Contact Lens Solutions: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Save Money

When you wear contact lenses, contact lens solutions, liquid products designed to clean, disinfect, and store contact lenses. Also known as lens care solutions, they’re not just water—they’re engineered to kill microbes, remove protein buildup, and keep your lenses soft and comfortable. Skip the right solution, and you risk infections, blurry vision, or worse. Many people think all solutions are the same, but that’s not true. Some are made for soft lenses, others for rigid gas permeable ones. Using the wrong type can damage your lenses or irritate your eyes.

Saline solution, a simple saltwater rinse used only for rinsing lenses before insertion. Also known as sterile saline, it does NOT disinfect. Yet a lot of people use it to store lenses overnight—big mistake. Without disinfecting agents, bacteria grow fast. Then there’s multipurpose solutions, all-in-one formulas that clean, rinse, disinfect, and store lenses. Also known as multi-purpose lens care systems, these are the most common choice for daily wear. But even these vary. Some contain preservatives that can trigger allergies. Others are designed for sensitive eyes or silicone hydrogel lenses. If your eyes burn or get dry after using a solution, it’s not you—it’s the formula.

Cost matters too. Brand-name solutions can cost over $15 a bottle, but generic versions often work just as well. The FDA requires generics to meet the same standards as name brands. Still, don’t switch blindly. Talk to your eye doctor first. Some lenses need specific solutions to maintain their shape or oxygen flow. Also, never top off old solution in your case. Always use fresh. And clean your case weekly—bacteria love the dark, damp corners. A dirty case ruins even the best solution.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly which solutions are safest, which ones save you money without cutting corners, and what to do if your eyes react badly. We cover real-world experiences, common mistakes, and how to spot a solution that’s right for your lenses and your budget. No fluff. Just what works.