Abstract: An ophthalmically acceptable solution and a method useful for disinfecting and/or cleaning a contact lens. The solution comprises an oxidizing agent and a polyvinyl pyrrolidone having a molecular weight ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 daltons and reactive towards a chlorite oxidizing agent. The end groups of the polyvinyl pyrrolidone are preferably aldehydes. The oxidizing agent of this invention preferably is selected from the group comprising chlorine oxides. The solution preferably has a pH ranging from about 6 to about 8.5. The method of the invention comprises the steps of forming this solution and then contacting a contact lens with the solution.