Nowadays there are many different contact lens solutions available. For every different type of contact lens there's a solution that is best to use. On this page we explain the difference between two well-known types of solution: multi-purpose contact lens solution and hydrogen peroxide solution.
Multi-purpose solution VS hydrogen peroxide solution
What is multi-purpose solution?
Multi-purpose contact lens solutions are very popular. This contact lens solution cleans, disinfects and hydrates your contact lenses. It’s also known as all-in-one contact lens solution. It’s the most fuss-free option for looking after your contact lenses, that makes cleaning your contact lenses a piece of cake.
How to use a multi-purpose solution? It’s very simple: take out your contact lens, put a few drops of this cleaning solution on and rub them gently. Then, pour some of the very same solution into your contact lens case, so you can store them for as long as recommended by your optician.
Multi-purpose solution can be used for all types of soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel lenses. This solution is ideally suited for monthly lenses and two weekly lenses. All-in-one solution is unfortunately not recommended for RGP contact lenses.
Our best-selling multi-purpose solution
Are you looking for a super effective multi-purpose solution? Then Opti-Free Express from the well-known manufacturer Alcon is highly recommended. This no-rub solution is suitable for all types of soft contact lenses, including the latest types of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses, and it provides advanced cleaning and disinfection, removing 99.9% of bacteria.1 It's an excellent choice if you wear Air Optix contact lenses. The mild yet effective solution will keep your eyes fresh and comfortable as it retains moisture for up to 16 hours.
Opti-Free Express solution is very easy to use. This solution ensures optimal cleaning of your contact lenses. It’s the reason that Opti-Free Express is one of the best-selling contact lens solutions on our website and the #1 lens care brand in Europe.2*
Do you often experience dry or sensitive eyes? Then this multi-purpose cleaning solution is very suitable. The disinfection system makes sure your eyes are optimally protected against nasty bacteria that can cause eye infections. Opti-Free Express solution also prevents red eyes and reduces the protein deposits on the contact lens. This allows you to easily wear your lenses from early in the morning until late at night.
What our customers say about Opti-Free Express
What is hydrogen peroxide solution?
A big difference between hydrogen peroxide solution and multi-purposes solution is that you can only use hydrogen peroxide solution on the advice of your optician. The reason for this is that this type of solution contains hydrogen peroxide. This is why it’s important that you are well informed in advance about how to clean your lenses with this specific type of solution.
If you use hydrogen peroxide solution, it’s very important that you follow the instructions for use and allow your lenses to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours in the case prior to applying onto the eyes. The hydrogen peroxide must be neutralized after use (because if you don't do this, it can be painful for your eyes). This is done by using a lens case with a neutralisation disc or by using special neutralisation tablets that you add to the solution in the lens case. These tablets also ensure that protein deposits are removed from the lens.
If you have sensitive eyes, hydrogen peroxide solution is recommended. This is because this type of solution contains no preservatives. In addition, hydrogen peroxide solution has a stronger disinfecting capacity.
Peroxide solution can be used for all types of soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel lenses. It is not recommended for RGP contact lenses.
Our best-selling hydrogen peroxide solution
If you are looking for a good-quality hydrogen peroxide solution, then AOSept Plus HydraGlyde is a must. This powerful solution based on hydrogen peroxide is suitable for all types of soft contact lenses. AOSept Plus HydraGlyde uses Alcon's HydraGlyde technology. This ensures that your lenses are optimally cleaned. This solution also ensures that your lenses retain moisture, which ensures that the lens feels comfortable on your eye all day long.
Because this hydrogen peroxide solution contains no preservatives, AOSept Plus HydraGlyde is very suitable for sensitive eyes. AOSept Plus HydraGlyde features an improved technology for removing protein deposits. This ensures that your lenses are always perfectly clean, wherever and whenever you wear them.
The HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology ensures that the solution is absorbed into the contact lens. As a result, the entire lens surface is supplied with moisture and your eyes remain optimally hydrated.
What our customers say about AOSept Plus HydraGlyde
Contact us
If you need any advice about how to buy your contact lenses online, we're here to assist you Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 21:00 and Saturday from 8:00 to 18:00 via web chat, phone (01 513 4141 - Ireland) or email help@visiondirect.ie.
1. Gabriel M. Antimicrobial Efficacy of multipurpose disinfecting solutions in the presence of contact lenses and lens cases. Eye & Contact Lens 2016:1-7.
2. Vision Needs Monitor 2018, Alcon data on file.
*Based on the responses of 3647 contact lens wearers to the question "which contact lens cleaning solution are you mainly using currently?"