Which cleaning method is most likely to shorten the lifespan of contact lenses?

A heat-based cleaning system is known for using elevated temperatures to disinfect and remove deposits from contact lenses. While heat can effectively kill harmful microorganisms, it can also cause damage to certain types of contact lenses, particularly those made from soft materials like hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. The high temperatures can lead to warping, loss of shape, or even material breakdown over time, which ultimately shortens the lifespan of the lenses.

In contrast, options like UV cleaning and hydrogen peroxide cleaning are generally considered gentler on contact lenses and are specifically designed to avoid damaging the lens material. Chemical cleaning solutions, while varied in their ingredients and effectiveness, typically provide safe and effective means to clean lenses without exposing them to potentially harmful levels of heat. Therefore, the heat-based method stands out as the one most likely to adversely affect the integrity and longevity of contact lenses.