You’re preparing for work, say, and you reach for your go-to contact lens solution. The expiration date pops up, from months ago, and you think to yourself, "Well, it’s a solution; how bad can it get?" If you’ve ever done this, you are not alone. But before you brush it off, we need to go a little further into understanding the dangers of using expired contact lens solutions. Warning: It’s a big deal!

Expired Doesn’t Just Mean Old – It’s Dangerous

Let’s get into the basics. You know how you find that certain products (chips or cereal) aren’t that bad after they expire? Okay, maybe they’re kind of stale, but it’s not going to hurt you. However, contact lens solutions are a different ballgame. When these solutions run out, they no longer work, and the worst part is they can be detrimental.

We mean bacteria, fungi and anything else bad that might land in your eyes. That sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Nah, I didn’t think so.

Why Expiry Dates Matter: More Than Just a Suggestion

The expiry dates are there for a reason, and it’s not that companies are simply overprotective. Contact lens solutions are formulated with disinfectants to destroy harmful microorganisms that may otherwise colonize your lenses. As the disinfectants degrade over time, after the expiration date, they cease to function effectively, which is kind of...well, let’s just say fickle.

And without the decontamination ability, all you’ve got is water. And guess what’s a water-loving beast? Bacteria. With expired solutions, you’re inviting these microscopic invaders to party on. Don’t look good, does it?

A Playground for Bacteria and Fungi

And speaking of bacteria, expired solution can rustle your contact lenses into a microbiome. After the disinfectants run out, your lenses can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and other microbes you don’t want around your eyes. Have you ever heard of Acanthamoeba keratitis? It’s a very rare infection that can lead to permanent blindness. And that’s only one of the pathogens you might be opening the door to.

We’re not trying to scare you; we’re trying to give you some warning. Your eyes are ultra sensitive, and if you touch unclean or poorly cleaned lenses, the damage can be extensive and persistent.

The False Sense of Security: Clear Doesn’t Mean Clean

One of the hardest things about old solutions is that they never look different than they did when you first received them. It will never show you oozing fluid or mold or anything that would shout "throw me out!" And that’s what makes expired solutions so harmful: you feel like it’s safe.

It just kind of says, "hey, it looks okay, it smells okay, it feels okay—so it must be OK." Well, that’s the rat trap. Clear isn’t always clean. All the germs in that bottle are not to be seen but their potential for destruction is absolutely real.

The Unseen Damage: Infections, Irritation, and More

Using an old contact lens solution will give you more than a dry and itchy eye. You’re exposed to infections that can take weeks or months to heal. And worse, infections, such as the Acanthamoeba one we mentioned earlier, might permanently blind you.

Although if you’re lucky enough to stay out of the scrape, using expired solution can still result in itchy, dry eyes. The reason is the solution becomes dehydrating with time. Then there is the pain, the swelling, the feeling like something’s in your eye all the time. Not great if you’re trying to get your work done or have a good weekend, right?

How to Safeguard Your Eyes (And Your Peace of Mind)

What then, if you’re staring down a bottle of old product? Throw it away. No hesitations. No "just maybe." Toss it out and buy a new bottle. Your eyes are worth more than a few extra days of trying to squeeze the last drop out of an old bottle.

Some helpful suggestions to keep your use of an effective solution in check are:

• Always Check the Expiry Date: Look at the expiration date every time you open a new bottle. Put it on your calendar if you have to.
• Proper Storage: Keep your solution in a cool, dry area. High temperatures and humidity decrease the shelf life of the disinfectants.
• Using the Right Quantity: Don’t try to overdo your solution by taking less than is needed. It is imperative to clean your lenses every time.
• Replace Frequently: Contact lens solutions are intended to be replaced frequently, even if the bottle is not fully empty. Once opened, it gets air and bacteria on it and is not as good for a long time.
• Don’t Mix and Match: Don’t try to refill an old bottle with a new solution. This can thin the new solution and contaminate it.

What Happens If You’ve Used an Expired Solution?

You had an expired solution and you misused it, now what? Take your lenses off as soon as you feel a bit discomfort, or you feel red or discharged in any other way and give your eyes a rest. Wash them with saline or fresh solution if you have one, and don’t wear your lenses until you’ve seen an eye doctor.

Even if your eyes are still clear and you’re now concerned, you should still give your lenses a good cleaning in a new solution and perhaps stop wearing them for the day. Better safe than sorry!

Prevention is Better Than Cure (And So Much Easier)

You can avoid infection, irritation and damage with one single rule: Don’t use expired solutions. It is a waste of a nearly full bottle, but your vision is priceless. If you take care of your eyes today, you will not be suffering from something that could have been avoided in the future.

Short and simple, applying a used contact lens solution is like taking a gamble with your eyes — a game that can cause discomfort, infections or irreversible vision loss. The stakes are too high and the answer is clear: check the expiration date and never compromise your eyesight.