You might have found an old box of contact lenses and wondered if they’re still safe. Our team at Stanislaus Vision Associates wants you to have the right information, since proper contact lens care is very important for your eye health. The date on the box is there for a reason.
No, you should not use expired contact lenses because the sterile seal on the packaging can fail over time, putting your eyes at risk for irritation and infection. It’s a simple step that helps protect your vision and keep your eyes comfortable.
Why Your Contacts Have an Expiration Date
That date on your contact lens box or blister packs is a key part of keeping your eyes safe. Over time, both the packaging and the lens inside can change, no matter which type of contacts you use. These changes can make them less safe to put in your eyes.
The Seal on the Pack Can Weaken
The thin foil lid on each contact lens blister pack keeps the lens in a sterile, clean space. After the expiration date, this seal may no longer be airtight. This means tiny particles or germs can find their way inside and contaminate the lens and solution.
The Saline Solution Changes Over Time
Contact lenses float in a saline solution to stay hydrated, clean, and safe. As years go by, this solution can change. The pH balance can shift, which may cause discomfort, stinging, or irritation when you put the lens in your eye.
Risks of Expired Lenses
When you use contact lenses after they expire—even if the package looks untouched—you risk frustrating and sometimes serious eye health issues. Your vision is too important to take that chance, and following guidelines for proper contact lens care is a simple way to protect your eyes.
Potential Eye Problems
When you wear an expired lens, you can introduce bacteria to your eye. This can lead to several problems, including:
- Eye infections
- Corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the clear front part of the eye
- Severe irritation and redness
- Inflammation and swelling
- Blurry vision
What About Expired Contact Lens Solution?
Just like your lenses, contact lens solution has an expiration date for a reason. The disinfecting ingredients in the solution lose their strength over time. Once it expires, it can’t clean and disinfect your lenses the way it should.
Why You Should Toss Old Solutions
If you use an expired solution, you might be putting lenses that still have germs on them directly into your eyes. This creates the same risks as wearing expired contacts. It’s always a good idea to check the date on your bottle and replace it if it’s expired.
How to Check Your Contact Lens Expiration Date
It’s easy to find the expiration date on your contact lenses once you know where to look. Checking the date is a quick habit that helps you stay on top of your eye health.
Look on the Box and Blister Pack
The date is printed on the outside of the contact lens box. You can also find it on the foil lid of each individual lens blister pack. The date often appears next to a small hourglass symbol or the letters “EXP.”
The Importance of a Current Prescription and Fitting
Your eyes can change from one year to the next. That’s why having a current prescription is just as important as using fresh lenses. A yearly eye exam with an optometrist in Modesto, CA, is a great way to protect your long-term eye health.
Your Eyes Change Over Time
An outdated prescription might not give you the clear vision you need. It can also lead to eye strain, headaches, and general discomfort. Regular check-ups help your eye doctor make sure your contact lenses are a perfect match for your current vision needs.
A Proper Fit for Comfort and Safety
A contact lens fitting is a specific appointment to find the right contacts for you. During a fitting, our team takes measurements of your eye’s surface to determine the correct size and shape. This step helps make sure your lenses fit comfortably and move properly on your eye without causing harm.
Use Contact Lenses Safely
If you have questions about your contact lenses or need to update your prescription, our team at Stanislaus Vision Associates is ready to help. Call us for a contact lens exam and fitting today.
