Do you change contact lenses frequently? Here’s what happens when they expire

Eye Care is easy to take at age where you can access it Contact lenses This is especially true at age when laser correction surgery is widely available. However, the clear plastic discs that slip into each eye each morning are still a relatively new invention. There is also risk if you handle it correctly and replace it if necessary.

It wasn’t Almost until 1950 The first modern plastic contact lenses were introduced, and disposable contact lenses didn’t hit the market until the ’80s. As Dr. Robert Kinast said, “We consider contact lenses to be very normal, but 100 years ago, no one roamed the little plastic in their eyes.”

Kinast, Kinast, vice-chairman and co-founder of Ophthalmology at the Legacy Devers Eye Institute. Gentleman“Contact lenses are foreign objects and should be treated with respect.” To that end, we spoke with eye experts to learn how to look after contact lenses and when to replace them.

How long will the contacts last?

The lifespan of contact lenses depends on several factors. Dr. Minar AgarwalOptometrist and podcast host explains, “soft daily disposables are full, so you’ll need to throw them away after a day.” At the other end of the spectrum, she says, “A hard lens can last for a year or two with proper care.” According to Agarwal, the most important rule is always to follow the replacement schedule recommended by ophthalmologists.

Soft lenses are the most commonly worn contact lenses, according to Dr. Jovi Boparai, Ophthalmic surgeon and co-founder and CEO. cornea. He explains these lenses “will range from daily disposable to weekly, biweekly, or monthly.” However, “hard gas permeable contact lenses can last for a long time, from months to a year.” These lenses are made of hard plastic.

Most contact lenses last for the intended period, but some factors can shorten their lifespan. For example, dust and smoke can cling to the lens and become unusable. If there is Wildfires in your area Or, with a high allergen count, your lenses will start to feel uncomfortable, you may want to throw them early.

How to know if a contact has expired

The easiest way to measure whether a contact expires is to look at the date in the box. According to Boarpai, unopened contact lenses generally have a shelf life of 1-4 years from the date of manufacture.

Besides checking the expiration date, you also need to pay attention to the appearance of the lenses. Older lenses can exhibit discoloration and damage, according to Dr. Boparai. He also warns that expired contacts can develop deposits – meaning the accumulation of residues in the lens.

On the other hand, even if your contacts look good, your contacts may still expire. Agarwal said, “The lens may look the same as on the first day, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to use yet.” In short, you should first postpone it to its expiration date, but if there is obvious damage or it is painful, then throw it away.

Expired contact lens symptoms

When life gets busy, it’s easy to lose sight of a schedule that changes your lens. In that case, the lenses may let you know that they have expired before you even have the opportunity to track the dates of the box.

“Wearing expired contact can cause redness, pain and discomfort, irritation, blurred vision, excessive dryness and infection,” warns Agarwal. These symptoms should be taken as red flags. Your doctor advises, “If you experience any of these symptoms, remove the lens and consult your ophthalmologist.”

According to Boparai, additional symptoms may include “flame eyes, light sensitivity, excretion, foreign body sensation, swelling of the eyelid.”

Signs that you are ready to exchange contacts

It is worth noting that you may not always experience symptoms when you are ready to change your contact information. Even if you think your contacts could last for a few more weeks, it’s essential to stick to a proper schedule. As Agarwal explains, “In most cases, if you are ready to replace the lens, you will not be symptomatic.”

However, your doctor will repeat that if you have been in contact for a long time, you may notice vision problems, painful symptoms, or “accumulation of torn or damaged lenses, and/or lens deposits or debris.” This is definitely time Switch to a fresh pair.

How often do I need to change my contact lenses?

The easiest answer is to follow the recommended duration of use. Boparai repeats that lenses need to be changed based on “the lifespan of contact lenses, as recommended by ophthalmologists.”

You can also consider the amount of time you wear the lenses per day. According to Optometrist NetworkApproximately half of all contact lens wearers do not follow the wear schedule recommended by the doctor. This can lead to something called contact lens overwear syndrome. This occurs when the lens interferes with its ability to absorb oxygen. It may be left untreated and experience bloody eyes, infections, or damaged cornea.

Both doctors we spoke to insisted you should Don’t sleep in contact Unless recommended by your doctor. This can help prevent overware syndrome and reduce the risk of infections and ulcers. It also provides an incentive to check your lenses every morning to make sure it’s not time to change your lenses.

How to care for contact lenses

Proper care for your contacts will not only maximize your lifespan, but also prevent eye infections. First and foremost, you need to constantly treat your contact lenses with clean hands. American Academy of Ophthalmology. The tissue also recommends using a “scrub and rinse” method every time you use the lens. This means first rubbing the lens with a clean finger and then rinsing it with a contact lens solution.

Contact lenses increase the risk of eye inflammation and infection, Boparai says. He adds that proper contact lens hygiene includes rinsing the lens for 10-20 seconds prior to wear, preventing contact with the cornea when adding or removing the lens. Boparai also recommends changing your contact lens solution daily.

Meenal emphasizes the importance of storing lenses in a clean case and replacing them every three months. She should not use water or saliva to clean contact lenses.

How to prevent contact lens-related eye infections

The most common ocular infection associated with contact lenses is keratitis. Mayo Clinic It is described as cornea inflammation. And there are a lot of infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed contact lens-related infections between 2005 and 2015 and determined that “keratitis from any cause, including contact lens wear.” Visits to approximately 1 million clinics and emergency departments Every year. “

The Kakachi says Wearing expansion wear lenses, I’m sleeping on the lens And maintaining a dirty lens case can all make you vulnerable to this type of infection. Mayo Clinic warns that poor contact lens hygiene will allow for the growth of bacteria, fungi and parasites that can infect the cornea.

Agarwal adds to this advice, contact lens wearers should not share or reuse the lenses. She also warns, “Do not wear contacts to the pool, hot tub or shower,” and removes the lens with the first sign of discomfort. Do not use saliva to clean the lenses. This is as if this warns you that it will make you more vulnerable to infection.

What about colored contacts and costume contacts?

Cosmetic contacts, especially non-prescription costume lenses, can be used to make your eyes and American Academy of Ophthalmology A medical professional warns against wearing unprescribed contact lenses. In fact, it is against the law We sell contact lenses without a prescription This is because in the United States there is a risk of eye infections and permanent eye damage due to inadequate lenses that can damage the wearer’s eyes.

There are formulated cosmetic lenses on the market, but they are mainly used to hide eye problems from birth, but they must be made specifically for the wearer’s eyes.

If you are wearing contact lenses, when to contact your ophthalmologist

AAO says patients at a low risk of eye disease should get an eye test At least every two years Until age 64, unless your doctor recommends more frequent exams. The standard tests are for the year after age 65.

However, even if you are not at high risk, if you experience eye pain, persistent redness or swelling, or lens intolerance or discomfort, you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

The vision change also calls for another visit to an ophthalmologist, Boparai said. He emphasizes that if you have unpleasant symptoms or loss of vision, “your ophthalmologist will help guide your management to keep your eyes comfortable and clear.”

Conclusion

If you are in doubt, do not overwear contact lenses. They will immediately throw them away, start hurting your eyes, or appear to be damaged as soon as they expire. It’s not uncomfortable to wear lenses inappropriately. It can also lead to serious infections. If something appears to be wrong, don’t be afraid to call your ophthalmologist.