Good RGP lens care starts with clean, dry hands, the correct cleaning and disinfection system, fresh solution and keeping lenses away from water. At VCO, we match your care routine to your lens material, surface treatment and wearing schedule, and teach you how to handle your lenses confidently.
This guide is for daytime corneal RGP lenses; scleral and overnight OrthoK lenses also need their own fitting-specific instructions.
Contents
The daily routine
Clean, rinse and disinfect
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before handling your lenses. Clean each lens using the product and technique recommended for your particular lens. Follow the instructions for rubbing, rinsing and the full disinfection time before wearing it again. Use the recommended sterile rinsing solution, never tap water. Saline alone does not disinfect lenses. 1 2
Match the system to your lenses
Choose products by their approved compatibility with your lens, rather than assuming every contact lens solution is interchangeable. Check with VCO before changing products, especially if your lenses have a surface coating. A separate cleaner, a multipurpose system and a peroxide system can have different steps; follow the specific instructions we give you and those on the product label. 2 5
Using hydrogen peroxide safely
If you use a hydrogen peroxide system, use its supplied case and complete the entire labelled disinfection and neutralisation cycle before inserting your lenses. Never put unneutralised peroxide in your eye or use it as a final rinse before insertion. Do not substitute a standard flat case for the system’s supplied case. 3
Fresh solution and a clean case
Use fresh solution every time
Empty used solution completely and use fresh solution for each disinfection cycle. Never top up old solution, reuse it or mix different products. Check expiry and discard-after-opening instructions, and keep bottle tips clear of fingers, lenses and other surfaces. 1 2
Clean and replace the correct case
For a standard multipurpose-solution case, rub and rinse it with fresh recommended solution after use, then leave it upside down with the caps off to air-dry. Replace it at least every three months, or sooner if damaged or as advised. Peroxide cases have their own care and replacement instructions; use the new case supplied with each new bottle. 1 2 3
Keep lenses and cases away from water
Remove lenses before swimming or showering. Do not rinse or store them in tap, bottled or distilled water, and never use saliva to wet them. Water exposure during lens wear can cause serious infection, including Acanthamoeba keratitis. If water gets onto your lenses, remove them and follow your prescribed cleaning and disinfection procedure before reuse; seek advice promptly if symptoms develop. 1 2 4
Wear it as prescribed, not longer
Follow the wearing schedule set by your optometrist and do not sleep or nap in daytime RGP lenses. Overnight OrthoK is a different prescribed treatment with its own care and monitoring requirements. Keep a current pair of glasses available and attend reviews at the interval advised, even if your lenses feel comfortable. 1
Getting comfortable with your RGP lenses
Getting used to corneal RGP lenses can take time, but persistent discomfort should prompt a review of fit, lens condition, the eye surface and your care routine. VCO’s experience with custom RGP fitting helps us assess what needs adjusting and explain the next step. Tell us if handling, comfort or vision is making wear difficult. Do not extend wearing time or push through pain in an attempt to adapt.
When to stop wearing and get checked
Remove your lenses immediately and seek urgent eye care for pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or a noticeable reduction in vision. Do not wait for redness to settle or for your next routine appointment. Contact VCO promptly; if we are closed or you cannot reach us, seek urgent assessment elsewhere. Do not reinsert the lenses while waiting for advice. Bring your lenses, case and care products to the assessment if possible. 4
Your next step
If you’re newly fitted with RGP lenses, we’ll walk you through this routine in person before you leave with your lenses. If you’ve worn RGP lenses for years and want a refresher, or you’re unsure whether your current solution and case habits are right for your specific lens, bring your lenses and case to your next visit and we’ll check.
See our custom RGP lenses page for who RGP lenses suit and what fitting involves. Explore all our contact lens options.
Before your appointment
Bring the information that will help us check your routine:
- Your lenses, case and all cleaning, rinsing and disinfecting products, including any additional cleaners or drops.
- Keep the packaging so we can check compatibility and instructions.
Tell us about your wearing schedule, any water exposure and any steps you find difficult. Ask about lens wear before the appointment; do not reinsert a painful lens.
Questions patients often ask
Can I rinse RGP lenses with tap water?
No. Keep lenses and cases away from tap, bottled and distilled water. Use the sterile product recommended for your lenses. Water exposure can introduce organisms that cause serious eye infection. 1 2
Does saline disinfect RGP lenses?
No. Sterile saline may be recommended for rinsing, but it does not replace cleaning and disinfection. Follow the full care sequence prescribed for your lenses and the instructions on each product. 2
Can I use my peroxide solution in a normal lens case?
No. Use the case supplied for the peroxide system and complete its full labelled neutralisation cycle. Unneutralised peroxide must never go into your eye or be used as a final rinse before insertion. 3
What should I do if my lens becomes uncomfortable?
Remove it if it is painful or your eye becomes red, light-sensitive or noticeably blurry, and seek urgent eye care. Do not try to adapt by extending wear. For recurring discomfort without urgent symptoms, book a review of the fit, lens condition and care routine. 4 5
Visit Vision Camberwell Optometrists
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124, in Melbourne’s inner east. We welcome patients from Camberwell, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury and across Melbourne. Consultations are available in English and Mandarin with Jue Wang; mention your language preference when booking.
Call (03) 9882 5666 or contact our team to arrange an appointment and confirm the right appointment type for your needs.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. Updated 27 May 2025. Accessed 11 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Solutions and Products. Accessed 11 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution. Accessed 11 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Accessed 11 September 2026.
- Wolffsohn JS, Dumbleton K, Huntjens B, et al. BCLA CLEAR – Evidence-based contact lens practice. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2021;44(2):368–397. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.008.
Reviewed by Dr Shonit Jagmohan, B.Optom (Hons), FIAOMC, IACMM, Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber, Fellowship Chair for the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Oceania). Last reviewed October 2026.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
Book your appointment with one of our friendly team members today
T: (03) 9882 5666
Serving Camberwell and the Surrounding South Eastern Suburbs
An independent practice in Camberwell since 1951, we are experts in specialty contact lenses, including RGP lens fitting and care for keratoconus and irregular corneas. We welcome patients from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
