Yes, contact lenses do expire and should not be worn after their expiration date. All contacts come with an expiration date, and it’s essential to be mindful of their shelf life before using them.
Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts, says, “The expiration date is a requirement for medical devices, such as contact lenses, to ensure the product is safe for the consumer. Wearing expired contact lenses is one of the leading causes of eye infections, which is why it’s important to be aware of the expiration date of contact lenses to stay safe from serious eye problems.”
Go through this comprehensive guide to learn everything related to the expiration date of contact lenses.
Why do contact lenses expire?
Contact lenses cannot actually expire, but the saline solution inside the blister pack expires, making them unsuitable to wear. Contact lenses are small medical devices that must be handled and stored with care. They are sterilised and packed in an air-tight blister pack containing saline solution during their manufacturing. Over time, this solution can break down and become less effective. Considering how long the saline solution and packaging can stay in the same condition, an expiration date is assigned to contact lenses. Beyond the expiration date, the lens material can degrade, affecting the comfort and fitting of the lenses.
How to find the expiration date on contact lenses
The expiration date on contact lenses can be found on the contact lens blister pack and the packaging box, along with other details, such as base curve, diameter and power. It is generally mentioned next to the hourglass sign or the EXP abbreviation. The common format for writing the date is YYYY-MM.
How many years can contact lenses last?
Although the shelf life of a particular contact lens depends on the brand and wearing type, contact lenses in an unopened blister pack generally last 1-4 years from its manufacturing date. It’s essential to check the expiry date before you use the contact lenses.
Can I use expired contact lenses?
No, it’s not recommended to use expired contact lenses, because the solution in the blister pack can degrade over time, no longer keeping the lenses sterile. Additionally, the material can deteriorate and lead to changes in the lenses.
What should I do if I accidentally wore expired contact lenses?
These are the immediate steps you should follow after wearing expired lenses:
- Remove the lenses right away and discard them.
- Check for any discomfort, including any pain, redness or photophobia (light sensitivity).
- If your eyes feel uncomfortable, contact your optician immediately for advice.
There’s usually no need to panic if you have accidentally worn expired contact lenses once or twice. However, if it is repeated multiple times or the expired lenses have been worn for too long, there is a chance you could develop an eye infection. If you wear contact lenses long past the expiration date, there is an increased risk.
What are the effects of wearing expired contact lenses?
There can be many adverse effects of wearing expired contact lenses, including:
How to dispose of expired contact lenses?
It’s advisable to dispose of expired contact lenses properly following your local recycling guidelines. Avoid throwing them in a sink or flushing them down a toilet. Not disposing of contact lenses correctly can lead to environmental pollution.
How to check if a contact lens is damaged, even if it hasn’t expired
There are certain signs to determine if a contact lens is damaged, even if it hasn’t expired yet.
- If you’re having trouble seeing clearly through your lenses, discard that lens and try another lens from the same packet. If the problem persists, it could be down to damaged lenses or a change in prescription.
- If you can see visible signs of damage to the contact lenses, such as a split in the lens, or a tear, the lens should not be used.
- If the lenses appear warped, discoloured, or cloudy, even if they haven’t expired, they should be discarded immediately.
To avoid potential eye infections or discomfort, never wear damaged or expired lenses: if in doubt, leave them out. Always seek advice from your optician if you are experiencing any problems with your contact lenses.
Feel Good Contacts stocks safe-to-wear dailies, monthlies, and two weekly contact lenses from top-selling brands at budget-friendly prices that meet your prescription needs, lifestyle and individual requirements.
Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eye care professional before purchasing any products. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
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