What are the risks of wearing expired contact lenses?

Wearing contact lenses has become a convenient and popular solution for vision correction. However, like most medical devices, contact lenses come with an expiration date. Ignoring this date and continuing to wear expired contact lenses can lead to serious risks for your eye health. In this article, we’ll explore the potential dangers associated with wearing expired contact lenses and why it’s crucial to adhere to their recommended usage guidelines.

Understanding Contact Lens Expiration

Contact lenses are made from materials that are designed to maintain their shape, moisture, and functionality for a specific period. The expiration date is determined based on the stability of these materials and the solution in which they are stored. Over time, the material of the lens can degrade, and the solution can lose its sterility, making the lenses unsafe for use.

Risks of Wearing Expired Contact Lenses

1. Reduced Oxygen Permeability: One of the key factors in contact lens safety is oxygen permeability—the ability of the lens to allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. When contact lenses expire, the material can become less permeable, reducing the oxygen supply to your cornea. This can lead to hypoxia, where the cornea is starved of oxygen, causing discomfort, redness, and, in severe cases, corneal damage or ulcers.
2. Increased Risk of Eye Infections: The solution in which contact lenses are stored is designed to keep them sterile and free from harmful microorganisms. Over time, the effectiveness of this solution can diminish, leading to the growth of bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens. Wearing expired contact lenses exposes your eyes to these contaminants, significantly increasing the risk of eye infections such as keratitis, conjunctivitis, and other serious conditions that could potentially threaten your vision.
3. Lens Deformation and Discomfort: As contact lenses age, their structure can change, leading to deformation. Expired lenses may not fit your eyes as they should, causing discomfort, irritation, and an increased risk of mechanical damage to the cornea. This can also result in improper vision correction, making the lenses ineffective.
4. Decreased Moisture Retention: Contact lenses rely on their ability to retain moisture to remain comfortable on the eye. With time, the materials that keep the lenses moist can break down, causing the lenses to dry out more quickly. Wearing dry lenses can be extremely uncomfortable and may lead to dry eye syndrome, which is characterized by redness, itching, and a gritty feeling in the eyes.
5. Chemical Breakdown of the Lens Material: The polymers and other materials used in contact lenses are designed to be stable for a certain period. After the expiration date, these materials can start to break down chemically. This breakdown can release harmful substances into the eye, potentially causing allergic reactions or chemical burns. Additionally, the structural integrity of the lens may be compromised, making it more likely to tear while in use.
6. Increased Risk of Corneal Abrasions: A contact lens that has exceeded its expiration date may develop tiny surface defects or rough edges that can scrape the cornea, leading to corneal abrasions. These abrasions are not only painful but can also provide an entry point for infections, further endangering your eye health.
7. Reduced Visual Clarity: Expired contact lenses can become cloudy or develop deposits over time, which can reduce visual clarity. This defeats the primary purpose of wearing contact lenses, which is to correct vision. Compromised visual acuity can lead to eye strain and headaches, particularly if you continue to wear the lenses despite their degraded condition.

How to Avoid the Risks

• Adhere to Expiration Dates: Always check the expiration date on your contact lens packaging before use. Dispose of any lenses that have passed their expiration date, even if they appear to be in good condition.
• Follow Proper Lens Care Practices: Store your contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace the storage solution regularly. Never use expired or outdated solutions.
• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams allow your optometrist to monitor the health of your eyes and ensure that your contact lenses are still suitable for your vision needs. It’s also an opportunity to update your prescription if necessary.
• Consider Daily Disposable Lenses: If you find it difficult to manage the care and replacement schedule for your contact lenses, consider switching to daily disposables. These lenses are designed to be worn once and discarded, eliminating the risk of wearing expired lenses.

Wearing expired contact lenses is a risk not worth taking. The potential dangers, including eye infections, corneal damage, and decreased visual clarity, far outweigh any perceived benefits of using lenses beyond their expiration date. At Camen Eye Care, we prioritize your eye health and are here to help you choose the best and safest vision correction options. If you have any concerns about your contact lenses or need to schedule an eye exam, contact us today.