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Contact lens solution: multipurpose vs hydrogen peroxide vs saline

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Three types of solution

Details are from the CDC's guidance on cleaning, disinfecting and storing contact lenses. Always follow the directions from your eye care provider and the solution maker.

Daily care steps

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling lenses, the CDC says.
• Rub and rinse your lenses and store them in fresh solution every time you remove them.
• Never top off. The CDC says never mix fresh solution with old or used solution in the case.
• Keep water away. Rub and rinse the storage case with fresh solution and avoid any use of water.
• Follow the replacement schedule your eye care provider recommends for your lenses.

Hydrogen peroxide systems

The CDC says hydrogen peroxide-based systems both clean and disinfect contact lenses, and are often recommended for people allergic to multipurpose solution. They need extra care. The CDC says to use only the provided case, as other cases will not convert the peroxide to saline, and to wait 4 to 6 hours, as directed, before wearing your lenses. It also advises avoiding rinsing lenses with hydrogen peroxide directly before insertion to prevent discomfort.

Peroxide systems come with their own cup-style case. Alcon's FDA 510(k) record for Clear Care Plus, for example, is listed together with its AOCup lens case.

Daily cleaners and choosing a system

Some routines add a separate daily cleaner. The CDC describes applying a few drops to your palm, then rubbing the lens as directed on both sides, and notes that daily cleaners clean but do not disinfect. After cleaning, it says to use additional products like multipurpose solution for rinsing, disinfecting and storing the lenses.

Which system you use is a question for your eye care provider. The CDC says it is important to follow instructions provided by your eye care provider and the contact lens solution manufacturer. If your eyes react to a multipurpose solution, ask your provider whether a hydrogen peroxide system makes sense, since the CDC notes these are often recommended for people allergic to multipurpose solution. Do not switch between brands of solution without checking that the new one is meant for your lens type.

Case care

• After use, empty all excess solution from the case and dry it with a fresh, clean tissue, the CDC says.
• Store the case upside down with the caps off after each use.
• Replace the case at least once every three months.
• Rinse the case with fresh solution, never water.

If you also wear glasses, the CDC suggests carrying backup glasses with a current prescription in case you have to take out your contact lenses. For screen-time glasses, see our blue light blocking glasses guide.

Water, sleep and swimming

The CDC says to remove lenses before sleeping, showering or swimming to prevent infections, and to avoid sleeping in lenses unless directed by your eye care provider. For swimming, see our swim goggles guide.

Rigid gas permeable (hard) lenses generally need their own wetting, cleaning and disinfecting products, and the CDC says hard-lens products should never be used on soft lenses.

When to call your eye doctor

The CDC says contact lenses are medical devices, and that failure to wear, clean and store them as directed can increase the risk of eye infections. Remove your lenses and contact your eye care provider if you have discomfort. Do not put lenses back in until you have been checked if your eye is red, painful or your vision changes.

For dry eyes, see our preservative-free eye drops guide, and check that any drop is labeled for use with contact lenses before using it while wearing them. For itchy eyes, see our allergy eye drops guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Can I use saline to store my contacts?

Not for disinfecting. The CDC says saline solution does not disinfect contact lenses.

Can I top off the solution in my case?

No. The CDC says never mix fresh solution with old or used solution.

How long do I wait with hydrogen peroxide solution?

The CDC lists 4 to 6 hours, as directed on the label, using only the provided case.

How often should I replace my lens case?

At least once every three months, the CDC says.

Can I rinse my case with tap water?

No. Rinse it with fresh solution and avoid any use of water.

Sources

• About Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Storing Contact Lenses (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• 510(k) K142284: Clear Care Plus Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution (accessdata.fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• 510(k) K170483: Bausch + Lomb Sensitive Eyes Plus Saline Solution (accessdata.fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Sources checked 2026-10-15.