KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Contact lenses, a relatively new invention, require proper care and adherence to replacement schedules.
- Daily disposable lenses are single-use, while hard lenses can last one to two years.
- Expired or damaged lenses can cause various eye issues, including infection.
- Good hygiene practices, like clean hands and proper lens case care, are crucial for preventing infections.
- Never share or reuse lenses, and avoid wearing them in water or while sleeping unless advised by a doctor.
If you wear contact lenses, it’s easy to forget they’re essentially foreign bodies. But treating them with care is paramount. The first disposable contact lens only arrived in 1982, a far cry from a time when people didn’t wear plastic over their eyes. Ophthalmologist Dr. Robert Kinast emphasizes that “contact lenses are foreign bodies and should be treated with respect.” This means replacing them as recommended by your eye doctor, as expired lenses can lead to serious issues.
How Long Do Contacts Last?
The lifespan of your contact lenses varies significantly. Dr. Meenal Agarwal, an optometrist, notes that “soft daily disposables are single-use, so you need to discard them after one day.” On the other hand, “hard lenses can last one to two years with proper care.” Dr. Jovi Boparai, an ophthalmic surgeon, adds that rigid gas permeable lenses, made of hard plastic, can last “from months to a year.” The most critical rule, according to Agarwal, is to always follow your eye doctor’s prescribed replacement schedule.
Environmental factors like dust and smoke can shorten a lens’s life. If you notice discomfort due to a wildfire or high allergen count, it’s wise to switch to a fresh pair earlier.
How to Tell If Your Contacts Are Expired
The most straightforward way to check is the expiration date on the packaging. Unopened contact lenses typically have a shelf life of one to four years from their manufacturing date, according to Boparai. However, don’t rely solely on the date. Look for signs of wear: old lenses might show discoloration or damage, and deposits can build up. Agarwal warns, “The lenses may look the same as they did on the first day, but that doesn’t mean they’re still safe to use.” Always prioritize the expiration date, but discard lenses if they appear damaged or feel painful.
Expired Contact Lens Symptoms
Sometimes, your eyes will tell you before you check the box. Agarwal lists symptoms like “redness, pain or discomfort, irritation, blurry vision, excessive dryness and/or infections” as red flags. Boparai adds “burning, watery eyes, light sensitivity, discharge, foreign body sensation and eyelid swelling” to the list. If you experience any of these, remove the lenses and see your eye doctor immediately.
Signs Your Contacts Need Replacing
Crucially, you often won’t notice symptoms when contacts are simply due for a change. “Most of the time, you will not have any symptoms when your lenses are ready to be replaced,” Agarwal states. Overwearing can lead to vision problems, discomfort, or noticeable damage and deposits. If any of these occur, it’s definitely time for a fresh pair.
How Often Should You Change Your Contact Lenses?
The answer is simple: follow the recommended schedule. Boparai stresses changing lenses based on “the lifespan of the contact lenses as recommended by your eye doctor.” Many wearers don’t adhere to these schedules, leading to “contact lens overwear syndrome.” This condition impairs oxygen absorption, potentially causing bloodshot eyes, infection, or corneal damage. Experts strongly advise against sleeping in contacts unless prescribed by a doctor, as this can increase risks and reduce your incentive to check them daily.
Contact Lens Care Essentials
Proper hygiene is non-negotiable. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests a “rub and rinse” method: rub lenses with clean fingers, then rinse with solution. Boparai adds that rinsing lenses for 10-20 seconds before wearing and avoiding touching the cornea is vital. Change your contact lens solution daily. Agarwal also stresses storing lenses in a clean case and replacing it every three months. Never use water or saliva to clean lenses; these harbor harmful microorganisms.
Preventing Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections
Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, is a common contact lens-related infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that keratitis leads to about 1 million clinic and emergency department visits annually. Factors increasing risk include wearing extended-wear lenses, sleeping in them, and using a dirty lens case. Poor hygiene allows bacteria, fungi, and parasites to thrive and infect the cornea.
Agarwal also advises against sharing or reusing lenses. Avoid wearing contacts in pools, hot tubs, or showers. Remove lenses at the first sign of discomfort, and never use saliva for cleaning, as Boparai warns it significantly increases infection risk.
Cosmetic and Costume Contacts
The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that cosmetic contacts, especially non-prescription costume lenses, are risky. Selling contact lenses without a prescription is illegal in the U.S. due to the potential for eye infections and permanent damage from ill-fitting lenses. While prescription cosmetic lenses exist, they must be custom-made and come with specific wear and replacement guidance from an eye doctor.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Routine eye exams are recommended. For those at low risk of ocular disease, exams are advised at least every two years until age 64, then annually after age 65. However, seek immediate care if you experience eye pain, persistent redness or swelling, lens intolerance, sudden blurry vision, discharge, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity. Agarwal urges you to remove your lenses and consult your doctor before wearing them again. Boparai adds that any vision changes warrant a visit. “Your eye doctor will help guide management to keep your eyes comfortable and clear,” he says.
The Bottom Line
When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Discard contacts once they expire, become uncomfortable, or show damage. Improper wear can lead to severe infections. Don’t hesitate to contact your eye doctor if anything feels amiss.
