Do Contacts Expire? What to Keep In Mind

Contact lenses are a great way to keep your vision clear without needing glasses. But you might be wondering how long they last, and if you can wear them past the expiration date.

It’s important to understand that contact lens expiration dates aren't arbitrary suggestions; they're essential to protecting your eye health. In this article, we’ll go over how long the different types of contact lenses last.

Different Types of Contacts & Their Expiration Dates

There are different types of contact lenses, each with its own expiration dates and different uses.

These include:

Daily contact lenses. Daily contact lenses are disposable. They are worn for one day and then disposed of the same day.
Monthly contact lenses. Monthly contact lenses last a full month. Every day, they are removed and placed into a contact lens solution.
Extended-wear contacts. Extended-wear contact lenses are used for overnight or continuous wear. This can range from one to six nights or up to 30 days.
Colored contacts. These are cosmetic contacts that can change your eye color. Their lifespan depends on the specific product and your eye-care professional’s guidance, with many approved only for short-term use.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are more durable and resistant to build-up than soft contact lenses. They can last up to two years or even longer.

Why Do Contacts Expire?

The contact lens material and the sterile solution you keep it in degrade over time. The solution contains chemicals that help keep the lenses moist and comfortable.

The use-by date reflects validated limits for packaging integrity and sterility of the saline-hydrated lens; safety isn’t assured beyond this date.

Why Do Contact Lens Expiration Dates Matter?

Strict expiration dates are mandatory to guarantee safety and optimal lens performance. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), contact lenses are regulated medical devices:

Soft lenses for daily wear are Class II
Soft lenses for extended wear are Class III
RGP lenses are Class II for daily wear and Class III for extended wear

Expiration dates help ensure your contacts remain sterile and comfortable until the indicated time. Additionally, even unopened lenses degrade over time, leading to serious eye health risks:

Infection risk. After the use-by date, sterility or package integrity can no longer be assured, which increases contamination risk.

Corneal ulcers. Severe corneal infections create open sores that can scar your cornea and impair vision.
Eye irritation and inflammation. Chemical breakdown and physical deterioration lead to redness, burning sensations, and ongoing discomfort.

Signs You Should Replace Your Contact Lenses

Recognizing problems early can prevent serious eye complications. Be vigilant and watch for these warning signs that indicate issues with your contact lenses:

Redness
Pain or discomfort
Blurred or cloudy vision
Light sensitivity

If you notice these symptoms, promptly remove your contacts and consult your eye care professional to avoid further damage.

What to Do If You Wore Expired Lenses

If you've unintentionally used expired contact lenses, take them out immediately and dispose of them. Rinse your eyes thoroughly with a sterile saline solution or multipurpose contact lens solution to cleanse your eyes gently.

Monitor your eyes carefully for redness, irritation, or visual changes over the next several hours to days. If you experience any symptoms, schedule an eye exam immediately.

Lastly, switch to glasses until you can safely replace your contact lenses.

How to Take Care of Your Contact Lenses

Proper care of your lenses helps preserve their quality and reduces the chance of infection. Follow these guidelines for safe storage and handling:

Wash your hands before touching your contacts to prevent contamination.
Never reuse or top off contact lens solutions.
Replace your contact lens cases frequently, at least every 3 months to maintain hygiene.
Avoid exposing your contacts to tap water or saliva to avoid microbial contamination.

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