I ask every contact lens patient what solution they use. About a third of them cannot remember the name. Another third say "whatever is on sale." And a small but concerning percentage say "I just use water sometimes." Your contact lens solution is not a generic commodity. It is the primary thing standing between your eyes and a bacterial infection. The solution you choose, and more importantly how you use it, affects your comfort, your lens lifespan, and your risk of developing a serious eye infection.
Here is what you need to know about the different types of contact lens solution available in Canada, which ones work best for different situations, and the surprisingly common habits that put your eyes at risk.
Multipurpose vs Hydrogen Peroxide: The Two Types
Every contact lens solution falls into one of two categories. Understanding the difference is the foundation for making a good choice.
| Feature | Multipurpose Solution (MPS) | Hydrogen Peroxide System |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Cleans, rinses, disinfects, stores in one step | 3% hydrogen peroxide kills pathogens, then neutralizes to saline |
| Soak time | 4 - 8 hours (varies by brand) | Minimum 6 hours (non-negotiable) |
| Preservatives | Yes (varies by brand) | No (preservative-free after neutralization) |
| Disinfection strength | Good | Superior |
| Best for | Most wearers, convenience | Sensitive eyes, allergies, stubborn deposits |
| Can rinse and insert immediately? | Yes | No — must complete full neutralization cycle |
| Risk if used incorrectly | Reduced disinfection from topping off | Chemical burn if not fully neutralized |
| Price range (CAD) | $10 - $18 per bottle | $14 - $22 per box (includes case) |
Multipurpose solution (MPS) is what most people use. You rub and rinse the lens, fill the case, drop the lens in, and wait the recommended soak time. It does everything in one bottle. The convenience is real, and for most contact lens wearers with normal eye sensitivity, MPS works perfectly well.
Hydrogen peroxide systems (like Clear Care, PeroxiClear, or AO Sept) use 3% hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your lenses. After soaking for at least 6 hours in the special case that comes with the product, a built-in catalyst (usually a platinum disc) neutralizes the peroxide into harmless saline. The result: a preservative-free, deeply disinfected lens that is exceptionally comfortable for sensitive eyes.
Warning: Never put hydrogen peroxide solution directly in your eye. It must go through the full 6-hour neutralization cycle in the provided case. Putting unneutralized hydrogen peroxide on your eye causes immediate, severe pain and can damage the corneal surface. If you accidentally do this, flush your eye with saline or clean water for 15 minutes and see your eye doctor.
Top Contact Lens Solutions in Canada
These are the solutions I see most often in my patients' hands, along with my observations about each one.
| Solution | Type | Manufacturer | Key Feature | Approx. Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotrue | Multipurpose | Bausch + Lomb | pH matches natural tears, hyaluronic acid | $12 - $16 |
| OPTI-FREE PureMoist | Multipurpose | Alcon | HydraGlyde moisture matrix, long-wearing comfort | $12 - $18 |
| renu fresh | Multipurpose | Bausch + Lomb | Triple disinfection, strong protein removal | $10 - $14 |
| Complete RevitaLens | Multipurpose | Johnson & Johnson | Dual disinfectant, good for silicone hydrogel | $11 - $15 |
| Clear Care Plus | Hydrogen peroxide | Alcon | HydraGlyde added, preservative-free | $16 - $22 |
| AO Sept Plus | Hydrogen peroxide | Alcon | HydraGlyde, classic peroxide system | $14 - $20 |
| PeroxiClear | Hydrogen peroxide | Bausch + Lomb | 3-hour neutralization (faster) | $14 - $18 |
Biotrue and OPTI-FREE PureMoist are the two I see most frequently and hear the fewest complaints about. Both keep lenses comfortable through long days and work well with modern silicone hydrogel lenses. If you are happy with either of these, there is no reason to switch.
Clear Care Plus is my go-to recommendation for patients who experience end-of-day dryness, redness, or irritation with multipurpose solutions. The preservative-free result after neutralization makes a noticeable difference for sensitive eyes. The 6-hour minimum soak time means you need to plan ahead (put your lenses in the case before bed, take them out in the morning), but most people adapt to this routine quickly.
Solution Mistakes That Cause Infections
The solution you buy matters less than how you use it. Seriously. A cheap multipurpose solution used correctly will protect your eyes better than a premium solution used carelessly. Here are the mistakes I see most often.
| Mistake | Why It's Dangerous | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Topping off old solution | Dilutes disinfecting power, bacteria survive | Dump, rinse case, fill with 100% fresh solution |
| Using tap water to rinse lenses | Acanthamoeba risk — severe corneal infection | Only use sterile contact lens solution |
| Not rubbing lenses before soaking | Deposits and bacteria remain on lens surface | Rub each side for 20 seconds, then rinse |
| Sleeping in daily-wear lenses | Oxygen deprivation + trapped bacteria | Remove lenses every night |
| Using expired solution | Preservatives degrade, disinfection weakens | Check expiry, discard if past date |
| Not replacing the lens case | Biofilm builds up, harbours resistant bacteria | New case every 1-3 months |
| Storing case closed while wet | Damp, enclosed environment breeds bacteria | Empty, rinse with solution, air dry open |
Topping off is the most common habit I see. People add a splash of fresh solution to whatever is left in the case from the night before. This feels efficient, but it means the old, contaminated solution is still there. The disinfecting chemicals in the fresh solution get diluted, and bacteria that survived the previous soak now have a weakened environment to thrive in. Always start fresh.
The water one scares me the most. Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare, but when it happens, treatment can take months and the pain is described as excruciating. The CDC specifically warns against exposing contact lenses to any type of water. That includes showering with lenses in, swimming with lenses in, and rinsing your case with tap water.
How to Choose the Right Solution
Here is a simple decision tree based on what I recommend to patients.
If your eyes feel great with your current solution: Stay with it. There is no benefit to switching just because a different brand is newer or more expensive.
If you experience end-of-day dryness or irritation: Try switching to a hydrogen peroxide system like Clear Care Plus. The preservative-free result often solves comfort issues that multipurpose solutions cannot. If you do not want the 6-hour soak commitment, try Biotrue or OPTI-FREE PureMoist, which have good comfort formulas among multipurpose options.
If you have allergies or sensitive skin around your eyes: Hydrogen peroxide is likely your best bet. The preservatives in multipurpose solutions (particularly polyhexamethylene biguanide, or PHMB) can trigger sensitivity in some people. A preservative-free end result eliminates this variable entirely.
If you wear silicone hydrogel lenses: Most modern solutions are compatible, but some work better than others. OPTI-FREE PureMoist and Complete RevitaLens were both formulated with silicone hydrogel materials in mind. If you are unsure about compatibility, your optometrist can recommend the best match for your specific lens brand.
If you are a student or on a budget: renu fresh is a solid, affordable option that gets the job done. The most important thing is that you use it properly (rub, rinse, fresh solution every time) rather than spending more on a premium brand and cutting corners on hygiene.
The Rub Step Most People Skip
Even solutions labelled "no rub" work better with rubbing. The "no rub" claim means the solution's disinfecting chemistry can theoretically work without mechanical cleaning, but studies have consistently shown that rubbing lenses for 20 seconds per side before rinsing and soaking significantly improves the removal of deposits, bacteria, and debris.
Think of it like washing your hands. You could technically just pour soap over your hands without rubbing, but the friction is what actually loosens and removes the dirt. Same principle with your lenses.
Here is the proper routine that takes under a minute:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Place the lens in your clean palm.
- Apply a few drops of solution.
- Gently rub the lens in a circular or back-and-forth motion for 20 seconds.
- Flip and repeat on the other side.
- Rinse with fresh solution.
- Place in a clean case filled with fresh solution.
- Soak for the recommended time.
This entire process adds maybe 40 seconds to your nightly routine and substantially reduces your risk of problems.
A Note on Store Brands and Generic Solutions
Shoppers Drug Mart, Costco, and other retailers sell their own contact lens solutions. Are they safe? Generally, yes. They are regulated by Health Canada and must meet the same standards as name-brand products. However, the specific preservative systems and surfactant formulas may differ from the major brands.
If your eyes are not particularly sensitive and you handle your lenses with good hygiene, a reputable store brand is a reasonable way to save money. If you have any history of sensitivity, dryness, or eye infections, stick with a name brand that your optometrist recommends. The few extra dollars per bottle are cheap insurance.
When to Talk to Your Optometrist About Your Solution
Your solution choice should come up at every contact lens exam. If any of these sound familiar, bring it up at your next visit:
- Your lenses feel comfortable at first but dry and irritating by late afternoon.
- You notice redness or stinging when you insert your lenses in the morning.
- Your lenses develop a film or hazy coating that does not come off with rubbing.
- You have had a contact lens-related infection in the past year.
- You switched solutions and noticed a change (better or worse) in comfort.
Your optometrist can evaluate your tear film, check your lenses under magnification for deposits, and recommend a solution that works better with your specific lens material and eye chemistry. Sometimes the fix is as simple as switching from multipurpose to hydrogen peroxide. Other times, the issue is the lens itself and a different material would be more comfortable regardless of solution choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water to rinse my contact lenses?
Never. Tap water, bottled water, distilled water, and filtered water all contain microorganisms. The one that matters most is Acanthamoeba, a parasite that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe corneal infection that can take months to treat and may cause permanent vision damage. Only use sterile contact lens solution to rinse, clean, and store your lenses. This also means avoiding showering and swimming while wearing contacts.
Is hydrogen peroxide solution better than multipurpose?
It provides stronger disinfection and is preservative-free after neutralization, making it the better choice for sensitive eyes. However, it requires a minimum 6-hour soak time and you cannot use it to rinse and insert immediately. Multipurpose solution is perfectly adequate for most wearers with normal sensitivity. The best solution is whichever one you will use correctly and consistently. A properly used multipurpose beats a carelessly used hydrogen peroxide system every time.
How often should I replace my contact lens case?
Every 1 to 3 months. Most solution bottles come with a new case, so use it when you open the new bottle. Between replacements, rinse the case with fresh solution (never water) after each use, shake out the excess, and leave it open to air dry upside down on a clean surface. Biofilm builds up even with good hygiene, and regular replacement is one of the simplest ways to reduce infection risk.
Can I switch between contact lens solution brands?
Yes. Most people can switch between multipurpose brands without issues. If you have sensitive eyes, switching may cause temporary irritation because different brands use different preservatives and surfactants. If you find one that works well, stick with it. When switching between solution types (multipurpose to hydrogen peroxide or vice versa), make sure you fully understand the different usage instructions. Hydrogen peroxide requires a neutralization step that multipurpose does not.
Can I top off old solution in my contact lens case?
No. Topping off means adding fresh solution to old solution already in the case. This dilutes the disinfecting power and allows bacteria to survive and multiply in the weakened environment. Every time you store your lenses, dump out all the old solution completely, rinse the case with fresh solution, and fill with entirely new solution. This habit alone prevents a significant percentage of contact lens-related infections.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your optometrist, ophthalmologist, or family doctor for diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.