Of?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact solutions can contain disinfectants, surfactants, wetting solution, and preservatives. But how do these ingredients help take care of your lenses?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Disinfectants:<\/strong> Disinfectants can kill the germs that may cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/eye-infections\">eye infections<\/a>, including the major one to watch for, keratitis.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surfactants<\/strong>: Surfactants help to clear up any residue that\u2019s stuck to the surface of the lens (without damaging the lens itself).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wetting solutions: <\/strong>True to their name, these solutions ensure that your contacts stay moistened and comfortable.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preservatives:<\/strong> Preservatives simply prolong the shelf life of your contact solution so you can keep using the same bottle\u2014but be mindful of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/does-contact-solution-expire\">expiration date<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Contact Solution Saline?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact solutions usually have saline in their formulas, but the two aren\u2019t the same thing.<em> <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/contactlenses\/care-systems.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saline solution doesn&#8217;t disinfect like a multipurpose contact solution<\/a>\u2014instead, it rinses the lenses <em>after<\/em> they&#8217;ve been disinfected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some hygiene regimens require you to rinse your lenses with saline after they&#8217;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because saline doesn\u2019t disinfect on its own, you should never replace your multipurpose or disinfecting contact solution with a <a href=\"\/learn\/what-is-saline-solution\">saline solution<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of Contact Solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Each type of contact solution has a distinct purpose to suit different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/types-of-contact-lenses\">types of contacts<\/a>. It\u2019s important to note that some solutions should never be used with specific contacts, as they may damage the lens and\/or hurt your eyes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk with your <a href=\"\/learn\/optometrist\">optometrist<\/a> about the best contact solution for you, depending on your lens type and ocular needs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Daily Cleaning Solution&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A daily cleaning solution removes dirt, deposits, and other particles from your lenses. However, it doesn&#8217;t disinfect them, nor should it be used for contact storage\u2014you&#8217;ll need another solution for that.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Multipurpose Solution&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hydrogen Peroxide Solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hydrogen peroxide solutions work similarly to multipurpose solutions, but they have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/contact-lenses\/hydrogen-peroxide-solution\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">specific care instructions<\/a> to ensure that they don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><!-- .entry-content (split for inline block) -->\n\n<section class=\"wp-blocks__banner has-img white\">\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/contacts_and_prescription.jpg\" alt=\"I spy something fresh\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-blocks__banner-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>I spy something fresh<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Find a daily contact lens that&#8217;s comfortable, breathable, and affordable.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-blocks-banner__cta-links\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/contacts\">Shop all daily contacts <svg id=\"aa495747-7767-4ea8-bc8e-3e09f9e2a480\" data-name=\"Layer 1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 5.5 9.5\"><path d=\"M5.49,4.61a.87.87,0,0,1,0,.32.73.73,0,0,1-.2.35l-4,4A.75.75,0,0,1,.22,8.22L3.69,4.75.22,1.28A.75.75,0,0,1,1.28.22l4,4A.75.75,0,0,1,5.49,4.61Z\" style=\"fill:#1050D0;fill-rule:evenodd\"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"entry-content\"><!-- (reopen for inline block) -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Use Contact Solution?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact solution comes into play when you clean and store your lenses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cleaning: <\/strong>Whenever you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/how-to-take-out-contacts\">take your contact lenses out<\/a> or prepare to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/how-to-put-in-contacts\">put them in<\/a>, you should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/how-to-clean-contacts\">clean them with solution<\/a> using the rub-and-rinse method.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Storage: <\/strong>When you put your contacts into their <a href=\"\/learn\/how-to-clean-contact-lens-case\"><em>clean<\/em> storage case<\/a>, 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\u2014don\u2019t reuse any of the solution that\u2019s been sitting in the case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Can You Leave Contacts in Solution?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some contacts can\u2019t 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\u2019 wear schedule. Leaving contacts in their solution for too long can allow germs to accumulate, especially if the wells in your lens case aren\u2019t tightly sealed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always check the solution manufacturer\u2019s instructions for guidance, or ask your optometrist about best practices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens if You Don\u2019t Use Contact Solution?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t use contact solution to clean, disinfect, and store your lenses, you\u2019re 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"\/learn\/corneal-abrasion\">abrasions<\/a>. The bottom line: contact solution is a must.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Put Contact Solution in Your Eye?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/can-you-use-contact-solution-as-eye-drops\">contact solutions should never be used as eye drops<\/a> or go directly into your eyes due to the chemical substances they contain. They can irritate your eyes and they won\u2019t solve any ocular health problems you\u2019re experiencing. Hydrogen peroxide solutions can even cause damage to your cornea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/dry-eyes\">eyes are dry<\/a>, irritated, or infected, always follow your optometrist\u2019s guidance and use any eye drops or medications as prescribed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact Solution Is Crucial for Lens and Eye Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For contact wearers, contact solution is a key component of <a href=\"\/learn\/contact-lens-care\">contact lens care<\/a> and eye health. Your eyes might get irritated or develop infections if there are contaminants or germs sticking to your lenses\u2014but contact solution helps to keep them squeaky clean.&nbsp;Of course, buying the <em>correct<\/em> solution is important. Stores carry a variety of contact solutions, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/appointments\/eye-exams\">consu<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/appointments\/eye-exams\/booking\">lt with your doctor<\/a> about the best options for you before making a purchase.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2014your contacts need solution in order to function properly.&nbsp; If you don&#8217;t properly disinfect or clean your lenses as directed by your optician or eye doctor, your eyes can experience [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":1216,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,9,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eyewear","category-contacts","category-eye-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Contact Solution? | Warby Parker<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Contact solution kills germs and bacteria on your lenses. This guide will walk you through the contact solution best practices and the various types available.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/what-is-contact-solution\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is Contact Solution? | Warby Parker\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Contact solution kills germs and bacteria on your lenses. This guide will walk you through the contact solution best practices and the various types available.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/what-is-contact-solution\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Warby Parker\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-11-30T20:39:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-02T07:12:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/what-is-contact-solution.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1166\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1166\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dr. Nikita Shah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dr. Nikita Shah\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Is Contact Solution? | Warby Parker","description":"Contact solution kills germs and bacteria on your lenses. 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