What is the primary function of a soft contact lens storage solution?

The primary function of a soft contact lens storage solution is to kill microorganisms. This is essential for ensuring that the lenses remain hygienic and are safe to wear. Over time, contact lenses can accumulate bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms that can lead to eye infections. A proper storage solution is formulated with specific antimicrobial agents designed to eliminate these potentially harmful pathogens while the lenses are stored.

Additionally, it's important for a storage solution to maintain the lenses' hydration and optical clarity, but the focus of this question is on the antimicrobial function. The effectiveness of the solution in destroying microorganisms helps to prevent serious eye health issues that could arise from infection, making it the most critical role of a storage solution.

While other functions of contact lens solutions include factors like maintaining the moisture and comfort of the lenses or neutralizing deposits, the primary goal in terms of safety and health remains the elimination of microorganisms.