Keep Your Contacts Fresh With Best Contact Solutions
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Opti-Free Multi-Purpose Contact Solution -
Ciba Vision Clear Care Contact Solution -
Aquify Multi-Purpose Contact Solution -
Biotrue Multi-Purpose Contact Solution -
ReNu MultiPlus Contact Solution -
Buyer's Guide
When deciding on the best contact solution, you need to take into account that there are two types. Multipurpose contact lens solutions come in both "no-rub" and "easy rub" solutions. "No Rub" is the most popular because it requires the least amount of work and time. However, there are some researchers that state that rubbing the lenses results in a cleaner lens. Some eye care professionals suggest a short, 10-second period of rubbing removes more protein deposits than a longer rinse. I have used both and find that it can be a personal decision, but even with the "no-rub" solutions, I still give them a quick rub before popping them in my case. Below are my top 5 contact solutions that are the quickest, easiest and most effective. Checkout our top picks for best contact solutions in 2022.
Best Contact Solution of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Opti-Free Multi-Purpose Contact Solution - Best Contact Solution Overall
My top choice for best contact solution is OPTI-FREE EXPRESS Lasting Comfort Formula. As a no-rub solution, this formula cleans, disinfects and stores all in one shot. It is safe and effective for silicone hydrogels, as well as all other types of soft contact lenses. With its triple action cleaning agents, the solution cleans your lenses in the case while conditioning them to retain moisture and prevent protein buildup all through the day. The result; longer lasting comfort and a smooth, silky feel all day long.
Ciba Vision Clear Care Contact Solution - Runner Up
Clear Care Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution is a top choice for effective lens care. With their Triple-Action cleaning process, Clear Care uses hydrogen peroxide for a deep clean, a built-in surfactant to loosen dirt and debris and bubbling action to remove protein deposits. This solution is different from a multi-purpose cleaner and must be used differently. Each package comes with its own case that is specifically designed for their formulation. Be sure to use that case and NOT your typical flat contact lens case. Contacts MUST soak for at least 6 hours to neutralize the formula to be safe for your eyes and NEVER rinse, just pop your contacts into your eyes right after rinsing with the solution. And last, NEVER place the solution directly into your eye.
Aquify Multi-Purpose Contact Solution - Honorable Mention
Aquify Multi-Purpose Solution comes equipped with a special PRO-GUARD lens case that is clinically proven to prevent lens contamination by up to 40%. This solution is perfect for silicone hydrogel lenses and all other types of soft contact lenses. This solution is quick and effective, requiring only 5 minutes to clean, disinfect and moisturize. And the solution works directly with the PRO-GUARD case, which is made of a special plastic that is infused with an anti-microbial agent. These little silver ions are activated by solution, and as the case is exposed to moisture the anti-microbial agent is released gradually to the surface of the case. This is where it prevents bacteria from attaching and growing like it does in other cases.
Biotrue Multi-Purpose Contact Solution - Consider
Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution is inspired by the biology of your eyes to provide advanced lens care. Their special formula uses a lubricant that is found in your natural tears, and it is PH balanced to match healthy tears. Biotrue prevents tear proteins from forming on the lens, while fighting germs. This dual-disinfection system is a popular choice for contact lens wearers as it provides lenses with the moisture they need to provide all day comfort. The multi-purpose solution is quick, effective and safe way to care for your lenses.
ReNu MultiPlus Contact Solution - Best Contact Solution
Renu Fresh Multi-Purpose Solution cleans your lenses so thoroughly it is as if you are popping in a new pair of contact lenses every day. With daily cleaning and disinfecting, Renu prevents enzymes and protein buildup from forming and therefore eliminates the necessity of an enzyme cleaner. A simple solution for cleaning, disinfecting and storing your lenses, this formula is proven to rejuvenate your lenses and cushion them in moisture.
Buyer's Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Contact Solutions
If you wear contact lenses, the drill of disinfecting, cleaning, and moisturizing contact lenses each night must be embedded in your muscle memory. However, if you're considering contact lenses to enhance your vision, these lengthy care rituals can seem overwhelming.
People turn to the best contact solutions to reduce the maintenance hassle and ensure their lenses are duly disinfected and stored with care. Buying contact solutions isn't easy, and there's a wealth of variety to explore, and each product packs up unique features.
Keep reading to pick up some valuable information that will help you purchase the best contact solution for an optimal experience.
Types of Contact Solutions
Contact lens solutions come in various types, some of which eliminate germs, while other products simply remove dirt to clean the lenses. Many powerful solutions are packed with disinfectants to neutralize germs and reduce the risk of eye infections.
It's wise to consult your doctor on the best contact solution for your specific eye condition and contact lenses. If you're looking for a solution that will clean and disinfect, you can choose between hydrogen peroxide and multipurpose solutions. Let's take a look at both to help determine the right fit for your lenses.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions
Hydrogen peroxide is added to some of the most effective contact lens solutions for robust disinfecting and cleaning. Hydrogen peroxide-based contact solutions are very popular, but they can be somewhat burdensome to use.
Eye care professionals recommend these solutions, given their effectiveness and cleaning strength. However, they will increase your nightly lens cleaning ritual by a few minutes. First, you will have to use a surfactant cleaning product to clean your contacts, followed by rinsing them with a sterile saline solution. The disinfection process will begin after the cleaning and rinsing, involving several additional steps until you can store the contacts away and hit the pillows.
Each product varies, as some come with a two-step process while others have a simple one-step disinfection system. However, you will have to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide before wearing the lenses and after disinfecting them with both methods. While hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant, it is hazardous for the eye, especially the cornea. You will have to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide using saline water to prevent eye damage.
Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide contact solutions with one-step disinfection are widely criticized for failing to deliver full-strength disinfection against highly resistant, disease-carrying microbes. That's not all. With two-step hydrogen peroxide solutions, there's always the risk of forgetting to neutralize the lenses with saline water and incurring a debilitating eye injury. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide solutions require you to add fresh disinfecting solution to the case before storing your lenses and after neutralizing to prevent the risk of contamination.
Multipurpose Solutions
Some of the best contact solutions are multipurpose products that will clean, disinfect, rinse and store your lenses safely, without demanding lengthy rituals. Many popular multipurpose contact solutions also moisturize the lenses for enhanced vision.
Multipurpose solutions combat various germs that spread eye infections and allergies alongside other conditions. Typically, multipurpose solutions contain several antibacterial compounds and disinfectants, including polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EPDA) to eliminate germs.
For instance, multipurpose solutions containing PAPB, EPDA, and chlorhexidine, a common disinfectant, are highly effective at preventing keratitis – germs-induced inflammation of the cornea. The cleaning rituals are less troublesome than the hydrogen peroxide solutions, but you will have to practice care and caution.
For instance, you will have to clean and rinse your lenses regularly and add fresh solution before storing them every time. It's imperative to avoid mixing the fresh solution with old residue, as it will lead to contamination.
Lens Type
Choosing the right contact lens solution for your lenses requires you to understand the type you're wearing. Do you wear rigid and hard lenses for a specific eye condition? Or perhaps, you have been prescribed soft lenses to enhance your vision?
Soft lenses
demand low-strength products, while rigid contact lenses require solutions designed specifically for them. If you have an eye allergy or concern, your cleaning and disinfecting needs will also vary, depending on the doctor's advice.
Comfort & Lifestyle
The right contact lens solution will align with your lifestyle and comfort preferences instead of causing discomfort. Be prepared to invest around 10-15 minutes of your time in cleaning and disinfecting the lenses. The duration can decrease, depending on whether you choose a multipurpose product or a hydrogen peroxide solution.
Your comfort is a crucial consideration. Many contact solutions come with hydrating lubricants, like lubricin and hyaluronan, eliminating friction and moisturizing the lenses for enhanced comfort. We strongly advise investing in a contact lens solution that contains a combination of hyaluronan and lubricin.
Are you a frequent traveler, or do you struggle with forgetfulness and lethargy? Be sure to account for your lifestyle and personality traits while buying a contact solution. If you're forgetful and a frequent traveler, a multipurpose solution will serve you well.
Conclusion
Choosing between hydrogen peroxide and multipurpose contact lens solutions can prove overwhelming. We advise you to consult your eye care professional, especially if you suffer from an eye condition or infection. However, if your needs are minimal and you wear soft contact lenses, a multipurpose solution will offer excellent value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best contact lens solution for hard contact lenses?
We firmly advise readers to consult their eye doctor before buying a solution for hard or rigid contact lenses. Typically, most hydrogen peroxide and multipurpose solutions are designed for soft lenses.
2. What's the best contact lens solution for people sensitive to preservatives & additives?
Most multipurpose solutions contain additives and preservatives that can cause immense discomfort if your eyes are sensitive to these compounds. Consider investing in a hydrogen peroxide contact solution if that is the case.
3. What's an ideal low-maintenance solution for storing contact lenses?
You should consider investing in a multipurpose kit – an all-in-one product to clean, rinse, disinfect, moisturize and store your lenses.
