Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

A 2016 laboratory study tested a microfluidic device designed to assess contact lens-care solutions using just 1 μL of human tears. It found that cleaning and disinfection outcomes varied between subjects and between biofilms and planktonic bacteria. The result points to a possible way to personalize testing; it does not identify a best solution for shoppers or establish a routine clinical test.

How the contact lens-on-a-chip test worked

In “A contact-lens-on-a-chip companion diagnostic tool for personalized medicine,” Allan Guan, Yi Wang, K. Scott Phillips, and Zhenyu Li describe a microfluidic platform that combines a small tear sample with commercial contact lens materials to assess lens-care solution performance. The paper, published in Lab on a Chip in 2016, specifies a tear sample of 1 μL. The published paper and abstract describe the platform as a research tool for personalized assessment.

The idea is to bring a person’s tears into a laboratory-style evaluation rather than relying only on generalized testing. The study examined how solution performance could differ under those test conditions; it was not a consumer product comparison.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the study found

The authors report significant differences in cleaning and disinfection outcomes both between subjects and between biofilms and planktonic bacteria. In the paper’s words: “This device enabled the detection of significant differences in cleaning and disinfection outcomes between subjects and between biofilms vs. planktonic bacteria.”

#1 Best Overall
Smanzu 4 Pack Contact lens case Contact Lens Soak Storage Box, Mixed Colors
  • Material: Our contact lens cases are made of high-quality plastic, sturdy and durable to storage.
  • Size: Measures about 6.6*3.1*1.5cm/2.6 * 1.2 * 0.6 inch. Compact and portable. Easy for you to carry around.
  • Easy to Identify: You will find right/ left signs on the screw top that will help you put the right contact in the right eye or left eye.
  • Bright Colors: Comes with 4 different colors contact lens case. Different colors screw top combination will help you organize your different contact lens a lot.
  • One Year Supply Bulk: It is recommended to replace contact lens box once a month. 4 pack contact lens cases set can well meet your needs to change your contact case monthly to keep your contacts clean.

Differences between subjects

The results suggest that the test could detect variation associated with individual tear samples. They do not establish how large or clinically important that variation would be for contact lens wearers in everyday use.

Differences between bacterial forms

Biofilms are communities of bacteria attached to a surface; planktonic bacteria are individual bacteria suspended in liquid. The paper reports different outcomes across these two experimental conditions. That distinction matters when interpreting the laboratory result, but it does not by itself predict a particular wearer’s risk or real-world lens hygiene.

Rank #2
Axim USA Contact Lens Cases 12 Pack. One Year Bulk Supply. Protect Your Eyes by Changing Your Lens Case Monthly (Green)
  • TOP SELLING CONTACT LENS CASES - Good for soft or hard lenses. Updated 3/2018 Leakproof Design
  • PREMIUM QUALITY - premium quality safe materials. Good for doctor's office or personal use
  • ONE YEAR SUPPLY - bulk supply, you can now change your contact lens cases monthly. 12 Pack
  • PROTECT YOUR EYES - protect your eyes by changing your cases
  • STANDARD SIZE - universal screw top contact lens case size, industry standard

Does it show which contact lens solution is best?

No. The reviewed paper abstract reports differences in performance but does not provide a consumer ranking or identify a winning retail solution. It also does not show that switching products based on this test improves wearer outcomes. The study therefore cannot support a brand recommendation or a claim that a particular solution failed for a particular person.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Is this a test you can get at an eye clinic?

Not on the evidence available here. Contemporaneous coverage in Chemistry World and the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Lab on a Chip blog described adaptation for point-of-care use in eye clinics as a possibility. That was a proposed application, not confirmation of an available service. The 2016 publication and coverage do not establish current commercial availability or routine clinical use.

Rank #3
Phyyixs 24 Pack Colorful Cute Contact Lens Cases, Bulk Storage Box with 12 Colors, Leak-Proof and Durable, Portable Storage Kit for Home and Travel
  • 【Optimal Size & Convenient Design】This pack includes contact lens cases with dimensions of 2.6 x 1.22 x 0.6 inches, offering a larger yet compact size for easy storage and handling. The case is perfectly suited for everyday use and travel.
  • 【Regular Replacement Reminder】 Each contact lens case is equipped with a helpful reminder to replace your lens case regularly, promoting better hygiene and care for your lenses.
  • 【Leak-Proof & Secure Seal】 The contact lens case features a tight, leak-proof screw-top design, preventing soaking liquid from spilling. You can confidently carry it in your bag without worrying about leaks.
  • 【Durable & Long-Lasting】 Made from premium ABS plastic, these contact lens cases are designed to be durable and sturdy, ensuring reliable protection for your lenses and long-lasting use.
  • 【Portable & Lightweight】 Despite its slightly larger size, this case remains lightweight and portable. It's easy to carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack, allowing you to keep your lenses secure wherever you go.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What contact lens wearers should take from the result

The study is evidence that a small-sample microfluidic assay could detect differences in solution performance under particular experimental conditions. It is not a reason to change lens-care products or routines without advice from an eye-care professional. Follow the instructions for your lenses and care solution, and ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have concerns about irritation, lens deposits, or hygiene.

Rank #4
Aoutrow 16 Pack Contact Lens Case Box, Colorful Bulk Box Holder Container, Contact Lens Case Set,Portable, Travel-Friendly
  • [16 Pack] Aoutrow Contact Lens Case Box size is2.4 X 1.1X0.6 Inches. The candy colors can bring you pleasant visual effect: green, pink, blue, and purple.
  • [High Quality] The Contact Lens Case Box is made from best quality ABS plastic which is durable and shatterproof. Please wash the contact lens case for a few times with hot water before first use.
  • [Special Design] Aoutrow Contact Lens Case Set has circular arc design. Each edge is smooth polished without burrs. So it is a perfect container for keeping your contact lens clean and clear.
  • [Well Sealed] Our use Leak proof design can prevents the care solution from overflow and leak. Meanwhile, the small size can easy to use, so that you can go out easily.
  • [Convenient] The colorful contact lens case box's is lightweight and portable. Meanwhile, You can take it anywhere for convenient use. And you can always be assured to enjoy more views.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.