Contact lens care depends on the lens type and care system. Follow the instructions from your eye-care provider and the solution maker, use fresh solution whenever you remove reusable lenses, and never top off old solution. Keep lenses and their case away from water; peroxide systems need their special case and the full label-directed soak time. Daily disposables and rigid gas-permeable lenses have different routines, so do not substitute one care method for another.
Follow the care instructions for your exact lens and solution. For reusable soft lenses, CDC says to rub and rinse with the appropriate solution, store in fresh solution, avoid topping off, and keep water away from the lenses and case.
Match the care system to the lens
Daily disposable lenses are discarded after the wear period stated for that lens. Reusable soft lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses and specialty lenses can require different cleaners and storage systems. Ask your eye-care provider which products are compatible with your lenses; do not switch solutions just because the bottle looks similar.
| Care product | Role and limit |
|---|---|
| Multipurpose solution | An all-in-one system for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting and storing many soft lenses; follow its label directions |
| Daily cleaner | Cleans deposits but does not disinfect by itself; use the separate rinse and disinfection steps specified for your lens |
| Saline | May be used for rinsing when directed, but it does not disinfect |
| Hydrogen peroxide system | Uses a special case and a required wait time; never put untreated peroxide directly in the eye |
| Rigid lens system | Uses care products that differ from soft-lens systems; confirm compatibility with your provider |
A reliable routine for reusable lenses
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
- Remove a lens and follow the solution maker’s rub-and-rinse directions.
- Put it in a clean case with fresh solution. Do not add new solution to liquid left from the prior soak.
- Clean the case with lens solution, empty it and let it dry as the instructions specify. Do not rinse it with tap water.
- Replace the case and solution on the schedule supplied by the manufacturer or your eye-care provider.
CDC recommends keeping water away from contact lenses, including when showering, swimming or using a hot tub. If water reaches a lens, remove it as soon as possible and either discard it or clean and disinfect it overnight before wearing it again, following CDC guidance and your lens instructions.
If a lens causes pain, redness, light sensitivity or a change in vision, remove it and contact an eye-care professional promptly. This guide does not replace individualized medical advice.
For replacement schedules, see our daily versus monthly contact lens guide. Browse the contact lenses category.
Official references
Common questions
Can I top off contact lens solution in the case?
No. CDC advises using fresh solution each time and not mixing fresh solution with old solution, because topping off reduces disinfection effectiveness.
Can I rinse my contact lens case with tap water?
No. CDC advises cleaning the case with fresh contact lens solution and avoiding water. Follow the case and solution instructions for drying and replacement.
Can I use saline to disinfect contact lenses?
No. CDC says saline does not disinfect lenses. Use only the care system prescribed for your lens type and follow its directions.