How long do contact lenses last?
Contact lenses are convenient, but they aren't designed to be permanent fixtures on your eyeballs. Even the best contacts can go bad without proper care (sort of like room-temperature cheese.)
The lifespan of your contacts depends on everything from brand to material, so you actually need to read all that fine print to determine exactly how long your contacts are supposed to last.
Understanding contact lens lifespan
Contact lenses come in daily, monthly, and extended-wear varieties.
Daily disposable lenses
Daily disposable lenses are designed for — wait for it — daily one-time use. These soft, permeable lenses are easy on your eyes and can be bought in bulk.
Monthly disposable lenses
Monthly disposable contacts are similar to dailies but are removed at night and reused each day for up to a month.
Despite the monthly wear label, you shouldn't actually keep these contacts in your eyes for a whole month. Soaking the lenses in contact solution overnight is the standard treatment for monthly contacts.
Extended wear lenses
If nightly removal seems daunting, extended wear contact lenses could be an option. Designed for continuous use, these lenses pop into your eyes and stay there for up to 7 days at a time.
Factors affecting contact lens longevity
So, how long are contacts good for in real life? It depends how you're treating them and whether you've exposed them to conditions that could break down the lenses before their time.
Proper cleaning and maintenance
When it comes to making contact lenses last, maintenance matters. Lens cleaners designed specifically for soaking contacts are a must-have item for safe use. How long and how often to clean your lenses depends on the specific brand and style. Other than daily disposables, which should be thrown away after a single use, most contacts are intended to be cleaned on a regular schedule, usually nightly.
Environmental factors
Air quality and humidity can affect the life span of your contact lenses. Allergens that irritate the eyes could also make contacts feel uncomfortable, so people with allergies may prefer disposable contacts. If environmental conditions dry out your eyes, this could lead to short-term irritation that necessitates a switch to a new pair.
Individual eye health
The health of your eyes impacts contact lens use. Regular eye checkups identify potential problems and help keep your eyes healthy so your contact lenses keep performing right up to their official expiration date.
Signs your contact lenses need replacement
Knowing when to replace your contact lenses is as important as choosing high-quality lenses in the first place. Fortunately, there are signs that let you know it's time for a change.
Discomfort or irritation
If you've noticed eye inflammation, pain, or discomfort, you may need to replace your contacts. Blurry vision, light sensitivity, and eye discharge can also indicate a problem.
Eye issues often develop because of overextended contacts use or poor hygiene when putting in the contacts.
Reduced vision clarity
When your contacts don't seem to be providing you with a clear view of the world, you may need a new prescription. Natural changes in the eyes could be the culprit, or you may simply need to try a different type of contacts.
Proper disposal and expiration considerations
Keeping track of expiration dates and the number of days you've been wearing extended-wear or daily-wear disposable contacts helps you know when to dispose of each pair.
Expiration dates
Expiration dates are printed on the packaging, so check the dates before use. Unopened contact lenses can break down or collect debris on the surface over time, so you should stick to unexpired lenses for safety's sake.
Safe disposal practices
Most contact lenses are designed to be thrown in the trash after use. Some brands offer a recycling program directly through the manufacturer but contact lenses shouldn't be tossed in the recycling bin or flushed down a toilet or sink. Using lenses designed for longer wear can limit the number of lenses you throw away.
How long do contacts last?
The lifespan of your contacts depends on a lot of factors, and each type is designed for a specific use pattern. Adhering to the recommended contact lens replacement schedule helps prevent everything from annoyingly dry eyes to serious infections. Find the brand your eye care professional recommends at 1-800 Contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I wear my contact lenses for longer than the recommended duration?
No. Well, technically, you could, but the results won't be pretty. Wearing contacts longer than recommended is a quick path to infections and irritation that leave your eyes red, puffy, and full of regrets.
Can I use expired contact lenses in an emergency?
Emergency use of expired contact lenses is another of those not-great ideas that you're likely to regret in hindsight. Stick with unexpired lenses or use glasses for a couple of days until a new box of contacts arrives.
What do I do if my contact lenses feel uncomfortable before the recommended replacement time?
If your lenses feel uncomfortable, that's a sign that it's time to swap to a different pair — even if it's not quite the recommended replacement time yet.