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.

The 10 Best Contact Lens Solutions of 2021

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Taking proper care of your contact lenses is important for keeping your eyes healthy and infection-free. There are several products you can use to care for your contact lenses—one of the most common being contact lens solution. 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.

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 solution is specifically designed for hard contact lenses and tend to only store them—not to clean or disinfect them.

The right contact lens solution for you may depend on what kind of contact lenses you wear. Be sure to work with your optometrist to create a lens care system that responds to your unique needs.

Here are the best contact lens solutions on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Renu Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution at Amazon

Promises to kill 99.9% of germs in just four hours.

Best Budget:

COMPLETE Multi-Purpose Solution at Amazon

You can expect lenses that are clean, disinfected, and buildup-free.

Best for Comfort:

Biotrue Bausch + Lomb Solution at Amazon

Keeps contact lenses comfortable while also minimizing irritation.

Best for Dry Eyes:

Opti-Free Puremoist Solution at Amazon

Comes equipped with HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix, a system that envelops contact lenses in a cushion of moisture.

Best for Sensitive Eyes:

Clear Care Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution at Amazon

It may be a suitable choice for those who find multipurpose solutions irritating.

Best for Red Eyes:

Equate Saline Solution for Sensitive Eyes at Amazon

Promises to cut down on redness, as well as dryness and irritation.

Best for Scleral Lenses:

Clear Conscience Multi-Purpose Contact Solution at Amazon

Suitable for soft contact lenses (including silicone hydrogel lenses) and rigid gas permeable contact lenses, alike.

Best Rewetting Drops:

Refresh Contact Lens Comfort Drops at Amazon

Can be applied throughout the day to soothe the eyes, providing moisture, relief, and comfort.

Best Preservative-Free:

Purilens Saline Solution at Amazon

Doesn’t contain many of the irritating compounds that may be found in other multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide-based solutions.

Best for Travel:

ACUVUE RevitaLens Solution at Amazon

Particularly effective at combating Acanthamoeba, an amoeba found in dirt and water that can cause severe eye infections.

Pros

Allows for oxygen flow
Conditions and disinfects

Cons

May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
More expensive option

ReNu’s Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution is a multipurpose contact lens solution that's suitable for soft contact lenses—including silicone hydrogel lenses, which are special soft lenses that allow for greater oxygen flow. In addition to storing contact lenses, ReNu’s Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution promises to clean, condition, rinse, and disinfect. 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 disinfects more quickly than most. The solution’s triple disinfectant system kills 99.9% of germs in just four hours. ReNu’s Bausch + Lomb Lens Solution 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

COMPLETE Multi-Purpose Solution Easy Rub Formula

Pros

Gentle on eyes
Affordable

Cons

Doesn’t mimic natural tears with ingredients
Must rub for 10 seconds

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

Pros

Matches pH of healthy tears
Hydrates with hyaluronan (HA), which is naturally found in the eye

Cons

Only for soft lenses
Screw top lid

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

Pros

Two disinfectants in one to kill more bacteria
HydraGlyde envelops contacts in moisture

Cons

May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
More expensive option

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

Clear Care Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution with Lens Case

Pros

Hydrogen peroxide provides a deep clean
Combats protein and debri buildup

Cons

Cannot use as a quick rinse
Will irritate eyes if solution touches it directly before soaking over time

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

Pros

Affordable
Good for sensitive eyes

Cons

Non-name brand item, which means contents may vary
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

Pros

Suitable for soft and gas permeable lenses
Combats protein and lipid buildup

Cons

Must rub lenses
Not available at all drugstores

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

Pros

Long lasting hydration
Soft and gas permeable use

Cons

Cannot store lenses in solution
Small amount of product included

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

Pros

Preservative-free
pH balanced
Minimally irritating

Cons

Will not disinfect lenses
Will not clean 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

Pros

Combats Acanthamoeba, an amoeba that can create 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

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, M.D., optometrist at ReFocus Eye Health. 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 as it kills a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi , combined with EDTA can be used in lower concentration
Chlorhexidine-Bactericidal: When binded with EDTA, it has increased efficacy for gas permeable lenses , but not as effective against fungi/ yeast
Thimerosal-Bactericidal: This is a slow acting ingredient that’s ineffective against pseudomonas. Patient sensitivity has been reported with this ingredient.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB): low sensitivity, used for soft contact lenses
Polyquad: low sensitivity
Benzyl 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. “I generally recommend that if a patient is only wearing lenses occasionally and thus storing for longer periods of time, to completely change the solution in the case no less than every month,” says Jeff Kegarise, M.D., a board-certified optometrist and co-author of One Patient at a Time: The K2 Way Playbook for Healthcare & Business Success. “My first recommendation would actually be to change to daily disposable lenses, which are a much better option for part time wearers. It’s also very important to clean your case with soap and water, drying thoroughly and then rinsing the inner case with your contact lens solution.”

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, M.D., a board-certified optometrist 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.

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12 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.

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