Yes—contact lenses do expire. The lifespan of your lenses depends on a number of different factors, including the type of lens and the material they’re made from. The expiration date should be printed on the packaging.
You should never use expired lenses. Expired lenses put your eyes at risk, can potentially cause eye infections, and may not correct your vision as effectively.
Always follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer about the care and expiry of your lenses. If you have any other questions, Forest City Optometry can provide the help you need! Feel free to book a contact lens fitting with one of our optometrists and get the comfort and clear vision you deserve.
How Long Do Contact Lenses Last?
When you buy a new pair of contacts, you might see the expiration date written in tiny letters somewhere on the box. This date indicates the last day that the manufacturer guarantees your lenses’ safety and effectiveness.
After their expiration date, your lenses might become less sterile and they may begin to deteriorate, putting you at a greater risk of developing an eye infection or otherwise compromising your eye health.
Expiration dates aren’t set in stone, though. While all contact lenses expire, some lenses last longer than others. In most cases, lenses last 1–4 years from the date of manufacture.
Why Do Contact Lenses Expire?
The materials and the solutions that are used to create contact lenses tend to break down over time. This process can compromise the sterility and comfort of your lenses, making them potentially harmful to wear.
Several factors can influence the shelf life of contact lenses, including the type of lens and how they’re stored. Exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight can accelerate the process of degradation.
Health Risks of Using Expired Contact Lenses
It isn’t safe to use expired lenses. Expired lenses can become a breeding ground for bacteria that put your eyes at risk of infection.
Wearing expired lenses can also reduce the quality of your vision. Over time, lenses lose their structural integrity, which reduces their ability to correct your vision. This loss of vision quality can make it harder to perform tasks like reading or driving.
How to Properly Store & Care for Contact Lenses
In order to make sure that your lenses last as long as possible, you’ll need to treat them with appropriate care. Here are a few tips:
- Store your lenses in a lens case filled with fresh contact lens solution. Make sure to replace this solution as instructed. Never use tap water or other liquids for cleaning, as these may introduce harmful bacteria.
- Avoid storing your lenses or your lens case in extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. A cool, dry storage location is ideal.
- Clean your lens case regularly and replace it every three months to prevent contamination.
- Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses. Regular replacement can help avoid potential health risks.
- Before handling your lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Contact Lens Q&A
Here are a few quick questions and answers about best practices for contact lenses:
Can I Use My Lenses After the Expiration Date?
You should never wear expired lenses. Doing so carries the risk of causing infections, reducing vision quality, or damaging your eyes
What If I Wear Expired Contact Lenses by Mistake?
If you realize that you’ve been wearing expired contact lenses, remove and discard your lenses right away. Reach out to us or another eye care provider if you experience any sudden discomfort or changes in your vision. We can assess potential damage and provide you with appropriate treatment if needed.
Can I Extend the Shelf Life of My Contact Lenses?
While you can’t change the expiration date, proper storage and care can help ensure that your lens continue working right up until the date they expire.
Is It Safe to Buy Contact Lenses Online?
Yes, but only from reputable sources. Always check the expiration dates upon receiving your lenses.
Note, however, that an optometrist can provide responsive and tailored service and can follow up with you to ensure that your lenses are comfortable and provide clear vision. For instance, at Forest City Optometry, we provide contact lens exams and fittings to make sure that the contact lenses you wear are the best fit for your eyes. You can also order contact lenses online using our webstore to have them delivered to your desired location.
Consult Your Eye Doctor As Needed
If you have any questions or concerns about your contact lenses, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help!
It’s never worth risking your eye health. Always make sure to check the expiry date of your lenses, and make sure that they’re always safe and clean. If you haven’t scheduled an eye exam in the last year or two, now is always the best time to set up a check up. We can provide you with personalized help and advice to ensure that your lenses fit the way they should.
Contact our team at Forest City Optometry today to book an appointment. We can check on your eye health, field any questions you have, and make sure that your contact lenses suit your situation and lifestyle.
