Do Contact Lenses Expire?
Yes, contact lenses do expire, whether it is natural contact lenses or cosmetic contacts for a costume such as Sharingan Contacts, and their expiration date is typically marked on the packaging. The lifespan of unopened lenses can range from one to five years, depending on the lens type and the manufacturer. Even if the packaging remains intact, it’s crucial not to use contact lenses beyond their expiration date.
We’ve all been guilty of ignoring expiration dates on pantry staples now and then. But when it comes to contact lenses, using expired products isn’t just risky—it can have serious consequences for your eye health. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why contact lenses expire, how to find the expiration date, and what happens if you use lenses past their prime.
Why Do Contact Lenses Expire?
It’s not the lenses themselves that expire, but the sterile saline solution they’re stored in. Contact lenses are manufactured in tightly controlled environments and sealed in individual blister packs filled with saline solution. These packs ensure that the lenses remain sterile and safe to use—until the expiration date.
Over time, the saline solution inside the packaging can start to break down. The materials used in the blister pack seal can also degrade, increasing the risk of contamination from bacteria or other microorganisms. Even a slight compromise in the seal, invisible to the naked eye, can introduce harmful elements into the package.
The changes in the solution and packaging are often undetectable, which is why relying on the expiration date is essential. Trusting the date set by the manufacturer is safer than attempting to assess the packaging or contents for any visible signs of deterioration.
How To Know Contact Lenses Are Expired Or Not?
The easiest way to tell if your contact lenses are expired is by checking the expiration date printed on the box or on each individual blister pack. Manufacturers typically print these dates clearly for your safety.
Expiration dates are usually listed in one of two formats: either the full month and year, like “June 2026,” or in a numerical format like “2026-06.” Be sure not to confuse the expiration date with the manufacturing date, which may also appear on the packaging.
If you can’t find the expiration date or it’s become unreadable, don’t take any chances—discard the lenses. Using expired lenses could put your eyes at risk of infection or irritation. When in doubt, it’s always better to throw them out.
Remember to double-check the expiration date on both the outer box and individual blister packs. It’s easy to mix up dates or overlook this crucial detail. Prioritizing safety is key to maintaining healthy vision.
Expiration Dates vs. Contact Wear Schedule
It’s crucial to understand that the expiration date of your contact lenses is not the same as their recommended wear schedule. For example, daily disposable contacts should always be thrown away immediately after a single use, regardless of whether they are expired or not.
If you use contacts designed for extended wear, such as monthly or yearly lenses, the wear schedule must be strictly followed. Even if the lenses haven’t reached their expiration date, wearing them beyond the recommended timeframe can lead to discomfort, reduced vision quality, and even serious eye infections.
Remember, the expiration date applies to unopened lenses in their original packaging. Once you open them, the clock starts ticking on their specific wear schedule. Never try to extend the use of your lenses—your eye health is too important to risk.
Can You Wear Expired Contact Lenses?
Absolutely not! Wearing expired contact lenses is a hard no.
If you’re down to your last pair of contacts, and they’ve reached the end of their wear schedule. You realize you forgot to reorder, and your new set won’t arrive for a few days. Then you remember the unopened, expired box tucked away in a drawer. You’re tempted to use them—just this once.
Don’t do it. Even if the packaging looks intact, expired contact lenses are not safe to use. The solution they’re stored in could have deteriorated, and the seal might no longer be sterile. Putting expired lenses in your eyes can lead to irritation, infection, or even more severe damage.
It’s not worth the risk—your eye health depends on it!
What Happens if Wearing Expired Contacts?
What’s the worst that can happen if you wear expired contact lenses? A lot, actually. Over time, the sterile seal on the packaging can break down, allowing bacteria to enter and multiply. Using these lenses can lead to symptoms like red, irritated eyes, blurred vision, and even painful eye infections.
In more severe cases, wearing expired lenses can cause corneal ulcers—open sores on the cornea. These ulcers can result in scarring, permanently damaging your eyesight. In extreme situations, they can even lead to blindness.
The risks simply aren’t worth it. Protect your eyes by ensuring your lenses are fresh and within their expiration date.
What Should You Do If You Wear Expired Contacts?
If you realize you’ve worn expired contact lenses, don’t panic—but act quickly. The key is to protect your eyes and minimize any potential damage.
Here’s what to do:
- Remove the expired lenses immediately and dispose of them.
- Check for any signs of irritation, discomfort, or redness. If you notice anything unusual, contact your eye doctor promptly for a comprehensive eye exam.
- If the issue feels urgent or severe, seek immediate care from an eye care professional.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan if any infection or irritation is detected.
- Inspect your stash of lenses for any other expired pairs and throw them out. While you’re at it, check the expiration dates on your contact solution and toss anything outdated.
- Discard old contact lens cases, as they can harbor bacteria. Ideally, replace your lens case every time you open a new solution bottle, or at least once a month.
- Verify the expiration dates on your new lenses when you purchase them, and always buy from a reputable seller. If you’re unsure about the dates, reach out to the retailer for clarification.
Do Contact Lens Solutions Expire Too? Can I Use it If it is Past the Expiration Date?
Yes, contact lens solution does expire, and it should never be used past the expiration date printed on the bottle. Just like contact lenses, the solution is manufactured and sealed to remain sterile for a specific period of time. Using expired solution can compromise its ability to clean and disinfect your lenses properly.
It’s also important to note that many contact lens solutions have two key dates to watch for:
- The expiration date tells you when the unopened solution is no longer safe to use.
- The discard date indicates when the solution should be thrown away after opening, even if there’s some left in the bottle.
Both dates matter. Using solution past its expiration date or keeping it for too long after opening can put your eyes at risk of irritation, infection, or even serious complications. Always check the bottle and follow the guidelines to ensure your eye care products are safe and effective.
Tips for Avoiding Issues with Expired Contacts
Issues with expired contact lenses often happen because people forget to reorder or don’t keep track of their lens stock and expiration dates. Luckily, a few simple habits can help you avoid these problems altogether.
Here are two quick tips to steer clear of expired contact lens issues:
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to order new lenses. Set reminders to reorder before your current supply runs out, and make scheduling regular eye doctor visits part of your routine. This ensures you always have fresh, up-to-date lenses.
- Use the Oldest First: Follow the “first in, first out” rule. Use your oldest, non-expired contact lenses before opening new ones. This prevents your older supply from expiring while your newer lenses sit unused.
How to Dispose of Expired Contact Lenses and Solution
First things first: never wash expired contact lenses down the drain or flush them down the toilet. Doing so can harm aquatic life and contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways, which can eventually enter the food supply.
For safe disposal, here’s what to do:
- Contact Lenses: Toss expired lenses into your regular garbage. Some brands or organizations offer recycling programs for contact lenses and their packaging, so check with your eye doctor or the manufacturer to see if this is an option.
- Contact Lens Solution: Pour expired solution down the sink or toilet, as it’s generally safe to dispose of in this way. However, ensure the bottle is empty, then recycle it if it’s made of recyclable plastic. If not, discard it in the trash.
Final Word: Contact Lens Care Is Necessary
For anyone who wears contact lenses, proper care is essential for maintaining good eye health. This includes cleaning, handling, and storing your lenses correctly and adhering to all recommended guidelines. Always follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor and the lens manufacturer, including respecting expiration dates.