You might find an old box of contact lenses tucked away in a drawer and assume they’re fine to use since the package is sealed. However, this could be a dangerous assumption. All contact lenses sold in the United States have an expiration date for health reasons.
In order to keep your vision safe and your contacts comfortable, it’s important to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams and contact lens fittings. By doing so, you help ensure that your vision stays crisp and your eyes stay healthy.
Yes, Unopened Contact Lenses Have an Expiration Date
That date on your contact lens box isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a key part of keeping your eyes healthy. Even if the lens itself is stable, the environment it’s stored in can change over time. Think of it as a safety measure for your vision.
Why the Seal & Saline Solution Matter
The expiration date is for the sterile saline solution that keeps your lens safe and hydrated. Over many years, the seal on the blister pack can weaken or fail. This lets germs get inside and contaminate the solution and the lens, undermining the principles of proper contact lens care.
The lens solution’s composition can also change over time as it degrades. Exposing your eyes to expired solution puts your ocular health at risk.
How to Find & Read the Expiration Date
The expiration date is usually printed somewhere fairly obvious. Taking a moment to look for it is a proactive way to help manage your eyecare.
Look on the Box & the Blister Pack
You can find the expiration date printed on the main contact lens box. It’s also on the foil lid of each individual lens blister pack. The date is often next to an hourglass symbol or the letters “EXP,” and it usually appears as a year and month, like 2027/10.
Risks of Use Past the Expiration Date
Using contact lenses after they expire can introduce unnecessary risks to your eyes. Your vision is too important to leave to chance.
Potential Eye Health Issues
An expired lens might lead to several issues, including:
- Eye infections from germs
- Irritation, discomfort, & redness
- Corneal ulcers—a serious condition that can affect your sight and may require emergency eye care
- Less oxygen flow to the front of your eye
Different Lens Types & Replacement Schedules
The expiration date on a sealed package is different from the replacement schedule of your lenses, which begins once you open the package.
Understanding how long prescription contact lenses last once opened and following the correct schedule is just as important for your eye health. Each lens is designed for a specific wear time. There are many different contact lens types available, each with its own best practices.
Daily, Monthly, & Overnight Wear Lenses
Daily disposables are for one use only. You wear them for a day and then throw them away. Monthly or two-week lenses can be worn multiple times, but you must remove, clean, and store them correctly each night. As your eye doctor in Santa Cruz, we can help you determine which lens type fits your lifestyle and supports your vision needs.
Handle Expired Lenses & Solution with Care
It’s not just the lenses that expire; the bottled solution you use to clean and store them does, too. Checking the date on your multi-purpose solution is a simple but powerful habit. This ensures your lens care routine is effective.
Why Expired Solution Is Ineffective
After its expiration date, the disinfecting ingredients in the solution can lose their power. This means the solution may no longer properly clean your contact lenses. Storing your lenses in an expired solution can increase your chances of developing an eye infection.
Dispose of Them & Get a Fresh Supply
If you find that your unopened contact lenses are past their expiration date, the safest course of action is to dispose of them. This is also a good opportunity to check if your prescription is current. It’s helpful to visit your eye doctor in Santa Cruz for an updated exam before you order a fresh supply of lenses.
Your eye health is our focus, and we’re here to help you see clearly and comfortably. At Total Vision Santa Cruz, we can answer your questions, update your prescription, and help you find the right contact lenses for your eyes. Schedule a visit with us to keep your vision on the right track.
