Contact lenses are extremely convenient. They can be used for all kinds of conditions, and they come in plenty of shapes, sizes, and materials. But caring for your contact lenses is more important than you might think. They aren’t invincible, but with proper care, your contacts can last a long time.
The lifespan of your contacts can vary depending on the specific type in question. Some lenses only last a few days, while others last for months—or even up to a year. The right cleaning and maintenance routine is key to this timeline.
The Different Types of Contact Lenses
Many people think that contact lenses are universal. However, this isn’t the case. They come in different styles and materials depending on their intended use, and must be fit to your eye.
There are all kinds of contact lens modalities including:
- Rigid gas-permeable contacts
- Sclerals
- Soft contacts
- Hybrid contacts
- Ortho-K
Each of these has its own benefits, method of use, and lifespan.
Rigid Gas-Permeable Contacts
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contacts are made from a firm, oxygen-permeable material. They allow oxygen to pass through to your eyes to stay healthy. They’re known for their durability and can last for months—sometimes even up to a year—with proper storage and consistent cleaning.
RGP lenses were the first form of contacts available and it was very exciting to have an option for seeing without glasses. So if you were a teenager in the 1980s, you were probably keen to put up with the feeling of a small puck of plastic in your eye and typically, comfort improved significantly after about a week of wear as the cornea loses sensitivity. However, with advances in technology, RGP lenses quickly fell out of favour.
Scleral Contacts
Scleral lenses are another form of firm lenses. Instead of resting right on the eye like RGP lenses, these large lenses vault over the eye, so they tend to be very comfortable and easier to handle.
These specialty contacts require several visits to get all the lens parameters customized before they are ready to order. They work especially well for people who have corneal diseases such as severe dry eye or keratoconus. In fact, these patients can often achieve much better vision with scleral contacts than with their glasses or any other type of contact lens.
Soft Contacts
Soft contact lenses are much more comfortable than rigid lenses, and therefore the most popular lens type. They’re flexible and made of materials that conform easily to the shape of your eye, once the appropriate fitting parameters have been achieved by your optometrist. These lenses come in a range of replacement schedules, including daily disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly options.
Daily disposable lenses are thrown away after a single use, so they’re ideal for those who prefer convenience and minimal cleaning. Bi-weekly and monthly lenses, on the other hand, can be re-used for 14 or 30 days respectively, from when the blister pack containing the contact lens is opened. The lenses must be removed and cleaned with an appropriate solution before sleeping. Water should never be used to clean your lenses because of the bacteria and Acanthamoeba found in water which are high infection risks. The duration of use is determined during testing at the time of FDA approval with the intention of maximizing ocular surface health and reducing risk of infection which can cause blindness.
All soft lenses, as well as the foil and plastic from their blister backs can be recycled at your optometrist office.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses combine RGP with a soft lens skirt. The idea was that with the combination of lens modalities, it might provide prescriptions in the ranges available with RGP lenses while improving comfort from the soft lens skirt. However, this lens design fell out of favor quite quickly with the advance of extended range soft contact lenses and Scleral lenses.
Do Contact Lenses Expire?
No matter the type of lens in question, they all have expiration dates. These are clearly printed on the packaging—and often the case as well—and should always be followed. They indicate when your lens, case, and cleaning solution are no longer safe to use.
Over time, the protective seal of your storage case and cleaning solution can become compromised. This allows bacteria to enter, where they then multiply and thrive. Eventually, they can spread to the surface of the lens, and then transmit to your eye itself.
The lens itself can also break down over time; they’re vulnerable to wear and tear.. This can eventually irritate, or even scratch, the surface of your eye and lead to all kinds of vision problems.
Can You Wear Expired Contacts?
You should never wear expired contact lenses. They pose a significant threat to your eyes and vision. Wearing expired contacts can cause:
- Increased risk of corneal ulcers
- Serious eye infections
- Reduced oxygen flow to the eyes
- Vision problems and blurriness
- Irritation, dryness, and discomfort
Expired contacts aren’t worth the risk. Once they’ve passed their prime, it’s time to replace them to keep your eyes safe and comfortable.
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Contact Lenses
Proper care for your contacts is essential. This helps them reach the expiration date and keeps your eyes safe from potential harm. Try to establish a proper routine that gives you time to clean and maintain your lenses.
To take care of your lenses, follow these tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Use only the cleaning solution recommended by your optometrist—avoid tap water.
- Store your contacts in a clean case, paying attention to the expiration date.
- Stick to the replacement schedule provided by your optometrist or lens manufacturer.
- Avoid sleeping, swimming, or showering with your lenses unless advised otherwise.
- Do not wear your contact lenses while you are sick
- Avoid purchasing discount contacts online which are typically out dated lens materials with poor breathability that rick the health of your eye.
Proper contact lens maintenance is key to keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Don’t put your eyes at risk!
What Contact Lenses Are Right For You?
With so many types of contact lenses to choose from, the right fit is key. And here at Tutt Street Optometry, we’re ready to help. Our team can work with you to find a pair that suits your prescription, comfort, and lifestyle. Book your appointment with us today—it’s the first step toward a world of clear vision!
