What Happens When You Wear Expired Contacts?

You should take time to inspect the box your contact lenses come in. When you do, you will probably notice an expiration date. Many people do not know that contact lenses have an expiration date. Most types of soft contact lenses expire around four years after the packaging date. You should also understand that contact lens prescriptions expire as well. 

Also, many states set their own expiration dates for contact lens prescriptions. This may require you to renew your prescription every one to four years. If your state lacks a predetermined prescription expiration date, you may need to follow federal regulations. This may mean renewing your prescription each year after undergoing an annual eye exam. 

Why You Should Check the Expiration Date for Your Contact Lenses

When was the last time you got a comprehensive eye exam? Did you get one within the last year or two? If not, you may have an eye and/or vision problem that you are unaware of. Expired contact lenses may not improve your vision as well as they should. Checking your contact lenses’ expiration date will help you avoid various complications and issues associated with wearing expired contacts. 

Types of Contact Lenses 

If you have a vision problem, you probably know that there are several types of contacts. Each type aims to address a specific vision issue. The common types of contact lenses include:

Soft Contact Lenses

Typically produced from silicone hydrogels, these types of contacts allow oxygen to reach the eye’s cornea. They are comfortable and easy to adjust. Common types of soft contact lenses include daily, extended-wear, monthly, and non-prescription contact lenses. 

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses are more resistant to lipid or protein buildup and durable than soft contacts. They also provide cleaner and clearer vision. Furthermore, they are generally more affordable in the long term compared to soft contact lenses. 

When properly cared for, they can last for two years or longer. They are also easier to handle and are less likely to tear or break than soft lenses. But according to most users, they are not as comfortable as soft contact lenses. 

Why You Should Not Wear Expired Contact Lenses

Eye care professionals link various risks with wearing expired or old contacts. Two of the most common causes of eye infections among contact lens users are ignoring expiration dates and improper eye and contact lens care. Some of the most common risks associated with wearing expired contact lenses include:

• Eye infections.
• Reddening and inflammation of the eyes.
• Scarring.
• Moderate to serious eye pain.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Partial to complete loss of vision.

To avoid these problems, you should always check the expiration date for your contacts. Even unopened but expired contact lenses are unsafe to wear. You should also use your contacts as recommended by your eye doctor to minimize the risks of an eye and/or vision problem. 

The longer you use your contact lenses, the more proteins, germs, and residue collect on their surfaces. With time, these substances can affect your eyes. Hence, it is important to replace them as recommended by your eye doctor. Even if you adhere to proper contact lenses and eye care hygiene, you still need to replace them as directed.

To learn more about contact lenses, visit Optical Masters at our offices in Denver, Colorado. You can call (720) 807-7300 or (720) 807-7600 today to schedule an appointment.