Contact lenses are a marvel of modern vision correction, offering millions of people clear sight without glasses. But like all medical devices, they have guidelines, including expiration dates. Ignoring these dates or wearing out-of-date contact lenses can have serious consequences for your eye health, including infections, corneal damage, and vision impairment.
If your contact lenses are outdated or your prescription has expired, contact your eye doctor to schedule a contact lens exam to get an updated prescription.
How Long Is a Contact Lens Prescription Good For?
A contact lens prescription isn’t meant to last forever. For instance, prescriptions in the United States typically expire after 1–2 years, though specific rules vary depending on your location and eye care provider’s recommendations. This limit is based on the need for regular eye health evaluations to check that your lenses still suit your vision needs and your eyes remain healthy enough for contact lens wear.
Your eyes can change over time, and what works for you today may not be suitable a year from now. That’s why eye exams are crucial for maintaining healthy contact lens wear and clear vision.
What Does an Expired Contact Lens Mean?
There are 2 types of expiration dates to consider when it comes to contact lenses:
- Lens packaging expiration: Contact lenses are packaged in a sterile solution to keep them clean and safe. Over time, this solution can lose its sterility, which increases the risk of bacterial or fungal contamination.
- Prescription expiration: An expired prescription means the information about your eyes’ measurements may no longer be accurate. Your eyes may have changed shape, your vision might have altered, or you could be developing new sensitivities.
Is It Okay to Wear Expired Contact Lenses?
The short answer is no. It may be tempting to use a pair of lenses left over from months ago, especially if they seem OK at first glance. However, wearing expired lenses jeopardizes your eye health and could lead to complications ranging from mild discomfort to severe medical issues.
Risks of Wearing Expired Contact Lenses
Using out-of-date contact lenses has several risks, which can significantly harm your eyes. Here are the main dangers associated with this practice:
Eye Infections
Expired lenses, especially those in compromised sterile solutions, can harbor bacteria and fungi. Wearing them increases your risk of developing serious eye infections such as:
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea): This painful condition can cause redness, blurred vision, and eye pain, among other symptoms.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Expired lenses can introduce pathogens to the sensitive area of your eyes, leading to swelling, redness, and itchiness.
Left untreated, these infections can escalate, potentially affecting your long-term vision.
Corneal Damage
Contact lenses past their prime can become more brittle, leading to discomfort or damage. Scratches from deteriorated lenses can harm your cornea, causing scarring that might permanently impair your vision.
Vision Impairment
If your prescription no longer matches your current vision needs, wearing old lenses can leave you with headaches, blurred vision, and eye strain. This can affect productivity and safety, especially while driving or operating machinery.
Reduced Oxygen Flow
Contact lenses are designed to allow oxygen to pass to the cornea. Over time, expired lenses may lose their permeability, depriving your eyes of essential oxygen. This can lead to:
- Hypoxia (oxygen deficiency): Symptoms include redness, puffiness, and discomfort. Prolonged hypoxia can lead to corneal complications.
- Swelling that disrupts your vision and makes wearing lenses unbearable.
What to Do if Your Prescription Has Expired
Has your contact lens prescription expired? Here’s what to do:
- Schedule a contact lens exam: Booking regular exams with your eye care provider keeps your prescription up-to-date and helps your eyes stay in optimal health. Your optometrist will evaluate your vision needs and check that your eyes are free from conditions that could be exacerbated by contact lens use.
- Purchase new lenses: Once you have an updated prescription, replace your old lenses with fresh, newly prescribed lenses. Avoid using any leftovers, even if the packaging appears intact.
- Follow proper lens care practices: Sticking to your eye care provider’s guidelines for wearing and cleaning contact lenses will extend their lifespan and help keep your eyes healthy.
- Explore daily disposable options: If remembering expiration dates and adhering to cleaning routines feels like a hassle, consider daily disposable lenses. These eliminate the risks associated with prolonged lens use.
- Don’t ignore discomfort: If you experience pain, redness, or blurry vision, stop wearing your lenses immediately and consult your eye doctor. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from turning into major complications.
Take Steps to Protect Your Eye Health
Your eyes are not just windows to the world but also incredibly sensitive organs that require care and attention. Wearing expired contact lenses might seem like a negligible risk, but the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
To stay proactive about your eye health:
- Always adhere to the expiration dates of your contact lenses.
- Schedule regular eye exams.
- Replace old contact lenses promptly.
- Follow recommended care practices to keep your lenses clean and safe.
Visit us at Total Vision Carlsbad Plaza for a thorough contact lens exam. If you’re overdue for an exam or need a new prescription, contact us today to book an appointment.
