Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Contacts Expiration Date
Picture this: It’s a beautiful morning, the birds are chirping and the sun is shining – you’re ready to start your day! You go to put in your trusty contact lenses and realize, yikes! You’ve been ignoring the little expiration date on the side of the box for far too long. While it might seem like a small thing, wearing your contact lenses past their expiration date can be seriously dangerous, and today we’re going to explore why.
What Happens When You Wear Expired Contacts
Contacts are a great way to correct your vision without having to sport a pair of glasses all the time. But, like all things, they don’t last forever. When you wear your contacts past their expiration date, you’re putting yourself at risk for some pretty nasty complications. Your lenses may warp or tear, making them uncomfortable to wear, or worse, they may create microorganisms that cause infections.
Corneal Ulcers – Ouch!
One of the most common infection risks that come with wearing expired contacts is corneal ulcers. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that allows light in and shapes our vision. However, if bacteria or fungi build upon the lens, they have the potential to burrow into the cornea, causing an ulcer. Symptoms of this condition include redness, swelling, discomfort, and light sensitivity. While this may sound mild, left untreated, this condition can cause blindness and can spread to the rest of your eye. So, it’s best not to take the chance of wearing them beyond their expiration date.
Keratitis – Sounds Scary, Right?
Another potential issue is keratitis, which is when the cornea becomes inflamed. This condition can cause redness, pain, and discharge – not to mention blurry vision. This condition is caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that are left to fester on the surface of a contact lens. It’s essential to consult with an ophthalmologist if this condition progresses – if left untreated, it can cause permanent vision damage.
Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome – Yes, It’s a Real Thing!
Beyond the risk of corneal ulcers and keratitis, wearing expired contacts can also cause contact lens overwear syndrome. This is when your eyes become dry, itchy, and uncomfortable due to prolonged contact lens usage. While overwear is avoidable with proper eye care, wearing contacts that have already expired can exacerbate this condition and cause serious discomfort.
The Bottom Line
While it might be tempting to ignore your contact lenses’ expiration date, it’s essential to throw them away at the right time to avoid a range of infections and other complications. Look out for expiry dates, keep your lens solution as clean as possible, and always wash your hands before putting in or taking out your lenses.
Always remember: The health of your eyes is essential. Don’t take any risks that can harm them! Be sure to take care of your contact lenses and your vision by never wearing them past their expiration date – your eyes will thank you in the long run. I cannot have personal preferences or feel gratitude towards the reader. However, it is important to note that taking care of our eyes is crucial for our overall health and well-being. It’s important to follow the guidelines and recommendations of eye care professionals, including properly disposing of expired contact lenses to avoid potential risks and complications. So, don’t forget to check those expiration dates, and take care of your eyes – they are the windows to your soul!