Updated: January 14, 2026
Yes, you can clean reusable contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide, but only with a peroxide-based lens care system that fully neutralizes it before the lenses touch your eyes. This type of system can be a great option if you want a deeper clean or if multipurpose solutions leave your lenses feeling coated. The key is to follow the full neutralization step every time, because unneutralized peroxide can cause intense stinging and irritation.
Do and Don’t:
- Do use only a contact lens hydrogen peroxide system with the special case or neutralizing disc or tablet designed for it.
- Do let lenses soak for the full neutralization time listed on the product instructions before inserting.
- Do confirm your lenses are compatible with peroxide systems, especially if you wear specialty lenses.
- Don’t put unneutralized peroxide in your eyes or use it to rinse lenses right before wear, because it can cause severe burning and irritation.
- Don’t use peroxide to “clean” daily disposable lenses, since they are designed to be thrown away after one use.
Hydrogen peroxide can be a safe and effective way to disinfect contacts when it is used exactly as directed and fully neutralized.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
Contact Lenses: Safe Use of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/contact-lenses-safe-use-hydrogen-peroxide-solution. July 26, 2023.
About Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Storing Contact Lenses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-cleaning-disinfecting-and-storing-contact-lenses.html. Updated May 27, 2025.
Contact Lens Cleaning Solution Basics. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-cleaning-solution-basics. Updated April 18, 2023.
