Abstract: A method for disinfecting a contact lens comprises immersing the lens in an aqueous solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 having a pH of 4 or below and adding to the solution a neutralizing agent comprising a catalyst for decomposing any residual H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and a retarding agent for delaying the decomposition of the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 for a predetermined time in order to permit sterilization of the lens to be substantially complete. The retarding agent preferably comprises either a polymeric coating which dissolves gradually in the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution or a semipermeable membrane enveloping the catalyst. The neutralizing agent preferably also contains an auxiliary material which raises the pH of the acidic H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution. The enzymatic decomposing agent can be embedded in a particulate carrier substance forming the bottom part of a two part container, the upper part of which contains an aqueous solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.