Abstract: A composition useful in sterilizing soft contact lenses comprising an effective non-toxic amount of a quaternary ammonium compound, such as alkyl (tallow) triethanol ammonium chloride, and an effective detoxifying amount of a polymer such as water soluble polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters such as Polysorbate 80, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyoxyethylene alcohols such as polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An aqueous, substantially isotonic cleaning and sterilizing solution for plastic hydrophilic soft contact lenses containing as an active ingredient, a compound having the structural formula of ##SPC1##Wherein y is 0 or 1, z is 0 or 1, n is from 0-3, m is from 0-3 and x is H or Cl, providing that n and m are not both O. The foregoing sterilizing solution is non-toxic to the eye of the wearer of the soft contact lens. In the presence of an effective amount of a protein reacting compound, the build-up of proteinaceous deposits on the surface of the soft contact lens is also prevented or inhibited.