Picking the right contact lens for your eyes and lifestyle come down to a simple examination with your eye doctor. They have all the knowledge and experience to sort through the hundreds of options available on the market and find the exact match for your eyes. However, any seasoned contact wearer will know that shopping for new contact lens solution is a confusing mess.

Your local pharmacy will offer multiple brands, each featuring confusing terms and benefits that are not clear to the average person. You’ll find everything from saline solution to hydrogen peroxide (that stuff mom pored on my scabs?) with little-to-no explanation as to what’s best for your contact lens routine. When searching for the right contact lens solution, make sure to factor in a handful of key elements the next time you visit the store.

Multipurpose vs. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution vs. Saline Solution

The major formulas you will notice at the pharmacy are multipurpose, hydrogen peroxide, and saline. There are many solutions offered under the same brand as your contacts, but its these three types that really matter when taking care of your contacts and maintaining your eyes’ health.

Each solution is judge based on four factors: storing, rinsing, disinfecting, and cleansing. As it’s name suggests, multipurpose solutions is perfect for every scenario, however the other two are also very useful. Hydrogen peroxide solution will thoroughly clean and disinfect your lenses, making them a great option for people with sensitive eyes. The major downside to this option is the added steps necessary to remove the hydrogen peroxide from your lenses. If you do not follow each step to the letter, you can cause damage to your eyes.

Saline is primarily used for rinsing your lenses before they are placed in your eyes. This solution uses a sterile formula and will prevent against irritation, but it will not clean or disinfect your lenses and is not advised for long-term use. It is a good addition to your eye care routine, but not the end-all solution for your eye-care.

When choosing between multipurpose and hydrogen peroxide, it is important to note how often you use your lenses. A proper eye-care routine will include cleaning your lenses after every use. Daily lenses will require you have a regular cleaning routine added to your lifestyle, but if you only wear contacts once a week then the hydrogen peroxide system can easily fit into your weekly routine.

Check With Your Eye Doctor

Your doctor has already fitted your eyes with the best lenses available, so why not ask what solution to buy as well? Most offer a free bottle with your new lenses and you can always check with them to see if there are any affordable or generic alternatives for your budget and routine.