Contacts are one of the most popular forms of vision correction. Because of their flexible, comfortable, and hands-free fit, many individuals prefer wearing soft contacts over eyeglasses.
Their design offers several benefits that eyeglasses don’t, such as a more natural field of vision that remains unobstructed from eyeglass frames. However, contacts do require more maintenance and care.
Yes, contact lenses do expire about every four years from their manufactured date. The contact lens solution that it’s packaged in will no longer be sterile and you should not put expired lenses in your eyes.
Unlike a prescription for eyeglasses, contact lens prescriptions also expire annually, necessitating an updated contact lens exam and fitting to place an order for a new supply.
All About Soft Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses designed to correct vision by sitting directly on the eye’s surface.
Unlike eyeglasses, which sit about half an inch from the face, contacts offer a more natural field of vision. They move with your eyes, eliminating barriers and distortions that glasses may cause.
With several types of contact lenses available that cater to various lifestyles and ocular concerns, soft contact lenses are one of the most popular forms of vision correction. Made from flexible plastic materials, they allow oxygen to pass through the cornea, making them comfortable for prolonged wear.
The lenses are suitable for most prescriptions, and ideal for those with active lifestyles or who find glasses incompatible with their daily routine. However, they require proper care and regular replacement to maintain eye health compared to eyeglasses.
Why do Contact Lenses Expire?
Contact lenses do expire.
It’s not the actual lens that expires, but the saline solution that the lens is packaged in that does. Over time, this solution can evaporate or change composition, even if it remains sealed in the package, making it less effective and unsafe for wear. Over time, the materials in soft contact lenses can degrade, affecting their performance, comfort, and safety.
To prevent bacterial contamination, contacts are packaged in sterile environments, hence why they have a limited shelf life. Each contact lens container shows the date of manufacture and the expiry date.
Generally, this expiry date is four years from the date the individual lens was manufactured and packaged. This four-year viability is only applicable if the package remains unopened.
In addition to being mindful of the expiry date on the individual contact lens, it’s also important to abide by the appropriate wear schedule for the contacts. This wear schedule depends on the type of contact lens you’re wearing.
Soft contact lenses come in various replacement schedules such as daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Daily lenses allow the wearer to use a fresh, sterile lens after every wear as each lens must be replaced after every use. On the other hand, bi-weekly and monthly lenses can be re-worn as long as they are cleaned and stored properly.
Routinely replacing your soft contact lenses is vital to maintaining comfort. It reduces the accumulation of protein and other debris from building up on the lenses, which can lead to irritation, increased risk of infection, and poor visual performance.
Individuals who use biweekly or monthly lenses should replace their contact lens solution regularly. After opening the solution, it’s viable to use for 90 days before it should be thrown out and replaced. Additionally, the contact lens storage case should be regularly cleaned and replaced every 90 days.
When do Contact Lens Prescriptions Expire?
Contact lens prescriptions expire annually and a valid prescription is required to order a new supply of lenses.
Your vision can change over time, and an annual contact lens exam and fitting confirm your prescription is up-to-date. Wearing outdated lenses can lead to eye strain and potentially worsen your vision.
Our eyes vary in shape and size therefore contact lenses vary accordingly. Regular exams and fittings confirm that your eyes remain healthy enough to continue wearing contact lenses.
During this annual visit, your optometrist will assess your tear film and recommend lenses that are compatible with your eye’s moisture levels, reducing the risk of developing dry eye symptoms, and confirm that the lenses fit snugly over the cornea as misaligned lenses can lead to discomfort and blurry vision.
Ultimately, an annual contact lens exam and fitting help maintain comfort and prevent the lens from moving excessively. Ill-fitting lenses can cause several concerns, like eye irritation, infections, or corneal scratches. These fittings help reduce the risk of developing these complications.
What Happens if You Wear Expired Contacts?
Failing to adhere to proper contact lens wear and care, including wearing outdated contacts can lead to several issues:
- Reduced Vision Quality: Wearing an outdated contact lens prescription can lead to cloudy or blurry vision, impact the tear film, or cause the contact to lose its’ shape, resulting in impaired vision.
- Increased Risk of Infection: Overwearing contacts beyond their intended schedule can lead to the buildup of bacteria, dust, lipids, and proteins, increasing the risk of developing eye infections.
- Discomfort and Irritation: Overwearing contacts can lead to the lens losing its spherical shape, causing discomfort, dryness, and irritation, making it difficult to wear the lenses.
- Long-Term Damage: Prolonged use of expired or overworn lenses can lead to serious concerns such as corneal abrasions, ulcers, and potentially long-term damage to your eyes.
For instance, overwearing a pair of monthly lenses for six months increases the risk of bacterial contamination, reduces oxygen permeability, and degrades the integrity of the lens, all of which can lead to severe ocular issues.
Schedule a Visit
Understanding the importance of contact lens expiration dates is vital for maintaining your eye health and a comfortable wearing experience.
Connect with our team at Henderson Vision Centre to schedule an appointment for your annual contact lens exam and fitting.
