A contact lens solution is provided for wetting, soaking and lubricating of hard contact lenses, particularly those carrying an ionic charge. The solution contains an ionic polymer of cationic or anionic charge that interacts with an oppositely charged surface of a contact lens forming an interfacial polyelectrolyte complex. This polyelectrolyte complex provides increased, long lasting lens wettability leading to a cushioning and lubricating effect with the eyelid and the cornea.