The proper use of everything related to contact lens care, especially the case, will be crucial for eye health. Using contact lenses will put you at an increased risk for eye infections, red eyes, and dry eye syndrome. To minimize your chances of these infections and dry eye syndrome, use the best contact lens cases. These cases can prevent the growth of bacteria and can allow the lens solution to work its magic and hydrate the lenses at it kills bacteria.
But since there are literally hundreds of cases to choose from, when you’re shopping for a new case, you’ll have your work cut out for you. I’ve tested many different styles of contact lens cases and found eight of the most durable and effective models on the market. I’ve also created a buyer’s guide, which will include all the important information you need to know when you’re shopping for a new case, what you need to avoid, and exactly why using a high-quality case is so important. Below, you’ll find the comparison chart, which lists each of the cases on my list, some of their best features, and how each model rated.
Contact Lens Cases Comparison Chart
| Product | Type | Contact Lens Types | Number of Cases | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Optix 55 Contact Lens Case  Shop On Amazon! | Twist Top | Soft | 12 | |
Axim USA Contact Lens Case  Shop On Amazon! | Twist Top | Soft and Rigid | 12 | |
KISEER Clear Contact Lens Case  Shop On Amazon! | Twist Top | Soft | 15 | |
Amcon Labs Lens Cases  Shop On Amazon! | Flip Top | Soft and Rigid | 12 | |
Young Tag Contact Lens Case  Shop On Amazon! | Travel | Soft and Rigid | 1 | |
Songsu Contact Lens Case  Shop On Amazon! | Twist Top | Soft | 1 | |
Elcoho Contact Lens Cases  Shop On Amazon! | Twist Top | Soft | 24 | |
Flip n Slide Contact Lens Case  Shop On Amazon! | Flip Top | Soft and Rigid | 12 |
Optix 55 Contact Lens Cases
Our Rating:
This set is a great choice for the contact lens wearer on a budget. This is a set of twelve durable screw-top lens cases. Putting the right contact in the correct eye, whether it’s the left or right is very easy thanks to the case’s color-coded tops that allow you to easily differentiate from the left and right eye. The tops of the cases feature an ergonomic design that allows you to easily open each cup. The secure tops are leak-proof so you won’t have to worry about solution leaking when you’re on the go and need to bring your spare set of contacts with you.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Durable
- Color-coded tops
- Set contains twelve cases
Cons
- Can leak if the cups are overfilled
Conclusion
These cases are a steal for the price. The manufacturer recommends tossing an old case out once a month, so you’ll be getting a one-year supply of cases, for a low price. You won’t have to worry about stopping to pick up a new case for an entire year, which is a huge plus for every buyer. The ergonomic design of the screw top lids allows you to easily twist them open and access your contacts, while the color-coded top ensures you don’t accidentally put the wrong contact in the wrong eye. Overall, these cases are perfect for home use, travel, and feature a durable leak-proof design that makes them a steal for the price.
Axim USA Contact Lens Case
Our Rating:
This eco-friendly set of twelve contact lens cases are perfect for both soft and hard contacts. These cases are meant to be used for thirty days, tossed out, and replaced with a fresh case. This prevents the development of biofilm and bacteria. Since this set includes twelve cases total, you’re getting a one year supply at an affordable price and without the hassle of having to remember to order a new case each month. These cases are made out of a durable PP plastic that’s recyclable and replaceable. The screw-top design ensures your contacts remain safe from exposure to bacteria and prevents the solution from leaking if you’re taking your soaking contacts on the go.
Pros
- Set of twelve
- Made out of recyclable plastic
- Screw top design
- Includes applicator and handling tweezers
Cons
- Tweezers are flimsy
Conclusion
This set of screw-top contact lens cases will work for both rigid and soft contact lenses, features a leak-proof design, and is made out of recyclable plastic. This is a one-year supply of durable cases that can be used at home, the office, or for travel.
KISEER Clear Cute Contact Lens Case
Our Rating:
Kiseer has created a set of fifteen durable plastic leak-proof contact lens cases that are highly portable, compact, and light. The transparent design allows you to clearly view the solution level, however, the solution should be changed daily, for proper contact lens hygiene. These cases are designed for one month use, so you’ll get a one year supply, plus three extra cases, which you can use for the office or travel.
Pros
- Durable
- Leak-proof
- Transparent
- Set of fifteen
Cons
- Does not come with color-caps that indicate the right and left contact lens
Conclusion
These contact lens cases are designed for one month use and should be replaced promptly, in order to prevent the growth of bacteria or the development of biofilm. Many competing cases will come with color-coded screw-on lids, which indicate which contact lens is meant for the right eye and the left eye. These cases do not feature color-coding, which can be a drawback for some potential buyers. Aside from the lack of color-coding, the cases are durable, leak-proof, and can be used for home, travel, or the office.
Amcon Labs Deep Well Flip-top White Contact Lens Cases
Our Rating:
Amcon Labs has designed lens cases that feature the classic flip-top design, which is easier to open for some contact lens wearers, especially those with arthritis. This is a set of twelve cases, which feature an all-white design and are clearly labeled left and right, so users can ensure they’re putting the correct lens in the correct eye. While flip-top cases have a reputation for leaking, the manufacturer claims these cases feature an innovative seal that will prevent the cases from leaking, so you can use them for travel. The cases are both silicon and latex-free, feature a durable design, and are designed for both hard and soft lenses.
Pros
- Easy to open
- Right and left labels ensure you put the correct lens in the correct eye
- Latex and silicon free
- Leak-proof design
Cons
- Lids can be difficult to pop open
Conclusion
These all-white contact lens cases feature a leak-proof design and a flip-up top that allows you to easily access your contacts. The tops are designed for people who have a hard time managing the screw top style cases. These cases are durable, designed for one month use, and are perfect for home use and travel.
Young Tag Contact Lens Case – For Travel
Our Rating:
This travel-friendly contact lens case is also perfect for daily use. It’s made out of top of the line durable plastic materials that are recyclable and eco-friendly. This package comes with one stick connection, one pair of tweezers, one bottle of solution, one mirror, and one lens holder. The lens case features a design that’s leak-proof, so you can rest assured that your contacts will remain safe and secure during travel and that the solution will not leak when you’re on the go. The included mini lens case should be replaced in three months, otherwise, your lenses will be susceptible to bacteria growth and the development of biofilm.
Pros
- Includes free travel-size accessories
- Leak-proof design
- Made out of recyclable plastic
- Durable
Cons
- Case is only good for three months
Conclusion
This is a great travel-friendly case that comes with everything you need to care for your contact lenses on your next vacation, including contact lens solution, tweezers, and a mirror. The durable leak-proof lens case can be used for three months before it must be replaced. Additionally, this case can be used for both soft and rigid contact lenses.
Songsu Contact Lens Case
Our Rating:
This contact lens case comes with easy to open twist caps and features a leak-proof design that prevents the lenses from drying out. This case can be used for home, travel, or at the office. The included remover tool and tweezers will make inserting and removing the lenses easier, easily if you’re new to contact lens use.
Pros
- Durable
- Perfect for home use or travel
- Includes tweezers and removal tool
- Leak-proof
Cons
- Lens removal tool does not work well
Conclusion
This case must be replaced after three months of use to prevent contact lens contamination, which can occur due to bacteria growth or biofilm development. The case offers a leak-proof design, which means the solution will not leak if you’re using this case when you travel. The included removal tool and tweezers will help the beginner easily insert or remove contact lenses instantly, which is a huge plus for new contact lens users. The durable leak-proof design is another big reason to buy this durable case, as is the fact that this case can be used for three months while competing cases must be thrown out after just one.
Elcoho Contact Lens Cases
Our Rating:
This twenty-four pack of contact lens cases will give you the most bang for your buck. These cases are made out of a durable plastic and offer a leak-proof design that also makes them travel-friendly. The screw-top design allows you to tighten the lids securely, making it easy to access your contact lenses. Each case has an L and an R printed on each of the cups, which will ensure you put the correct lens in the correct eye. Each case must be replaced after one month of use, to prevent contact lens contamination due to bacteria growth.
Pros
- Pack of twenty-four
- Screw top design
- Travel-friendly
- Low price
Cons
- L and R printing on the cups can be difficult to read
Conclusion
This pack of twenty-four lens cases is a steal for the price. These durable lens cases are leak-proof, yet easy to open and come in a variety of colors. These cases are perfect for office, home, and travel use and are made out of a durable plastic that’s recyclable and eco-friendly.
Flip n Slide Contact Lens Case
Our Rating:
This set includes three packs of four cases, for a total of twelve flip-top lens cases. These cases are much easier to open, compared to standard screw-top cases, which will be a plus for people who have arthritis. Like many disposable lens cases, these cases must be tossed out after one month of use. The durable plastic design will protect your lenses from dirt, debris, and bacteria. The manufacturer claims that these cases are totally leak-proof, however, there have been some reports that solution can seep out. Because of this, I don’t recommend these cases for travel.
Pros
- Set of twelve
- Flip-top cups for easy access
- Protects lenses from bacteria, dirt, and debris
- Low price
Cons
- Case can leak solution
Conclusion
The flip-top design provides easier access, however, many users have reported that some solution can seep out when used during travel. The low price may be enough to encourage some contact lens wearers to buy these cases, however, since they’re prone to leaking they should not be used for travel.
Contact Lens Cases Buyer’s Guide
Failing to clean and store your contacts properly can lead to additional eye problems such as infection and viruses. In order to avoid this, purchase a contact lens case that’s designed to protect your lenses as they soak in the best contact lens solution overnight to hydrate the lenses while killing off harmful bacteria.
How to Use a Contact Lens Case
Contact lenses must be kept as clean as possible, which is why it’s so important to wash your hands before touching your lens case and learn how to put in and remove your contact lenses, properly. Not washing your hands before handling your case can expose it to microorganisms deposited from your hands. This will make it easier for pathogens to get in your eyes, leading to eye infections or irritation.
Another common mistake some people make with their case is failing to wash the case itself. A case is basically like a petri dish. Bacteria can make it’s way inside and grow if you fail to clean it right or regularly. This will also reintroduce bacteria to your contact lenses when they soak at night. The contact solution should be dumped out every morning and the case cleaned. The case should be rinsed out with fresh solution and wiped down using a tissue. It should be allowed to air dry with both of the caps kept off.
Many people will use plain tap water to wash their case instead of contact lens solution, but this can introduce your lenses to tap water that’s been linked with a severe corneal infection called acanthamoeba keratitis. This condition can lead to permanent vision loss. This infection occurs when a microbe that hangs out in tap water sticks to the contact, causing an infection. If this occurs, you may experience blurry vision, red eyes, and eye pain.
For more information, click here to read my article on tips for contact lens wearers.
Contact Lens Case Types
When it comes to selecting a case, you’ll find that there are several models to choose from, which can make finding the right type difficult, especially if you don’t know what features to look for. Below, I’ll discuss the different style options available and what types of contacts they work for.
Screw Top
This type of case is considered very secure and is often referred to as a side by side case. The screw tops usually come in a wide range of color options, but each screw-top should be a different color in order to help you distinguish the right contact from the left one. These cases will work for any type of lens, whether you wear rigid lenses of soft ones. The case features a well or small cutout that will allow the user to fill it up with the solution and then add the contact.
Barrel
If you wear rigid contact lenses, then you’ll want to use this type of case. This case is not meant for soft contacts and can potentially damage them. This style of case features a special groove that will allow the user to correctly clean the lenses. Additionally, it can also handle hydrogen peroxide cleaner. These cases are often found in lens solution kits, but can also be sold separately.
Flip Top
These cases are very convenient to use, but they’re not as commonly used as other styles of cases. The lift top design will work well for people who have trouble unscrewing the tops on other cases. The flip tops open easily, so you’ll want to avoid using any rough movements when you use them. These cases are a good choice for people who wear either soft or rigid lenses. Just like a screw-top case, this type will allow you to add the solution as needed. The biggest drawback is the fact that it’s more prone to leaking compared to the other options. This may be a matter of user error, due to not properly snapping the lids in place, or it can be a poor design. Because these cases have a reputation for leaking, I wouldn’t recommend them for travel.
Cases for Travel
Travel cases are designed specifically with travel in mind. These are very secure cases that feature a leakproof, secure design that will ensure your lenses remain safe during travel.
The Dangers of Using an Old Lens Case
Buying a contact lens case may seem like a no brainer, but there’s more to choosing the right case than just picking one that looks durable. Those new to contact lens use have trouble properly caring for their contact lenses and the case in the beginning. In fact, you’ll find that many will keep the same case for several months, which is just asking for an infection. A new case should be purchased at least every three months.
Microorganisms and bacteria can produce a substance known as biofilm, which can form in the case and allow bacteria to hide from the disinfectant in the lens solution. Unfortunately, biofilm is not visible to the human eye, so you won’t know if your case has been contaminated by it. Because of this, it’s best to replace your case every two to three months, whether it still looks new or not.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Contact Lens Case
If your case is damaged in any way, such as chips or cracks, then it should be replaced immediately, otherwise, you can replace it every three months. These cases can harbor germs, which is why it’s so important to replace it and lower the risk of eye problems.
Final Thoughts
It’s important that you choose the best contact lens cases to keep your lenses protected from bacteria and dirt and to keep them hydrated and safe. As you can see, there are many different styles and types to choose from and each has its own pros and cons. But finding the right case will be more a matter of what works best for you, whether you need a case for rigid or soft contacts, a case that supports hydrogen peroxide eyecare systems, or a case for travel. I hope this guide has shown you what to do and what not to do to ensure your contact lens case protect your lenses from harmful bacteria and damage, and it’s a model that’s easy to open and maintain, and one that’s durable and designed to keep your lenses safe and secure.
