Are contacts OK after expiration date?

Even unopened contacts can go bad when it’s past their expiration date. Contact lenses are packed in a solution that acts as a preservative, but over time, the solution also expires. Using contact lenses that are past their expiration date greatly increases your risk of eye infection and other complications.

When should I replace my hard contacts?

The packaging your contact lenses comes in should be stamped with a date that tells you when the lenses should be replaced. The length of time a lens is considered viable can vary, depending on the lens type. Daily wear lenses are meant to be replaced daily, weekly, every two weeks, or monthly.

How long do contacts stay good unopened?

about four years
How long do contacts last unopened? Soft contact lens packages are stamped with an expiration date, and they’re good through that month and year as long as the packaging stays intact. The expiration date on soft contact lenses is typically about four years from the date of manufacture.

Should I throw away expired contacts?

Contact lenses and plastic packaging are not recyclable in any typical recycling program. Nor should lenses be flushed down the toilet or sink drain where they end up in wastewater or sewage sludge and, ultimately, as microplastic pollution in our soil and oceans. So please, don’t flush your lenses!

Are there contact lenses that last for a year?

Reusable hydrogel and silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses can last up to a year; rigid GP contacts can last even longer if they are properly cared for. Disposable soft contacts last from one day (daily wear) to up to two weeks (extended wear).

How long can hard contact lenses last?

one year
Disposable lenses will generally last between one day to one month, while hard lenses (RGP and PMMA) can last up to one year or longer. You can start using contact lenses right away with approval and a prescription from your eye doctor.

What happens if you wear contacts for years?

Risks of wearing contacts too long Contact lenses that are left in too long can lead to the following conditions: Corneal ulcers (infectious keratitis): An open sore in the outer layer of the cornea. Hypoxia: A lack of oxygen that can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth into the cornea.