Signs That Your Contacts are Ready to Be Replaced

Have you ever worn your contact lenses past their expiration date? Many people do this to get the most use out of them—but it can be bad for your eyes. Knowing when to replace contact lenses can help protect your eyes from infection and eye conditions.

Your lenses may last a day, a few weeks, months, or even a year. We’ll go over all your options here, plus how to tell when contacts need to be replaced and some contact care tips. 

To ensure you’re getting the best fit for your daily routine and lifestyle, schedule an appointment for a contact lens exam at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center.

When to Replace Contact Lenses

The easiest way to tell how often to change your contacts is to look at the label on the contacts’ packaging. Even if you follow a daily regimen for cleaning your contact lenses, you should replace them according to the label to prevent buildup that can increase the risk of eye infections. 

Here’s how long different types of contacts last:

• Daily disposable lenses: These contact lenses should be disposed of and replaced after being worn one time.
• 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.
• Reusable lenses: Traditional lenses can be worn for up to 6 months or longer, depending on the brand.
• Gas permeable (GP): GP contact lenses aren’t as likely to collect deposits as soft contact lenses and can last a year or longer before being replaced.

4 Signs Your Contacts May Be Expired or Need Replacement

Wondering how to know if your contact lenses are expired? It’s right there on the package. 

It’s important to pay attention to the expiration date marked on your contact lenses and only wear them 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 indicate it may be time to replace them.

1. Your Contacts Are Irritating and Feel Uncomfortable

Old contact lenses can accumulate protein deposits and bacteria, causing irritation and discomfort. 

If your eye doctor fits your contact lenses correctly, they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable—so if you’ve cleaned your contact lenses and are still experiencing irritation, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace them.  

Prolonged wear of uncomfortable lenses can lead to more severe issues, such as eye scratches or infections.

2. Your Lenses Appear Cloudy

Regularly inspect your lenses and clean them thoroughly. If you still have cloudy or blurry vision after cleaning your contact lenses with a saline rinse, they may be expired. 

Bacteria buildup, protein deposits, or the breakdown of the lens material over time may be causing your contacts to appear cloudy. This buildup can interfere with your vision, cause discomfort, and put you at risk for dry eye or infections.

3. Your Lenses Are Bent Out of Shape

If your contact lenses are noticeably bent or dented, you should replace them. Bent or torn lenses can scratch the cornea and make it easier for bacteria to pass through, increasing the risk of infection and other complications. 

Damaged lenses can also affect your vision. Always handle them with care and inspect them before use. If you notice a lens is torn, jagged, or bent, toss it out and use a new one.

4. You Want Lenses with Better Features

There are many types of contact lenses on the market that are designed for different conditions and preferences. 

 For example, you might want lenses with more hydration if you have dry eye, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, toric lenses for astigmatism, UV protection, or simply contacts you can wear for longer. 

Switching to lenses with better features may be the answer to your discomfort. Talk to your eye doctor to explore your options.

Proper Contact Lens Care and Maintenance

Knowing how often to change your contacts is important, but properly caring for them is equally essential. Here are some tips to get the most life out of your lenses:

• Use fresh solution: Clean your lenses with fresh saline solution daily. Never use water or saliva, which can introduce harmful bacteria. Also, always store your lenses in fresh solution.
• Rub and rinse: Gently rub your lenses for a few seconds to remove debris. Rinse them with fresh solution afterward.
• Clean your case: Rinse your contact lens case with fresh solution (not water) every day and let it air dry. Keep the case closed when it’s not in use.
• Avoid wearing lenses too long: Follow the recommended wearing schedule, and don’t sleep in your contacts unless they’re designed for it.
• Check for damage: Inspect your lenses for any tears, chips, or debris before you insert them. 
• Follow the replacement schedule: Replace your lenses as recommended by your eye care professional. Wearing lenses past their replacement date increases the risk of discomfort.

Preventing Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections

Bacteria and other microorganisms can easily accumulate on contact lenses, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and other eye infections. Use these tips to prevent buildup and germs:

• Wash your hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses so you don’t transfer dirt or bacteria to your eyes. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
• Prevent buildup: Remove your lenses before swimming or showering to prevent exposure to harmful microorganisms.
• Replace your lens case: Clean your contact lens case with fresh solution every day and replace it every three months to minimize bacterial growth.
• Know when to consult an eye doctor: If you experience ongoing discomfort, redness,  irritation, pain, or excessive tearing despite proper care, consult your eye doctor. Any sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or halos, should also be addressed immediately.

Need to Replace Your Contacts?

If your contacts are expired, prescription is outdated, or eyes are irritated despite proper cleaning and care, it’s time to replace your contacts. 

Make an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center, where our eye doctors can ensure your prescription is updated for the best fit, check your eyes for other causes of discomfort, and offer advice about the best lenses for you.

How to Tell When Contacts Need to Be Replaced FAQ

How often should I change my contact lenses?

Change your contact lenses as recommended: daily, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the type. Always follow your eye doctor’s guidance for replacement schedules.

Can I wear my contacts beyond the recommended usage time?

No, wearing contacts beyond the recommended time can cause discomfort, infections, and eye damage. Always follow the usage guidelines provided by your eye doctor.

How can I prevent discomfort from wearing old contacts?

Replace your contacts as scheduled, clean them properly, and avoid wearing them beyond their lifespan to prevent discomfort and potential eye infections.