How long can contacts last

Even unopened contacts that have expired can get a buildup of deposits on them and are no longer safe to wear. Adhering to proper contact use is the best way to reduce your likelihood of encountering risks related to contact lenses. Proper lens hygiene includes cleaning your lenses well, storing them properly, frequently replacing your lenses case, giving your eyes time to rest without contacts in, and never trying to extend contact use beyond their expiration date.

All contacts have an expiration date. Some are designed to last for one year, while others are meant to be worn for only two weeks or as little as one day.

As contacts are worn, germs, proteins, and other residues accumulate on the surface of your contacts. These deposits can irritate the eyes over time. In order to avoid irritation caused by old contacts, it is important to replace your lenses as recommended. Even if you use proper contact lens hygiene, the lenses are meant to be discarded and replaced, as indicated by the lens manufacturer.

In addition to contact lenses expiring, contact lens prescriptions also expire. In , the Food and Drug Administration FDA passed a law that all contact lens prescriptions expire after one year or as otherwise established by state law, depending on which is greater. Contact lenses and their prescriptions have expiration dates to ensure that you are receiving appropriate medical products and to identify any complications associated with their use.

There are a number of risks associated with wearing old contact lenses. Improper lens hygiene and ignoring expiration dates are two of the main causes of eye infections related to contact lens use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , poor contact lens hygiene is a major risk factor for a range of eye problems.

The CDC reports that approximately 99 percent of people wearing contact lenses report at least one contact lens hygiene behavior that increases their risk of eye infection or inflammation. Nearly 1 million doctor visits each year are due to keratitis , a painful eye infection associated primarily with poor contact lens use.

With an estimated 45 million people in the U. There are a few main types of contact lenses, explains the FDA. Eye care professionals urge individuals to use contacts before they expire. Contact lenses are packed in a solution that acts as a preservative, but over time, the solution also expires. At that point, it can no longer keep the contacts sterile and safe to use. The one major difference between the two lenses is that RGP contacts allow oxygen to penetrate through to the eye, while PMMA contacts do not.

Because of this and the fact that these lenses are so durable, bad habits with respect to the daily maintenance routine can lead to eye health issues.

Disposable contacts are just like any other disposable hygiene or medical product. You use them on a short-term basis and throw them away after the recommended time period is up. The lifespan of disposable lenses will vary from brand to brand, but they can last for up to a month. In general, it's fairly easy to care for contact lenses.

Lens wearers float their lenses in contact solution when not wearing them. The solution usually has a preservative, buffer, binding agent, and surfactant.

These all work together to disinfect your lenses and remove buildup. Most also suggest that you gently massage the lenses in solution prior to storing them. This helps prevent buildup of bacteria and ensures your lenses stay fresh overnight. Be sure to have a conversation with your eye doctor about the best steps to take for a successful contact lens care routine.

Most people who require any vision correction are good candidates for contact lenses. To start using contacts, discuss them with your eye doctor at your next eye exam. Ask for his or her recommendations based on your eye health and activity levels. Your contact lens prescription will differ from a standard eyeglass prescription, so be sure to clarify the difference with your eye doctor. In some cases, you'll be able to order lenses directly through your optometrist. In others, you may need to order online.

Some optometrists order free trial pairs for patients. Speak to your eye care professional about trying them and see how they feel. In rare cases, this could even cause a severe infection.

Do you need to update your contact prescription? Since , the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online , send an e-mail to asktheexperts heffingtons.

Appointment Registration We Accept the Following:. Click Here For Details. Shop Online. House of Vision Optiland. The Basics All contact lenses must be replaced frequently, even those that are perfectly maintained. Same Day Glasses Available!