Eye Health The 10 Best Contact Lens Solutions of 2022 Renu Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution kills 99.9% of germs in just four hours By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Twitter Lindsey is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, love, sex, and health content. She reviews products for Verywell Fit, Verywell Health, and Verywell Mind. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 04, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Bryan M. Wolynski, OD Medically reviewed by Bryan M. Wolynski, OD LinkedIn Bryan Wolynski, OD, is a board-certified optometrist who has been in the field for over 30 years. He is an adjunct assistant clinical professor at SUNY College of Optometry and works in private practice in New York City. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Taking proper care of your contact lenses is important for keeping your eyes healthy and infection-free. Contact lens solution is traditionally used to store contact lenses when they’re not being worn, but some contact lens solutions can also clean and disinfect contact lenses. Reviewed & Approved Formulated with polyaminopropyl biguanide and boric acid, Renu Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution kills 99.9% of germs in just four hours. COMPLETE's Multi-Purpose Solution is gentle on the eyes and is a budget-friendly option. There are three primary types of contact lens solutions: multipurpose solution, hydrogen peroxide-based solution, and rigid gas permeable solution. Multipurpose solution is an all-in-one solution that rinses, disinfects, and stores contact lenses, and it’s commonly used to store soft contact lenses. Hydrogen peroxide-based solution cleans, disinfects, and stores contact lenses, and it’s traditionally prescribed when someone has an allergy to multipurpose solutions. Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions need to be stored in a special case that transforms the liquid into saline solution, so that it doesn’t burn or sting the eyes. Rigid gas permeable lenses do not contain water and are mostly constructed out of silicone. When buying contact lens solutions, look for active ingredients like boric acid, poloxamine, and sodium chloride. We researched dozens of contact lens solutions and evaluated them for active ingredients, price, whether it disinfects, and is gentle on the eyes. Here are the best contact lens solutions on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Renu Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: COMPLETE Multi-Purpose Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Comfort: Biotrue Bausch + Lomb Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dry Eyes: Opti-Free Puremoist Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clear Care Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Red Eyes: Equate Saline Solution for Sensitive Eyes at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Scleral Lenses: Clear Conscience Multi-Purpose Contact Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best Rewetting Drops: Refresh Contacts at Amazon Jump to Review Best Preservative-Free: Purilens Saline Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: ACUVUE RevitaLens Solution at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall: Renu Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution 4.9 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walgreens Pros Conditions and disinfects Kills 99.9% of germs Hydrates lenses Cons May not be suitable for sensitive eyes We chose Renu’s Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution as our top pick because it is a multipurpose contact lens solution that's suitable for soft contact lenses. In addition to storing contact lenses, the solution cleans, conditions, rinses, and disinfects. It cleans lenses by dissolving denatured proteins (proteins that are no longer useful) that have built up on the lenses. Many contact lens solutions disinfect lenses, but Renu’s Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution kills 99.9% of germs in just four hours. Plus, it hydrates lenses for all-day comfort, providing up to 20 hours of moisture at a time. Active Ingredients: Boric acid and polyaminopropyl biguanide (0.00005%) | Use: To condition, store, and disinfect contact lenses Best Budget: COMPLETE Multi-Purpose Solution Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Gentle on eyes Affordable Cleans and disinfects Cons Doesn’t mimic natural tears Complete’s Multi-Purpose Solution is, like its name implies, a multipurpose contact lens solution suitable for soft contact lenses—but for half the price of many comparable products. It provides a balance of disinfection and comfort, keeping lenses clean while remaining gentle on the eyes. Like many multipurpose contact solutions, Complete’s Multi-Purpose Solution dissolves denatured proteins and other debris on the lenses. After just six hours in Complete’s Multi-Purpose Solution, you can expect your lenses to be clean and ready to wear. Active Ingredients: Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (0.0001%) | Use: To store, disinfect, and clean contact lenses Best for Comfort: Biotrue Bausch + Lomb Multi-Purpose Solution View On Amazon View On Walgreens Pros Matches pH of healthy tears Hydrates with hyaluronan (HA) Multipurpose solution Cons Only for soft lenses Biotrue’s Contact Lens Solution is a multipurpose solution suitable for soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel contact lenses. In addition to storing contact lenses, the solution conditions, cleans, rinses, and disinfects. Biotrue’s Contact Lens Solution is designed to match the pH of healthy tears. This keeps the lenses comfortable while also minimizing irritation. Biotrue’s Contact Lens Solution also hydrates lenses using hyaluronan (HA), a lubricant found naturally in the eye. This system can keep your contacts moisturized for up to 20 hours at a time, for comfortable, all-day wear. Active Ingredients: Hyaluronan, sulfobetaine, poloxamine, and boric acid | Use: Conditions, cleans, rinses, and disinfects contact lenses for all day wear These Are the Best Places to Buy Glasses Online and Try Them at Home Best for Dry Eyes: Opti-Free Puremoist Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walgreens Pros Two disinfectants to kill more bacteria HydraGlyde for improved moisture Creates barrier against debris Cons May not be suitable for sensitive eyes Opti-Free’s Puremoist Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution is a multipurpose contact lens solution that draws on two different disinfectants to rid contact lenses of microorganisms that could potentially cause infection. The contact solution also comes equipped with HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix, a system that envelops contact lenses in a cushion of moisture. This leaves lenses feeling comfortable while also creating a protective barrier that helps keep debris from getting in. Active Ingredients: Sodium citrate, sodium chloride, and boric acid | Use: To clean, store, and disinfect contact lenses The 10 Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes of 2022 Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clear Care Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walgreens Pros Deep-cleaning hydrogen peroxide Combats protein and debris buildup Free of preservatives Cons Cannot use as a quick rinse Clear Care’s Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution is a hydrogen peroxide-based solution that can be used with both soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable contact lenses. The bubbling hydrogen peroxide gives a deep clean, loosening dirt and combating protein and debris buildup. Because Clear Care’s Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution is hydrogen peroxide-based, it may be a suitable choice for those who find multipurpose solutions irritating. The solution is also preservative-free, to further cut down on irritation. That said, it’s important to use hydrogen peroxide-based solutions exactly as instructed to avoid burning, stinging, or otherwise irritating the eyes. Clear Care’s Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution comes with a contact lens case that, over time, converts the hydrogen peroxide to a gentle saline solution. This solution mimics natural tears, and its HydraGlade system cushions lenses with long-lasting moisture. These elements keep lenses feeling comfortable enough for all-day wear. Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Use: Cleans and disinfects both soft contacts and gas permeable lenses Best for Red Eyes: Equate Saline Solution for Sensitive Eyes View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Affordable Good for sensitive eyes Reduces redness and dryness Cons Does not disinfect Equate’s Saline Solution for Sensitive Eyes is a saline-based solution that is suitable for soft contact lenses. Unlike multipurpose solutions and hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, saline-based solutions cannot clean or disinfect lenses. Instead, Equate’s Saline Solution for Sensitive Eyes is simply designed to store and rinse lenses, keeping them fresh, moist, and ready to be used. Equate’s Saline Solution for Sensitive Eyes was specifically designed with sensitive eyes in mind. The sterile solution promises to cut down on redness, dryness, and irritation. Active Ingredients: Boric acid, sodium borate, and potassium chloride | Use: To rinse and store contact lenses The 11 Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses of 2022 Best for Scleral Lenses: Clear Conscience Multi-Purpose Contact Solution View On Amazon View On Thrive Market Pros Suitable for soft and gas permeable lenses Combats protein and lipid buildup Cruelty-free Cons Must rub lenses Scleral contact lenses are rigid gas permeable contact lenses commonly prescribed to patients who have corneal irregularities. Most multipurpose contact solutions are designed for soft contact lenses, not rigid gas permeable contact lenses. But Clear Conscience’s Multi-Purpose Contact Solution is a multipurpose solution that is suitable for both soft contact lenses (including silicone hydrogel lenses) and rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Clear Conscience’s Multi-Purpose Contact Solution cleans, conditions, rinses, and disinfects contact lenses while storing them. Like many multipurpose contact solutions, it also promises to combat protein and lipid buildup. Clear Conscience’s Multi-Purpose Contact Solution is proudly cruelty-free. It's also free of the potentially irritating disinfectant chlorhexidine and preservative thimerosal. Active Ingredients: Poloxamer, sodium phosphate buffer, and sodium chloride Use: To clean, condition, rinse, and disinfect lenses Best Rewetting Drops: Refresh Contacts Contact Lens Comfort Drops Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Walgreens Pros Long lasting hydration Soft and gas permeable use Can be used to refresh lenses Cons Cannot store lenses in solution Refresh’s Contacts Comfort Drops are not technically contact solution, but instead are eye drops to keep your contacts feeling fresh and moist throughout the day. Refresh’s Contacts Comfort Drops can be paired with both soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses. Refresh’s Contacts Comfort Drops can be applied throughout the day to soothe the eyes, providing moisture, relief, and comfort. Each drop creates a “liquid cushion” that offers long-lasting hydration. Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, sodium chloride, and boric acid | Use: To refresh contact lenses throughout the day Best Preservative-Free: Purilens Plus Preservative-Free Saline Solution Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Preservative-free pH balanced Minimally irritating Cons Will not clean or disinfect lenses PuriLens’ Plus Preservative-Free Saline Solution is a saline-based solution, suitable for both soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable contact lenses. The preservative-free solution is pH balanced to mimic the eye’s natural tears, making it a comfortable and minimally irritating option. Because PuriLens’ Plus Preservative-Free Saline Solution is preservative-free, it doesn’t contain many of the potentially irritating compounds that may be found in other multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. This makes it an excellent option for those with dry or sensitive eyes. But because it is a saline-based solution, it will not clean or disinfect contact lenses—it will only store them. Active Ingredients: Sodium chloride, sodium borate, and boric acid | Use: To store contact lenses Best for Travel: ACUVUE RevitaLens Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Combats amoeba that cause serious eye infections Good for travel-related activities Cons Screw-on cap Acuvue’s RevitaLens Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution is a multipurpose solution with a dual-disinfecting technology that kills bacteria while maintaining the comfort needed for all-day wear. Research has shown that Acuvue’s RevitaLens Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution is particularly effective at combating Acanthamoeba, an amoeba that can cause severe eye infections. Acanthamoeba is commonly found in dirt and water, so travel-related activities, like swimming and using a hot tub, are associated with an increased risk of infection. Acuvue’s RevitaLens Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution may be an apt choice for those who are traveling—especially because the solution is available in a TSA-friendly container. Active Ingredients: Alexidine dihydrochloride 0.00016%, polyquaternium-1 0.0003%, and boric acid | Use: To clean, store, and disinfect These Are the Best Places to Buy Prescription Contact Lenses Final Verdict ReNu’s Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution (view on Amazon) is an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable, moisturizing multipurpose solution that disinfects quickly and efficiently. If you have particularly sensitive eyes, opt for Biotrue’s Contact Lens Solution (view at Amazon). It balances comfort and cleanliness while keeping your lenses moist and hydrated. What to Look for in a Contact Lens Solution Active Ingredients Contact solutions work by killing bacteria through included preservatives. “Preservatives in contact lens solutions either kill (bactericidal) or stop growth (bacteriostatic) of bacteria. They enhance the lens surface wettability, disinfect the lens, maintain lens hydrated in the eye and serve as a mechanical buffer between the eye and the lens and the cornea,” says Elisa Bano, MD, ophthalmologist ReFocus Eye Health. The most common preservatives/ingredients are, according to Dr. Bano: Ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA): Chelating agent (reduces heavy metals) and not a true preservative Benzalkonium chloride (BAK): Works to kill a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi, and can be used in lower concentrations combined with EDTAChlorhexidine-Bactericidal: When bound with EDTA, it has increased efficacy for gas permeable lenses, but is not as effective against fungi/ yeast.Polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB): Low sensitivity, used for soft contact lensesPolyquad: Low sensitivityBenzyl Alcohol: A preservative that helps kill bacteria Compatibility Different contact lenses are compatible with different contact lens solutions. You may want to talk to your eye doctor to ensure your contact lens solution (and overall contact lens care system) meets your individual needs. Contact Lens Storage Time Different contact lens solutions can store contact lenses for different amounts of time. “My first recommendation would actually be to change to daily disposable lenses, which are a much better option for part-time wearers, says Jeff Kegarise, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and co-author of "One Patient at a Time: The K2 Way Playbook for Healthcare & Business Success." It’s also very important to clean your case with soap and water, let it dry out thoroughly so there is no water in the case, and then clean with a contact lens solution. Ideally, you should just change your contact lens case every three months. Frequently Asked Questions How long can you keep contact lens solution after opening? Some contacts are made to wear daily, weekly, or even monthly. You should change out the solution each time you put in and take out your lenses. If you don’t wear them for a few days, you may store them in the same solution for the amount of time your lenses are built to last for (daily, weekly, or monthly). Always talk to your eye doctor if you have additional concerns. The maximum amount of time you should ever store lenses is 30 days. When should you change contact lens solution? You should change the contact solution each time you wear the contacts. You should never reuse solutions. Follow the instructions carefully on the back of your solution box. Can you use contact lens solutions like eye drops? You should not use contact lens solution as eye drops because the saline and chemical compound cleaners will harm your eye over time. The primary function of a solution is to break down bacteria and other grit and dirt that builds up on your lens. Use eye rewetting drops if you want to put something directly into your eye for comfort either before or after inserting contact lenses. What the Experts Say “If you are not achieving that level of comfort and wearability, and have dryness or irritation that limits the wearing time you would like, talk to your doctor about potential underlying causes,”—Jeff Kegarise, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and co-author of "One Patient at a Time: The K2 Way Playbook for Healthcare & Business Success." Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. Additional reporting to this story by Brittany Leitner As a health writer with over 8 years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won't break the bank. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 10 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Contact Lens Care Systems & Solutions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Update on Scleral Lenses. Powell CH et al. Development of a new contact lens multipurpose solution: Comparative analysis of microbiological, biological and clinical performance. J Optom. 2010;3(3):134-142. doi:10.1016/S1888-4296(10)70019-4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Acanthamoeba Keratitis FAQs. Finnegan S, Percival SL. EDTA: An Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Agent for Use in Wound Care. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(7):415-421. doi:10.1089/wound.2014.0577 Basaran P. Inhibition effect of belzalkonium chloride treatment on growth of common food contaminating fungal species. J Food Sci Technol. 2011;48(4):515-519. doi:10.1007/s13197-011-0268-5 Lin L, Kim J, Chen H, Kowalski R, Nizet V. Component Analysis of Multipurpose Contact Lens Solutions To Enhance Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2016;60(7):4259-4263. Published 2016 Jun 20. doi:10.1128/AAC.00644-16 Stuermer EK et al. Comparing Two Polymeric Biguanides: Chemical Distinction, Antiseptic Efficacy and Cytotoxicity of Polyaminopropyl biguanide and Polyhexamethylene biguanide. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2016;65(8):867-876. Coroi MC, Bungau S, Tit M. PRESERVATIVES FROM THE EYE DROPS AND THE OCULAR SURFACE. Rom J Ophthalmol. 2015;59(1):2-5. Contacts Direct. Can you put contact solution in your eyes with contacts?