Vision Source Mandan Blog

When Do Contacts Expire?

“How long can you store unopened contact lenses? I normally purchase a year’s worth of contact lenses but I always just add to the previous year’s stock. I throw them all into a drawer and use them as needed. Should I be using them in order of purchase, old to new?”

This is a good question we received from a Bismarck listener. I would tell our listener to check the expiration dates on the contact lenses. Most of the time, your contacts are good for a couple years. But there will come a point when they will expire.
 

Can I use contacts if they are expired?

Just like many different food products, your contact lenses come packed with preservative. This is to keep the contact lenses sterile and safe to insert into your eyes. However, just like food, there comes a time when the preservative will expire and no longer be effective. You increase your risk of an eye infection dramatically by using contacts that are past their due date.

I would advise our listener to use the contacts in order, old to new. This way, you can ensure you will use your contacts before they expire and not “forget” about some of them. Of course, it’s not cost effective to have to throw contacts away because you missed the expiration date.
 

Make sure to use the contacts before they expire!

Top image property of Vision Source Mandan and is not to be used without written permission.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

Read More

Need to Schedule an Appointment?
WE ARE Accepting New Patients

Your vision is precious—trust it to the experienced team at Vision Source Mandan, where we treat you like family
while providing the highest standard of eye care available in the Bismarck-Mandan area.