Most contact wearers buy solution on autopilot — same brand, same size, same checkout habit for years. That’s fine until you realize you’ve been spending $200/year on lens care when $90 would’ve done the same job. Or until someone puts hydrogen peroxide solution directly in their eye without neutralizing it first.
This covers both: what things actually cost and what you absolutely need to know before switching systems.
Multi-Purpose Solution (MPS): The Most Common Option
Multi-purpose solution cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores soft contact lenses — everything in one bottle. It’s what the majority of lens wearers use, and it works well for most people.
| MPS Brand | Size | Price | Duration (1 pair/night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotrue (Bausch + Lomb) | 10 oz | $10–$13 | 4–6 weeks |
| Opti-Free Puremoist | 10 oz | $12–$15 | 4–6 weeks |
| ReNu Advanced (B+L) | 12 oz | $9–$12 | 5–7 weeks |
| Blink 3-in-1 | 12 oz | $8–$11 | 4–6 weeks |
| Complete Easy Rub | 12 oz | $8–$11 | 4–6 weeks |
| Store brand MPS | 12 oz | $5–$8 | 4–6 weeks |
A standard bottle lasts 4–6 weeks cleaning one pair nightly. Annual cost with name-brand MPS: roughly $100–$180 (8–12 bottles). Store-brand MPS saves $3–$5 per bottle — $30–$60/year for functionally equivalent product.
One nuance on MPS compatibility: some formulas interact better with specific lens materials. Biotrue markets itself for silicone hydrogel lenses; Opti-Free Puremoist uses a different moisturizing agent. If you’re experiencing comfort issues with your current MPS, it’s worth trying a different brand — material compatibility varies more than labels typically admit.
Hydrogen Peroxide Systems: The Gold Standard for Cleaning
Hydrogen peroxide systems (Clear Care, AOSept) use 3% hydrogen peroxide to oxidize protein deposits and kill microorganisms. A platinum-disk catalyst in the companion case neutralizes the peroxide over 6 hours, leaving essentially chemical-free lenses. Many wearers — especially those with sensitive eyes or silicone hydrogel lenses — report meaningfully better comfort with peroxide systems than with MPS.
Costs per bottle:
- Clear Care (Alcon) 12 oz: $13–$18
- AOSept Plus (Bausch + Lomb) 12 oz: $12–$16
- Clear Care 3 oz travel: $6–$9
Annual cost for nightly use: $150–$250 for name brands (12–16 bottles at $13–$18 each). More expensive than basic MPS, but the AAO and most corneal specialists recommend peroxide systems for patients with comfort issues, giant papillary conjunctivitis, or highly sensitive eyes.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution (Clear Care, AOSept) must never be used directly in the eyes without completing the full neutralization process. Placing un-neutralized hydrogen peroxide in your eye causes immediate, intense burning and chemical injury. Always use these solutions with the specific companion catalyst case — that platinum disk is what converts the peroxide to water over 6 hours. Never substitute a regular lens case. Never rinse or wet your lenses with peroxide solution before inserting them. If you accidentally get un-neutralized solution in your eye, flush immediately with large amounts of water and seek emergency eye care.
Saline Solution: Rinse Only, Never Disinfect
Sterile saline ($5–$10 for 12 oz) is for rinsing only. It does not disinfect. Using saline as your sole lens care system is a real risk for Acanthamoeba keratitis — a rare but devastating corneal infection that can cause permanent vision loss. Saline is appropriate as a final rinse before lens insertion when using hydrogen peroxide systems. It is not a substitute for disinfecting solution.
Annual Contact Lens Care Cost Calculator
What does a year of lens maintenance actually run?
Budget option (store-brand MPS):
- 12 bottles store-brand MPS ($6/bottle): $72/year
- Rewetting drops: $20/year
- Total: ~$90–$100/year
Mid-range (name-brand MPS):
- 10 bottles Biotrue/Opti-Free ($13/bottle): $130/year
- Rewetting drops: $25/year
- Total: ~$150–$160/year
Premium (hydrogen peroxide):
- 14 bottles Clear Care ($15/bottle): $210/year
- Rewetting drops: $20/year
- Total: ~$225–$250/year
Add these to your annual contact lens purchase ($200–$600 depending on lens type) to get your true total contact-wearing cost. Daily disposable wearers have no solution cost — a significant hidden advantage of dailies.
Rewetting Drops and Lens-Compatible Options
Rewetting drops ($8–$15 for 10–15 mL) provide moisture relief while lenses are in the eye. Key options:
- Biotrue Hydration Boost: $10–$14, compatible with most soft lenses
- ReNu Sensitive: $9–$12
- Blink Contacts: $10–$14
- Systane Contacts: $11–$15
Don’t use regular artificial tears while wearing contacts unless the label specifically says “for use with contact lenses.” Some preservatives in standard artificial tears bind to soft lens materials and cause irritation. Check the label before using anything new.
Daily Disposable Advantage on Solution Cost
If you’re comparing daily disposable lenses versus reusables, solution savings are a real factor. Daily disposable wearers spend $0 on solution — no cleaning, no cases, no disinfecting. That $100–$250 annual solution cost is a genuine price offset when you’re doing the full annual cost comparison. See the full breakdown in our contact lenses cost guide.
Bottom Line
Store-brand MPS at $5–$8/bottle is functionally equivalent to name-brand products and saves $30–$60/year. Hydrogen peroxide systems cost more ($150–$250/year) but deliver superior cleaning and comfort for sensitive eyes or heavy wearers. Daily disposable wearers eliminate solution cost entirely — worth factoring into the vision insurance for contacts math. Whatever system you use, don’t skip proper lens care: contact-related infections from poor hygiene can cause permanent corneal scarring.