If you wear contact lenses, you've most likely cleaned, rinsed, and stored them with contact solution on a regular basis. But did you know that contact solution has an expiration date, and using it after that period can harm your eyes?
All contact lens solutions are made in a sterile environment to keep your lenses clean and safe. However, if the solution is unsealed or left unused for an extended period of time, its chemical makeup can begin to degrade. This decreases its capacity to adequately clean lenses, raising the risk of eye discomfort, infections, and more serious consequences like keratitis (corneal inflammation).
Signs Your Contact Lens Solution May Be Unsafe
Even if your contact solution hasn’t expired yet, there are certain signs that it may no longer be effective or safe. Regularly replacing your contact solution is crucial, but being aware of these warning signs can help you avoid discomfort and prevent more serious eye health problems.
The Solution Changes Appearance
If your contact solution becomes cloudy, contains visible particles, or changes in consistency, it may indicate that the solution has either expired or become contaminated. Fresh contact solution should be clear and free of debris. Any noticeable changes in its appearance suggest that the preservatives may have deteriorated, or that the solution has been exposed to contaminants, making it unsafe for use.
The Solution Has an Unpleasant Odor
Your contact solution should have no smell. If you detect an unusual or unpleasant odor coming from your solution, this could be a sign of bacterial contamination or a breakdown of the chemical ingredients in the solution. A strange odor is a clear indication that the solution is no longer effective and should be discarded immediately to protect your eyes.
You Experience Discomfort or Irritation When Using the Solution
If you experience discomfort, redness, or irritation after inserting your contact lenses, an expired or contaminated solution might be the cause. When contact solution loses its potency, it may fail to clean or disinfect your lenses properly, allowing proteins and other residues to build up and cause irritation. If these symptoms appear unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to check the condition of your contact solution to ensure it’s still safe to use.
Suggested Read: How to Choose the Right Contact Lens Solution?
Essential Contact Lens Solution Dos and Don’ts
Store Your Contact Solution Correctly
Always keep your contact solution in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and light can break down the preservatives in the solution, reducing its effectiveness in cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. It’s also best to avoid storing your solution in the bathroom, as the humidity there can negatively impact its quality.
Prevent Contamination
To minimize the risk of contamination, always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact solution or lenses. Be careful not to touch the nozzle of the solution bottle on any surface, including your fingers, and ensure the cap is securely closed after each use. This helps keep the solution free from contaminants that could compromise its safety.
Follow the Usage Instructions
It’s crucial to use your contact solution as directed by the manufacturer. Always fill your lens case with fresh solution and avoid reusing old solution. This ensures that your lenses are properly cleaned and disinfected, which is essential for maintaining your eye health and comfort.
Knowing When to Buy a New Bottle of Contact Solution
Beyond simply checking the expiration date, it’s also important to consider how long your contact solution has been open. Many manufacturers advise replacing the solution within 90 days of opening, as prolonged exposure to air and potential contaminants can diminish its effectiveness. If the bottle has been left open or the nozzle has touched any surfaces, it’s wise to replace the solution immediately.
If you’re uncertain about whether your contact solution is still safe to use, it’s better to be cautious and discard it in favor of a new bottle. Safeguarding your eye health is far too important to take risks with a solution that might be compromised. It’s also essential to change your solution each time you wear your contacts, as reusing solutions puts you at risk of serious infections.
Read More : Contact Lenses, Benefits, Types and Uses
Conclusion
Yes, contact lens solution does expire—and using it past its expiry date or beyond the recommended period after opening can put your eye health at serious risk. Always check the expiration date, store it properly, and discard it as advised to ensure safe and effective lens care.
Protect your vision—schedule an eye test today to ensure your lenses and solution are working safely for your eyes.
FAQ
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Can I use an expired contact lens solution?
Using contact lens solution past its expiration date can lead to serious eye complications, including a higher risk of infections like keratitis. Expired solution may no longer effectively kill bacteria, fungi, or other harmful pathogens, allowing them to multiply and cause eye irritation or more severe conditions.
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How long can you keep contact lens solutions open?
Once opened, most contact lens solutions should be used within 90 days, even if there’s some left in the bottle. After this period, the sterility and effectiveness of the solution can degrade, increasing the risk of eye infections. Always check the product label for specific instructions from the manufacturer, and store the bottle in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed.
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Can I use water instead of a contact solution?
No, using water as a substitute for contact lens solution is never safe, even temporarily. It can cause serious eye irritation or infection. If your lenses have come into contact with water, remove them immediately and replace them with a fresh pair.
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Can I leave my contact lenses without a solution?
Contact lenses need to remain clean and properly hydrated, which requires daily soaking in fresh contact lens solution. If you find yourself without a solution, it's safer to discard the lenses and use a new pair rather than risk eye irritation or infection.
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