Can Contact Lenses Expire? The Hidden Risks You Need to Know Before Using Old Lenses
31st Jan 2025
Let’s be honest—when it comes to contact lenses, we’ve all had that moment of thinking, “They’re still sealed; they’ll be fine!” It’s tempting to push the limits, especially when you’ve only just opened the box.
But here’s the truth: using expired contact lenses isn’t just bending the rules—it could seriously harm your eyes.
Why do contact lenses expire?
Much like food or medication, contact lenses have a shelf life. The expiration date is there for two key reasons - sterility and material degradation.
Contact lenses are stored in a sterile saline solution to keep them clean and safe. Over time, the packaging and solution can degrade, allowing bacteria to infiltrate and pose a risk to your eyes.
The lens material can also degrade over time, even in sealed packaging. Old lenses may become less flexible, less breathable, or more prone to tearing.
What happens if you use expired contact lenses?
Using expired contact lenses may seem harmless at first glance—after all, they’re sealed and look fine. However, the risks associated with using lenses past their expiration date are real and could have serious consequences for your eye health.
A study titled “Investigating the Shelf Life of Disposable Soft Contact Lenses” explored the safety of unopened lenses beyond their expiry date. Researchers tested 54 sealed soft contact lenses for bacterial and fungal contamination, and the results were concerning.
Some expired lenses showed clear signs of contamination, highlighting the potential dangers of ignoring expiration dates.
Real-world experiences back this up. In a Reddit discussion, one user shared how they wore expired lenses and quickly felt irritation in one eye.
Source: Reddit
Another person, after hearing warnings from their wife and doctor friend while on holiday, decided to avoid the risk altogether, saying:
"Reddit, my wife, and my doctor friend we are on vacay with scared me out of using them. Just gonna use glasses. It's not worth it."
These conversations highlight the uncertainty and risks of using expired lenses. While some people might not experience immediate problems, the potential for contamination, material degradation, and eye infections makes it a gamble not worth taking.
Can you get contact lenses with an expired prescription in New Zealand?
No, not legally. In New Zealand, prescriptions for contact lenses are typically valid for one to two years, after which you’ll need an updated eye exam. Some may recommend more frequent evaluations.
Your vision can change over time, and even minor shifts may lead to discomfort or blurry sight. In some cases, these changes can signal underlying eye conditions such as dry eye, astigmatism, or infections—each requiring proper monitoring and care.
When in doubt, ask your optometrist
If you’re unsure whether your lenses are still safe to use or your prescription has expired, reach out to your optometrist. In New Zealand, many offer telehealth consultations, making it easy to get expert advice without stepping into a clinic.
You can ask about alternative lens options, emergency steps if an expired lens causes irritation, or any symptoms that may require an in-person visit.
Final thoughts
While it may seem harmless to use expired contact lenses, the risks far outweigh the convenience.
So if you’re tempted to stretch the life of your contact lenses, have a rethink. Is it really worth the risk? Trust us—it’s not. Stick to fresh, in-date contact lenses, and your eyes will thank you for it.
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