Contact Lens Cleaning Solutions
Contact lens cleaning solutions clean, disinfect, rinse, and store reusable fortnightly and monthly contact lenses — an essential part of safe lens care.
Contact lens cleaning solutions — also known as multipurpose solutions — are an essential part of safe, comfortable wear for anyone using reusable fortnightly or monthly contact lenses. Unlike daily disposables, which are discarded at the end of each day, reusable lenses are worn, removed, cleaned, and stored overnight in a lens case before being reinserted the next morning.
A quality multipurpose solution does four things in one bottle: it cleans surface deposits from the lens, disinfects it to eliminate bacteria and microorganisms, rinses away residue, and provides the storage environment the lens needs to remain safe and hydrated overnight. Skipping or rushing this process — or using tap water instead of solution — significantly increases the risk of serious eye infections.
We stock the Opti-Free PureMoist multipurpose solution for convenient, reliable lens care. Explore our range below and order online with fast Australian delivery.
Key Benefits of Proper Lens Cleaning
- Removes daily deposits: Every day, proteins, lipids, and other substances from the tear film gradually build up on the surface of a reusable lens. A good multipurpose solution breaks down and removes these deposits, keeping the lens surface clean and comfortable for the next wear.
- Disinfects effectively: Multipurpose solutions contain disinfecting agents that neutralise bacteria and other microorganisms that accumulate on the lens during wear and during storage, protecting your eyes from infection.
- Maintains lens moisture: Quality solutions — such as Opti-Free PureMoist — contain moisture-retaining ingredients that help keep the lens hydrated during storage, so it feels comfortable when reinserted the next morning.
- Safe for all soft lens types: Approved multipurpose solutions are formulated to be compatible with soft contact lens materials, including both standard hydrogel and modern silicone hydrogel lenses.
- Convenient travel size: The 90ml bottle size falls within standard carry-on liquid restrictions for international air travel, making it easy to maintain your lens care routine while away from home.
Which Cleaning Solution Is Right For You?
- You wear reusable fortnightly or monthly contact lenses and need a reliable multipurpose solution: Choose Opti-Free PureMoist 90ml. This all-in-one multipurpose solution from Alcon cleans, disinfects, rinses, and stores soft contact lenses. It features HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology, designed to help the lens surface retain moisture and resist the buildup of irritating deposits for up to 16 hours of comfortable wear.
Note: If you also need eyedrops or accessories such as rewetting drops, eyelid wipes, or a replacement lens case, visit our Eyedrops and Accessories range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a multipurpose contact lens solution?
A multipurpose contact lens solution is an all-in-one product that cleans, disinfects, rinses, and stores soft reusable contact lenses. It is used after removing your lenses each night to remove daily protein and lipid deposits, kill harmful microorganisms, and keep the lens safely hydrated in a lens case until the next morning.
Do I need cleaning solution if I wear daily disposable lenses?
No. Daily disposable contact lenses are designed for single use — they are inserted in the morning and discarded at the end of the day, requiring no cleaning, storage, or solution. Cleaning solution is only necessary for reusable fortnightly and monthly contact lenses.
Can I use tap water instead of multipurpose solution to clean my lenses?
Never use tap water to clean, rinse, or store contact lenses. Tap water can contain microorganisms — including Acanthamoeba — that can cause extremely serious and difficult-to-treat eye infections. Always use fresh, approved multipurpose solution for cleaning, rinsing, and storage.
How do I clean my reusable contact lenses correctly?
After removing your lenses, place each lens in the palm of a clean, dry hand. Apply a few drops of multipurpose solution and gently rub the lens in a circular motion with your fingertip for 20 seconds, even if the solution is labelled "no-rub." Rinse with fresh solution, then place the lens in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Never reuse or top up old solution — always discard used solution and refill with fresh each night.
How often should I replace my contact lens case?
Replace your contact lens case at least every one to three months, or immediately if it becomes cracked or discoloured. Used lens cases develop a biofilm of bacteria over time that cleaning alone cannot fully remove. Never rinse your lens case with tap water — rinse it with multipurpose solution, then leave it face down on a clean tissue to air dry.
Are older cleaning solutions I already have safe to use?
Check the expiry date on the bottle before use. Many multipurpose solutions have a shelf life of 5 years unopened, but once opened they should typically be used within 90 days. If your solution has passed its use-by date or has been open for longer than recommended, replace it. Using expired or contaminated solution significantly increases infection risk.