Astigmatism contact lenses require specific care. The rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses often prescribed for astigmatism are durable but demand a precise cleaning and rewetting routine. Using standard soft-lens solutions on these lenses leads to cloudy buildup and eye irritation, shortening the life of an expensive pair.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I analyze the actual chemical formulations and compatibility specs of contact lens solutions, focusing on what works for the unique material properties of RGP and scleral lenses.
This guide breaks down the top-rated solutions and cleaners to help you keep your lenses comfortable and clear. Finding the right system for your astigmatism contact lenses can mean the difference between lenses that last years and ones that fog up in months.
How To Choose The Best Care System For Astigmatism Contact Lenses
Astigmatism is most commonly corrected with toric soft lenses or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. RGP lenses are smaller and move more on the eye, requiring specialized solutions. The wrong solution can cause discomfort, deposit buildup, or even damage the lens material.
Lens Material Compatibility
The first filter is whether the solution is designed for RGP/scleral lenses or soft lenses. Soft lens multipurpose solutions contain ingredients that can warp or cloud RGP materials. Always check the label for “rigid gas permeable” compatibility. Solutions like Boston or Menicon are formulated specifically for these materials.
Daily Rewetting vs. Weekly Deep Cleaning
A daily rewetting drop, like the Boston Rewetting Drops, coats the lens surface and restores the tear layer for comfortable all-day wear. A deep cleaner, like the Menicon Progent, is a biweekly treatment that removes stubborn protein and lipid deposits that no amount of daily rubbing can shift. You likely need both.
Preservative-Free Options for Sensitive Eyes
If you have dry eyes, allergies, or ocular surface sensitivity, a preservative-free saline solution such as Purilens Plus is essential. It is used for rinsing and filling scleral lenses before insertion. Preservatives in standard salines can accumulate and irritate the eyes over a day of wear.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Rewetting Drops (Pack of 4) | Rewetting | Daily lens comfort | 0.34 fl oz per bottle | Amazon |
| Menicon Progent (7 Treatments) | Deep Cleaner | Removing protein film | 30-minute soak | Amazon |
| Clear Conscience Multisol (3 Pack) | All-Purpose | Eco-conscious wearers | 12 oz per bottle | Amazon |
| Boston Rewetting Drops (Pack of 3) | Rewetting | Convenient multi-pack | 0.33 fl oz per bottle | Amazon |
| Purilens Plus (12 Pack) | Saline/Preservative-Free | Scleral lens filling | 4 fl oz per bottle | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Boston Rewetting Drops for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses (Pack of 4)
These drops are the #1 eye doctor recommended brand for RGP lenses, and the patent-protected formula is made specifically to coat the rigid lens surface without smearing or stinging. Each drop restores the natural tear layer, which is crucial for the smaller, moving fit of RGP lenses used for astigmatism correction. Users report extending comfortable wear time past 10 hours, which is excellent for a lens type that can dry out faster than soft lenses.
The pack of four 0.34 fl oz bottles delivers months of daily use. Because the formula is sterile and preserved correctly, the small bottles stay fresh longer than a larger bottle that gets opened frequently. Reviewers consistently note that this brand outperforms generic rewetting drops, which often blur vision or cause a film when applied to RGP materials.
One potential drawback is the availability — many users report difficulty finding these drops in local pharmacies and rely on ordering in bulk. Also, while the formula is excellent for daily hydration, it is not a substitute for a deep cleaner. If your lenses are already cloudy from protein buildup, you will need a separate treatment like the Menicon Progent to restore clarity first.
Why it’s great
- Patented formula specifically designed for RGP lens materials
- Restores natural tear layer for lasting comfort
- Highly rated for allowing 10+ hours of wear
Good to know
- Hard to find in brick-and-mortar stores
- Small bottle size goes quickly with frequent use
2. Menicon Progent Biweekly Contact Lens Cleaner (7 Treatments)
This is the most powerful protein remover in this lineup. Menicon Progent uses a chemical soaking process — no rubbing required — to dissolve the stubborn white film that builds up on RGP lenses over weeks of wear. You place your lenses in the included case with the two solutions, wait exactly 30 minutes, rinse with saline, and your lenses look and feel brand new. Multiple verified reviewers with years of lens wear claim this product “saved” their old lenses from being thrown away.
The 7-treatment kit comes with its own cleaning case, and each treatment is single-use. The solution is potent, so follow the 30-minute timer exactly — leaving lenses longer can alter the lens parameters. The biweekly schedule is effective for most wearers, though some reviewers with heavy protein buildup needed two consecutive treatments to fully clear the film.
Downsides include the need for planning — you cannot wear your lenses during the soak, so treat them overnight or while at home. The kit is more expensive per use than daily cleaners, but far cheaper than replacing a pair of custom RGP lenses. It is a strict maintenance tool, not a daily cleaner.
Why it’s great
- Removes deposits that daily cleaners miss
- No abrasive rubbing on delicate lens surface
- Included case holds lenses up to 10.5 mm
Good to know
- Cannot wear lenses during 30-minute treatment
- Requires saline rinse and overnight conditioning after
3. Clear Conscience Multipurpose Solution (3 Pack)
This is the only product on the list that is explicitly labeled for both soft AND rigid gas-permeable lenses. The “multipurpose” designation means it handles cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing in one bottle. The formula is specifically designed for sensitive eyes, using premium ingredients without the harsh preservatives common in generic solutions. Verified reviewers compare it favorably to the discontinued “Complete” brand, noting identical ingredient lists.
The 12-ounce bottles in the 3-pack are a practical size for daily home use, and the 3-ounce travel bottles pass TSA liquid restrictions. The solution is effective at preventing the cloudy film that forms when protein and lipid deposits build up. Users report their 2-week disposables stay comfortable and clear for a full month when cleaned with this solution, though your eye doctor’s replacement schedule should still be followed.
One catch is that the solution is pH-balanced to the eye’s natural tears, but it is not preservative-free. If you have extreme sensitivity or use scleral lenses that require filling the bowl, the Purilens Plus preservative-free saline is a better option for that specific use. Also, the formula does not perform the deep protein stripping that the Menicon Progent offers.
Why it’s great
- Works for both soft and RGP lenses
- Vegan, cruelty-free, with 10% of proceeds donated to animal welfare
- BPA-free packaging and sensitive-eye friendly
Good to know
- Not preservative-free; may irritate extremely sensitive eyes
- Does not replace a dedicated protein remover
4. Boston Rewetting Solution for Gas Permeable Contact Lenses (Pack of 3)
This is the same Boston formula as the 4-pack but in a 0.33 fl oz bottle and sold as a 3-pack. The solution is identical — the patented sterile formula that coats the lens and restores the tear layer.
The smaller bottle size is actually an advantage for some users. Because the formula is sterile and the bottle is opened less frequently, it stays fresh longer. Reviewers note that this pack is ideal for keeping one bottle at home, one at work, and one in a travel bag. The drops make insertion easier by lubricating the lens surface before it touches the cornea.
One issue reported by a buyer is the expiry date — a user received bottles expiring within six months of purchase, though this is a seller-specific fulfillment problem rather than a product defect. As with all Boston drops, this is strictly a rewetting solution and does not clean or disinfect your lenses. You will still need a separate daily cleaner and a deep protein remover.
Why it’s great
- Patented RGP-specific formula from Bausch + Lomb
- Small bottles keep product fresh and portable
- Provides immediate comfort on insertion
Good to know
- Check expiry dates before ordering
- Does not clean or disinfect lenses
5. Purilens Plus Preservative-Free Contact Lens Saline (12 Pack)
This is the only product in the lineup specifically indicated for filling scleral lenses, which are large-diameter gas-permeable lenses often used for astigmatism and keratoconus. The 4 fl oz bottles are preservative-free, which is critical because preservatives in standard saline can pool behind a scleral lens and cause corneal staining over a day of wear. The formula is pH-balanced to match natural tears.
The 12-pack is the most cost-effective way to buy this solution. Each bottle is small enough to be used within the 30-day recommended window after opening, reducing the risk of contamination. Verified scleral lens wearers confirm this is the most reliable brand for keeping lenses clear and comfortable with no dryness, stinging, or film buildup.
The main limitation is that this is strictly a saline solution — it does not clean, disinfect, or remove protein. You must use it only for rinsing and filling, and you must maintain a separate cleaning and disinfecting system. Also, the price per bottle is higher than multipurpose salines, but the preservative-free formulation is non-negotiable for many wearers with sensitive eyes or scleral lenses.
Why it’s great
- Preservative-free for safe use with scleral lens filling
- pH-balanced to natural tears for all-day comfort
- Individually sealed bottles maintain sterility
Good to know
- Not a cleaning or disinfecting solution
- Higher cost per ounce than preserved salines
FAQ
Can I use soft contact lens solution on my astigmatism RGP lenses?
How often should I deep clean my RGP lenses with a protein remover?
What is the difference between Boston Rewetting Drops and Purilens Plus?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the astigmatism contact lenses winner is the Boston Rewetting Drops 4-Pack because these drops provide immediate comfort and are the most doctor-recommended option for RGP lenses. If you need to remove stubborn protein film, grab the Menicon Progent — it can make cloudy lenses look brand new in 30 minutes. And for scleral lens wearers, nothing beats the Purilens Plus preservative-free saline for safe, comfortable filling and rinsing.