Signs That Your Contacts are Ready to Be Replaced

While many people may attempt to wear their contact lenses past their expiration date to get the most use out of them, it’s important to replace them according to the expiration date to maintain your eye health. Knowing when to replace contact lenses can help protect your eyes from infection and eye conditions such as dry eye.

Your lenses may last a day, a few weeks, months, or even a year depending on the type of contact lenses you wear. That’s why at Pearle Vision, we make sure to go over all your options to ensure you’re getting the best fit for you daily routine and lifestyle. If you’re thinking of making the switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses, schedule an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center to get a contact lens exam and go over all your options.

When to Replace Contact Lenses

Even if you follow a daily regimen for cleaning your contact lenses, they should be replaced according to the label to prevent buildup that can increase the risk of eye infections. How long contacts last will depend on the following classification:

• Daily disposable lenses: These contact lenses should be disposed of and replaced after being worn one time.
• Reusable lenses: Traditional lenses can be worn up to 6 months or longer, depending on the brand.
• Disposable lenses: Typically, these contact lenses should be replaced every two weeks.
• Frequent replacement lenses: In general, these contact lenses should be replaced every month.

How long do gas permeable (GP) contact lenses last? GP contact lenses aren’t as likely to collect lens deposits as soft contact lenses and don’t need to be discarded as frequently. Most GP lenses can last a year or longer before being replaced.

Expired Contact Lens Symptoms and Signs

It’s important to pay attention to the expiration date marked on your contact lenses and only wear your contacts for the recommended amount of time. Wearing your contact lenses past the expiration date can negatively impact your eye health. Here are a few expired contact lens symptoms that can help indicate when it’s time to replace your contacts:

1. 1. Your Contacts Are Irritating and Feel Uncomfortable
   

   Expired contact lens symptoms include irritation and discomfort. If your contact lenses are fitted correctly by your eye doctor they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or irritate your eyes. If you’ve cleaned your contact lenses and are still experiencing irritation, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace them.

   
   
2. 2. Your Lenses Appear Cloudy
   

   If after cleaning your contact lenses with a saline rinse your vision seems cloudy or blurry, they may be expired. Bacteria buildup may be causing your contacts to appear cloudy, which can put you at risk for dry eye or infections.

   
   
3. 3. Your Lenses Become Bent Out of Shape
   

   If your contact lenses are noticeably bent or dented, you should replace them. Damage to the lens makes it easier for bacteria to pass through and infect your eyes.

If you’re prescription is outdated or your eyes are experiencing irritation from wearing contact lenses too long, take a look at the contact brands we carry and make an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center. Our eye doctors can check your eyes for infection and ensure your prescription is updated for the best fit.