Updated: January 14, 2026
Contact lens solution is a mix of sterile water or saline, cleaning and disinfecting agents, and buffering ingredients that help keep it safe for rinsing, disinfecting, and storing lenses. It is formulated for lens care, not for the surface of your eye, which is why it should not be used as eye drops. If your eyes feel dry while wearing contacts, use rewetting drops or artificial tears that are labeled as safe for contact lens wear instead.
Do and Don’t:
- Do use lubricating eye drops labeled for contact lens wear, such as rewetting drops or compatible artificial tears, if your eyes feel dry.
- Do use contact lens solution only as directed for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, or storing lenses.
- Do check the product label, because sterile saline can be used to rinse lenses in some routines but it does not disinfect and is not the same as eye drops.
- Don’t put hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution in your eyes or use it to rinse lenses right before inserting.
- Don’t use multipurpose solution as eye drops, and if you accidentally do and feel burning or redness, remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional if symptoms persist.
Using eye drops made for the eye surface and solutions made for lens care helps protect comfort and reduces avoidable irritation risks.
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.
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.
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.
