If you've ever found an old box of contact lenses in your drawer, you may have asked yourself: “Do contact lenses expire?” The short answer is yes—they absolutely do. Whether you're using daily disposables, bi-weekly lenses, or monthly lenses, every contact lens comes with an expiration date for a reason. Here's what you need to know about how long contact lenses last, how to read expiration labels, and the risks of wearing expired lenses.
Where Can I Find the Expiration Date?
The expiration date is clearly printed on the blister pack or box of your contact lenses. It’s usually shown in YYYY-MM format, like "2026-09", which means they expire at the end of September 2026. This date is set by the manufacturer based on sterile packaging integrity and material safety testing.
Even if the lenses have never been opened, they should not be worn past this date.
How Long Can You Wear Daily Contact Lenses?
This can be a bit confusing. Daily lenses are designed to be worn once, for one day only—not for 24 hours. Typically, they should be removed and discarded before sleeping, even if they feel fine.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
|
Lens Type |
Intended Use |
Expires After |
|
Daily Disposables |
One day (no reuse) |
Check box—usually 2-5 years from manufacture |
|
Bi-Weekly Lenses |
Two weeks per lens |
2–5 years (sealed) |
|
Monthly Lenses |
One month per lens |
2–5 years (sealed) |
|
Rigid Gas Permeable |
Months to years (cleaned) |
Usually longer, check packaging |
What Happens if You Wear Expired Contact Lenses?
Wearing expired lenses is risky, even if they look fine. Over time, the sterile seal on the packaging weakens, increasing the risk of contamination. The lens material may also degrade, making them uncomfortable or unsafe to wear.
Risks include:
-
Eye infections
-
Corneal abrasions
-
Allergic reactions
-
Dryness or redness
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Blurry vision
If you wear expired lenses and experience any irritation, remove them immediately and consult an eye care professional.
How Firm is the Expiration Date?
It’s non-negotiable. Even if the lenses have never been opened, the expiration date is based on how long the packaging can safely preserve sterility and performance. After that date, the manufacturer no longer guarantees the safety or comfort of the lenses.
What Should You Do With Expired Contact Lenses?
Do not try to use them or give them to others. Instead:
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Recycle the packaging if possible.
-
Dispose of the lenses in the trash (don’t flush them).
-
Reorder fresh lenses from a licensed retailer.
Keeping an organized inventory of your lenses can help prevent situations where you're tempted to use old pairs.
Other Important Considerations
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Storage matters: Even before expiry, storing lenses in extreme heat or sunlight can degrade them.
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Travel tip: Always double-check the expiration date before packing lenses for a trip.
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Bulk buying caution: Only buy as much as you’ll use before they expire, even if the deal is great.
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Prescription changes: Expired lenses might also be based on an outdated prescription—not ideal for your eye health.
Final Thoughts
Yes, contact lenses do expire—and it’s important not to take that lightly. Wearing expired lenses can lead to serious eye health issues, even if they seem perfectly sealed. Always check the expiration date, know your lens type, and follow your eye care professional’s advice. Contact our customer service team at 1-800-404-7317 or email info@visionpros.com for expert assistance related to contact lenses.
