How long do contacts last?

Contact lenses last as long as the manufacturer's replacement schedule says they will. Dailies last 1 day, monthlies last for 1 month, and unopened contacts last until the expiration date printed on the box or blister pack. The replacement schedule isn't the only factor to consider, though, making "How long do contacts last?" a complicated question.

You might be asking how long you can wear your lenses after opening them, while someone else wants to know if unopened contacts expire while they're sitting on a shelf (or hiding in the back of your bathroom drawer). We'll cover both scenarios, plus help you brush up on recommended replacement schedules, warning signs that it's time for a new pair, and why contact lens prescriptions have their own expiration dates.

Can you wear expired contact lenses?

Contact lenses expire, so you shouldn't use them after the printed expiration date, which is usually printed on the outside of the package and on each blister pack. Expiration dates aren't a suggestion; they're the latest date at which a manufacturer can guarantee that unopened contacts are safe and sterile.

Once a package of contacts reaches your home, quality control is out of the manufacturer's hands. There's no way to know if you'll store your lenses properly or shove them in the back of a humid closet (or worse, forget them in your bookbag or the glove compartment of your car). Even if the package looks fine, wearing expired lenses can put your eyes at risk.

How long do contacts last unopened?

As long as the blister pack remains sealed and properly stored, unopened contacts are good until the date printed on the packaging. 

You shouldn't use a lens if the package is:

• Dried out

• Leaking

• Torn open

• Punctured

• Past the expiration date

Even if you just purchased contacts, it's a good idea to check the expiration date before you open the box. It takes just a few seconds to save yourself from a lot of frustration.

To recap:

• Do contacts expire?

• Do contact lenses expire?

• Can contacts go bad?

Yes, to all three! Contacts expire, and they can even go bad early if you don't follow the manufacturer's storage instructions.

Can you wear expired contact lenses?

You shouldn't wear expired contact lenses, even if it's "only for a few hours."

If your lenses are past the date printed on the box, it's best to grab a fresh pair (or wear glasses until your replacement contacts arrive). Don't put your eye health at risk just to save time.

Have you already inserted a pair of expired lenses? Remove them right away (seriously). Contact an eye care professional right away if you notice:

• Eye pain 

• Discharge

• Light sensitivity

• Redness

• Vision changes

• Eye irritation

The expiration date and the replacement schedule aren't the same thing

A replacement schedule tells you when to throw away your contacts if you've already opened and used them. In contrast, the expiration date tells you whether an unopened lens is safe to use. 

Both matter.

How long are contact lenses good for? As long as it says on the box, provided you haven't opened the lenses yet.

How often do you replace contacts? That's a different question. It depends on your eye doctor's instructions, the manufacturer's replacement schedule, and the directions on the lens packaging.

How long are different types of contacts made to last?

Contacts have different replacement schedules, so it depends on the type of lens you wear. The table below offers general guidance; it's not meant to replace your eye doctor's or the manufacturer's instructions.

Daily disposable contacts

Daily disposable contacts are designed to be worn once and thrown away at the end of the day. Don't clean them, keep them overnight, or try to convince yourself that they're "basically new."

We'll repeat ourselves just so you know how important it is to throw away your daily disposables after one use:

• How long do daily contacts last? One day!

• How long do daily wear contacts last? One day, and one day only.

• How long do 1-day contacts last? They last for a single day, just about as long as Cinderella's pumpkin carriage. 

• How long can you use daily contacts? You can use them for exactly 1 day.

Weekly and biweekly contacts

Weekly or biweekly contacts are reusable lenses that should be replaced on the schedule prescribed for that lens, often after 1 or 2 weeks. You need to clean and store them properly between uses, but doing so doesn't make them last any longer. It just keeps them safe and comfortable.

Monthly contacts

Monthly contacts are typically replaced on a monthly schedule, but they aren't automatically safe to wear continuously for 30 days. Most varieties are designed for daily wear, so you need to remove them before bed each night, not wear them for 30 days with no breaks.

Some monthly lenses are approved for overnights, but not all wearers are good candidates for prolonged use. Take them out before bed unless your eye doctor tells you it's okay to wear them to Dreamland.

Extended-wear contacts

Extended-wear contacts may be approved for overnight wear for a specific amount of time, but only certain lenses and wearers qualify. Don't sleep in these contacts unless you get the go-ahead from your eye doctor.

Rigid gas permeable or hard contacts

RGP or hard contacts may last longer than soft disposable lenses, but they still need cleaning, professional monitoring, and replacement when damaged or no longer appropriate. These lenses are more individualized, so follow your doctor's recommended replacement schedule.

How opened contacts and storage affect lens safety

Once contacts are opened or worn, proper storage helps keep reusable lenses safe between wears, but it doesn't extend the lens replacement schedule.

You can keep things comfortable (and sanitary) by following these tips on how to care for contact lenses:

• Use fresh contact solution every day.

• Don't top off old contact lens solution. Dump it out and replace it.

• Clean your storage case regularly.

• Replace the case as directed.

• Never use water or saliva for lens cleaning or storage.

How long do contacts last in solution?

Contacts in solution are only safe for as long as both the lens replacement schedule and the solution instructions allow. Keep your eyes happy by following the instructions on the label. Just remember that storing contacts in solution doesn't make daily disposables reusable or extend the life of monthly or biweekly lenses.

Still have questions? You're not alone. Many people wonder:

• How long are contacts good for in solution?

• How long do colored contacts last in solution?

The answer is always the same. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or your eye doctor.

Signs your contacts need to be replaced sooner

Replace your contacts sooner if they feel uncomfortable, look damaged, or make your vision less clear.

It may also be time for a new pair if you experience:

• Redness

• Irritation

• Cloudiness

• Blurry vision

• Scratchiness

• Tears

• Pain

• Discharge

• Light Sensitivity

Chips, warping, and dryness are all cause for concern, but a lens can become unsafe even if there's no visible damage. Find an eye doctor if your contacts are contaminated or no longer comfortable.

Risks of wearing old, overworn, or damaged contacts

Wearing old, expired, overworn, or damaged contacts can increase the risk of irritation, blurry vision, infection, and corneal complications. This is because wearing lenses for longer than recommended allows protein deposits to build up over time. Protein is great for workouts, but you don't want it damaging your corneas.  

Contact lens prescriptions expire separately from lenses

A contact lens prescription expiration date is different from the expiration date printed on a box or blister pack of contacts. Lens expiration dates are all about safety and sterility; a prescription indicates whether you have a valid right to order contacts.

When asking how long contact prescriptions last, the answer depends on where you live. Under federal law, they're valid for 1 year, but some states allow for 2 years to make it easier for residents to afford vision care. As long as you have a valid prescription, you can learn how to order contact lenses online, making the process extremely convenient.

Replace contacts on schedule and check the package date

Eye doctors and lens manufacturers have taken all the guesswork out of caring for your lenses. Preserve your eye health by following the manufacturer's replacement schedule, avoiding expired or damaged lenses, and checking unopened contacts for expiration dates.

It's also wise to replace old or expired contact lenses, use fresh solution, and contact an eye care professional if you have symptoms or aren't sure whether your lenses are safe. Once you update your prescription, 1-800 Contacts makes it easy to find your preferred brand.

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!

Original publish date: 3/19/2024

Updated date: 7/29/2026