Author: Jagrut Lallu, BOptom (Hons), MSc Specialty Lenses (Hons), FIAOMC. Therapeutic Optometrist & Contact Lens Specialist. Founder, New Zealand Eye Research Centre; Partner, Rose Optometry.
Published by the New Zealand Eye Research Centre. General information only — not a substitute for a personalised assessment.
Walk into any pharmacy and the contact lens solution shelf is baffling. Using the wrong solution for your lens type is a common cause of discomfort — and occasionally of real harm. Here is a clear guide to matching the solution to the lens. You can also browse our full range of contact lens solutions by lens type.
First, know your lens type
- Soft lenses — the most common daily and monthly lenses.
- RGP / hard lenses — small rigid lenses.
- Ortho-k lenses — rigid lenses worn overnight for myopia control.
- Scleral lenses — large rigid lenses that need saline for insertion.
Soft lens care
Soft lenses use multipurpose solutions that clean, disinfect and store in one step, or hydrogen peroxide systems for a preservative-free deep clean (these must be fully neutralised before the lens goes near your eye). Never top up old solution — always use fresh.
RGP & ortho-k care
Rigid lenses need rigid-specific conditioning/soaking and cleaning solutions — soft-lens multipurpose solutions are not designed for them. See our RGP & ortho-k lens care range. For overnight ortho-k lenses in particular, correct daily cleaning plus periodic protein removal keeps the lenses clear and safe. Because ortho-k lenses touch the eye overnight, hygiene discipline is non-negotiable.
Scleral lens care
Scleral lenses are cleaned with rigid-lens solutions but filled with preservative-free saline for insertion — never with multipurpose solution, which can irritate the cornea when held against it for hours. Preservative-free unit-dose saline is ideal; see our scleral & specialty lens care range.
Three universal rules
- Never use tap water on lenses or cases — it carries Acanthamoeba, a rare but sight-threatening risk.
- Rub and rinse even with “no-rub” solutions — it measurably improves cleaning.
- Replace your case every 1–3 months.
Talk to us
If you are unsure which solution suits your lenses, ask us — it is a quick question that prevents most avoidable problems. Rose Optometry stocks matched solutions for every lens type, backed by the New Zealand Eye Research Centre.
References
- Wu YT, Willcox M, Zhu H, Stapleton F. Contact lens hygiene compliance and lens case contamination. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2015;38(5):307–316.
- Cope JR, Collier SA, Rao MM, et al. Contact lens–related corneal infections. MMWR. 2015;64(32):865–870.