{"id":1732,"date":"2023-05-23T14:45:57","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T18:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1732"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:35","slug":"do-contacts-expire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/do-contacts-expire","title":{"rendered":"Do Contacts Expire?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yes, all contact lenses<\/a> have an expiration date, usually between one and four years from the date of manufacture. It\u2019s important not to use expired contacts, even if the package has never been opened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the lenses themselves, contact lens prescriptions<\/em> also expire\u2014usually in one to two years, depending on the state you live in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s true: Many of us have turned a blind eye to the date on the cookie box once or twice. But when it comes to contact lenses, expiration dates shouldn’t be ignored. In this article, we’ll explain why. We\u2019ll also discuss where to find the expiration date and what to do if you\u2019ve used expired contacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Contact Lenses Expire?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s actually not the lens itself that expires, but the saline solution<\/a> it\u2019s packed in. All types of contact lenses<\/a> are manufactured in a sterile environment. They\u2019re packed in saline solution and sealed, often in air-tight \u201cblister packs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the expiration date (set by the manufacturer), the saline solution inside the package can deteriorate. Additionally, the blister pack\u2019s seal can lose its grip, allowing the package to be contaminated with bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The deterioration of the package can be hard to notice. So, it\u2019s important to use the expiration date instead of examining the package for breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Know if Your Contacts Are Expired?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

You can usually find the contact lens expiration date on the box your contacts came in and on each blister pack. It\u2019s often next to or right below the date of manufacture and the lot number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, the expiration date is listed with the month and year of expiration (like \u201cMay 2024\u201d). Or it could be in this format: YYYY\u2013MM (like \u201c2024\u201305\u201d). If the expiration date has worn off the package, it\u2019s best to throw it away. (Remember: When in doubt, throw it out!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Double-check that you\u2019re looking at the contact lens expiration date, especially if you\u2019re looking on the box. It can be easy to confuse the expiration date with the date the contacts were packed or manufactured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Wear Expired Contact Lenses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No way! Wearing expired contacts is bad. Full stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know how it goes: You\u2019ve been wearing your current pair of contacts for a month, so they need to be discarded. But you forgot to order new contacts, and it\u2019ll take a few days before they get sent. You reach for an unopened, expired set of contacts in the back of a bathroom cabinet. You\u2019re considering wearing those\u2026just until the new ones arrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please don\u2019t do this. Using expired contacts, even if you think they\u2019re completely sealed, is unsafe and can damage your eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if You Wear Expired Contacts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So, what are the effects of wearing expired contact lenses? Bacteria can enter the package and multiply. This can cause blurred vision<\/a>, irritated eyes<\/a>, and eye infections<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, eye infections<\/a> can lead to ulcers of the cornea. An ulcer can damage your eyesight permanently and could even cause blindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What To Do if You\u2019ve Worn Expired Contacts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve worn expired contact lenses, don\u2019t panic. Just follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Remove your contacts<\/a> and throw them away. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. If you feel any hint of irritation or discomfort in your eyes, contact your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam<\/a>. If it\u2019s an emergency, see an eye care practitioner right away.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Follow your eye doctor\u2019s instructions for any treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Check to see if you have any other old contact lenses, and throw those away, too. While you\u2019re at it, throw away any contact solution<\/a> that\u2019s past the expiration date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Toss any old contact lens cases, which can harbor bacteria. We recommend changing the case each time you open a new bottle of solution, or at the very least once a month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. When you get new lenses, check the expiration date and talk to the seller if you have questions about it. And always purchase your contacts from a reputable seller.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\"Irritated\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t

    Irritated eyes?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t

    Our expert optometrists can check for signs of infection and recommend treatment if needed<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBook an exam <\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Contact Lens Care Is a Necessary Part of Eye Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    For contact lens wearers, proper contact lens care<\/a> is extremely important for eye health. This includes following the right steps for cleaning<\/a>, handling, and storing your contacts. Always follow all instructions from your eye doctor and the lens manufacturer, including abiding by expiration dates.<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Yes, all contact lenses have an expiration date, usually between one and four years from the date of manufacture. It\u2019s important not to use expired contacts, even if the package has never been opened.  In addition to the lenses themselves, contact lens prescriptions also expire\u2014usually in one to two years, depending on the state you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":1735,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eyewear","category-contacts"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDo Contacts Expire? | Warby Parker<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Contact lenses aren\u2019t safe to use after they expire. 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