If you wear monthly or weekly contact lenses, using a contact lens solution is important in keeping them working their best. We stock a wide range of solutions that are ideal for caring for your contact lenses, meaning they are always clean and comfortable for you to use.
Contact lens solutions are care products used to clean, disinfect, rinse, and store reusable soft or gas-permeable contact lenses. They remove the protein, lipid, and microbial deposits that accumulate on lens surfaces during wear, and remove bacteria and other microorganisms to prevent eye infection. Using the right solution correctly is one of the most important factors in safe contact lens wear. The two main types are multi-purpose solutions, which handle all care steps in one bottle, and hydrogen peroxide systems, which provide a deeper preservative-free clean. Daily disposable lens wearers do not need solutions, as each pair is discarded at the end of the day.
Using a quality contact lens solution consistently maintains lens cleanliness, extends comfort throughout the wearing day, and significantly reduces the risk of contact lens-related eye infections. A thorough clean removes protein deposits, lipids, and environmental debris that accumulate on lenses during wear, resulting in discomfort, irritation and blurred vision. The disinfecting process destroys bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens found on the lens surface and case. The most effective approach is to rub lenses with solution before rinsing: even with 'no rub' products, as mechanical rubbing removes significantly more deposits than soaking alone.
Vision Direct stocks contact lens solutions across four main types. Multi-purpose solutions, including Opti-Free Puremoist, Renu, Biotrue, everclear REFRESH, and Acuvue RevitaLens: clean, rinse, disinfect, and store lenses in one step. Hydrogen peroxide systems: including AOSEPT PLUS, EasySept, and Oxysept: provide a deeper, preservative-free clean and require a minimum six-hour neutralisation period. Saline and daily cleaner solutions supplement other care systems. Gas-permeable solutions (Boston Advance, Boston Simplus) are designed exclusively for rigid GP lenses.
Multi-purpose solutions clean, rinse, disinfect, and store contact lenses in one step, with no waiting time; lenses can be worn immediately after removal from the case. Hydrogen peroxide systems are a deeper, preservative-free disinfectant requiring a minimum of six hours in the purpose-built neutralising case before lenses can be inserted. This solution should never make contact with the eye. The benefit of hydrogen peroxide is its intense cleaning, offering wearers prone to deposit build-up the ability to maximise their lens wear.
Replace your contact lens solution every time you store your lenses: never top up old solution. Each time, empty the case completely, rinse it with fresh solution (not water), and leave it to air dry face down on a clean tissue. Opened bottles of multi-purpose solution should be used within 90 days. Replace your lens case at minimum every one to three months: many manufacturers recommend replacing it with each new bottle of solution. Tap water should never be used with lenses or cases, as it can harbour Acanthamoeba, which can cause a serious corneal infection.
No. Most multi-purpose solutions are formulated for soft contact lenses, including hydrogel and silicone hydrogel materials, but always check the packaging for compatibility with your specific lens brand. Gas-permeable (GP) solutions are not suitable for soft lenses, and soft lens solutions should not be used with GP lenses. If you experience discomfort with your current solution, switching to a different solution may help. Speak to your eye care professional about this.
