Wearing life of contact lenses [contact-form-7 404 “Not Found”] Share cost data ▲▼ Add your price to the database City * Cost (RUB) * Comment Contents Nuances of contact lens service life

Expiration date of closed packaging and terms of wearing lenses and the difference between them

Manufacturers of lenses of any type indicate the expiration date of their products on the packaging. This date determines the time period during which the sterility and wearability of optical products located in factory containers is guaranteed.

The expiration date of an unopened lens package is located on the top of the container, which is made of foil. The first digits indicate the year, and the second digits indicate the month. The packaging also indicates the maximum period for which vision correctors can be left in a sterile saline solution.

Manufacturers also indicate on the cover such characteristic features of contact lenses as:

1. Brand and manufacturer name

Raw materials for the production of correctors

2. Radius of base curvature
3. Product size
4. Optical power of correctors
5. Special parameters for certain types of lenses

Contact lenses are sold in individual plastic containers hermetically sealed with foil. In containers, optical products are kept in a sterile saline solution. After opening the package, the liquid loses its sterile qualities and requires immediate replacement.

Here we can already talk about the service life of correctors. The wearing period of lenses is the maximum period during which optical products can be used. This indicator is indicated on the blister cover or on the packaging itself. Some manufacturers may indicate the wearing time of their optical products on the annotations located in the box with lenses.

The classification of optics of this group according to service life is primarily determined by their types. In addition, the duration of operation is determined by:

• Thickness
• Percentage of water
• Chemical structure of the material
• Manufacturing method
• Environmental situation around

Of great importance are the physiological characteristics of each individual patient and his compliance with the peculiarities of care for correctors.

When purchasing corrective optical products, you should carefully study the wearing mode and not confuse it with the wearing period. It is also worth understanding that expiration dates and maximum wearing time are two completely different indicators.

The expiration date shows the period during which the lenses can be used until their original packaging is opened, while the wear period indicates the time period for direct use of optical products after the disposable container has been printed and the correctors themselves have been placed in special containers with multifunctional properties. liquid for storing lenses. This is the difference between expiration date and service life.

Each type of corrector has its own wearing period, which is set by the manufacturer. They determine the following terms for replacing optical products:

• Daily
• Frequently scheduled
• Planned
• Traditional

It is necessary to strictly adhere to all terms and rules for using lenses. This will extend the life of correctors and prevent the development of ophthalmic diseases.

Terms of wearing lenses depending on the type of optics

In modern ophthalmology, various contact lenses are used for vision correction, aesthetic changes in eye color, or for therapeutic purposes.

They are classified according to many indicators, among which it is worth highlighting the material of manufacture, frequency of product replacement, wearing mode, design, optical properties and degree of transparency. But, as a rule, all corrective optical products are divided into soft and hard lenses.

In turn, soft contact products are divided according to wear time into:

1. Traditional. The maximum wearing time is from six months to 9 months. They are produced in glass bottles and are made by turning. These are cost-effective products for long-term wear. But, from a health point of view, they are inferior to other types of lenses. Firstly, such products are made from materials with a minimum amount of water and low oxygen permeability. Plaque also accumulates on such lenses, which is harmful to eye health.
2. Quarterly. Requires replacement every three months. Available in disposable blisters. Deposits may form on their surfaces. Unlike traditional ones, special tablets are not required to clean quarterly lenses.
3. For planned replacement. The wearing period of such optical products lasts no more than a month. The main manufacturing materials are hydrogel and silicone hydrogel. Characterized by high oxygen permeability and comfortable wearing.
4. For frequent scheduled replacement. They are the most popular optical products. The duration of their use is 14 days. They have a high moisture content and increased oxygen permeability. They are very comfortable to wear and have a minimal risk of deposits appearing on their surface.
5. One-day. The very name of optical products indicates their minimum service life - 1 day. They are among the safest lenses that do not require maintenance or storage. Such correctors are produced in blisters with sterile saline solution, which are thrown away after opening and putting on the lenses.

When choosing optical products, it is important to consider the types of lenses and periods of wearing them. After the expiration of their service life, optical products require mandatory replacement. Over-wearing lenses provokes the development of serious complications, including total blindness. Also, optics with damage, deterioration of the optical effect and a feeling of discomfort in the eyes when wearing them require replacement. Violations of the rules of care and storage can shorten the period of wearing lenses of any type.

What is the expiration date for eye contact lenses and why should you not wear expired lenses?

Every year there are more and more people using contact lenses. The lenses are easy to use, they minimize the risk of eye injury, they are easy to use

store, use and take with you. In this regard, there is a need to know not only how to choose the right lenses in order to maintain eye health, but also how to monitor the shelf life of the product and replace it with a new one in a timely manner. We will talk about the useful life of contact lenses and the unsafety of using an expired product in this article.

Unfortunately, many people believe that lenses do not have an expiration date, and the product can serve us indefinitely, exactly until we ourselves see changes in vision when wearing them. Some people prefer to change lenses only when they no longer notice any visible effect from their use. But relying only on your own feelings is wrong. Any lenses have their own expiration date, after which their use becomes unsafe for the eyes. The standard service life of lenses is four years from the date of production, if the packaging is unopened. Until the expiration date, the manufacturer guarantees the safety of the product. The expiration date in the “year/month” format is printed on the foil cover of the product. It is also worth mentioning here that as soon as you open the package with a sterile saline solution, it ceases to be such, and accordingly, you cannot put the lenses back and store them again.

In addition to the expiration date, the following characteristics are indicated on the foil cover of the product:

• lens diameter;
• base curvature;
• optical power of the lens;
• the material from which the product is made;
• manufacturer's name and lens brand.

To avoid unpleasant situations when purchasing lenses, be sure to pay attention to the expiration date of the product. Then, after opening the manufacturer's packaging, you can store the lenses in a special container, adding saline solution.

Using lenses for a longer period than specified by the manufacturer may result in the development of various eye diseases. Microbes and bacteria that appear in expired material directly interact with the mucous membrane of the eye, which causes irritation, redness, tearing and burning. If you do not pay attention to these unpleasant symptoms in time, irritation develops into inflammation of the eyes, discharge of pus and the appearance of swelling. To prevent this from happening, we advise you to take care of yourself, monitor the expiration dates of products and related products, and systematically seek advice from a specialist.

Use of colored and hard night lenses

The main purpose of colored lenses is to radically change the color of the iris of the visual organs.

Optical correctors of this group are made of hydrogel. Thanks to this, the lenses are comfortable to wear and well moisturized, but they do not allow enough oxygen to pass through.

Therefore, when using color correctors, you should not neglect the wearing regimen specified directly by the manufacturer.

Manufacturers of color optical products indicate the wearing mode of their products, such as:

• Day. Provides for daily removal of products at night.
• Prolonged. You can wear lenses for a week without removing them at night.
• Flexible. Requires removal of lenses every 2 days.
• Continuous. They have some types of silicone hydrogel lenses. Such products can be worn for one month and not removed during night sleep.

Particular attention should be paid to lenses with night wear mode. Such vision correctors are used exclusively for therapeutic purposes and as prescribed by a doctor. When using hard night lenses, it is possible to quickly and effectively improve vision due to minimal changes in the shape of the cornea of ​​the eyes.

The use of hard night lenses has a high corrective effect on visual acuity, which lasts for 12 hours. Correctors in this group are selected individually. The patient puts on the lenses 15 - 20 minutes before bedtime, and removes them in the morning after waking up.

The basic principle of operation of orthokeratological lenses is to adjust the cornea to the established curvature parameters. After removing the night lenses, the cornea retains its new shape for some time, which ensures good vision.

Orthokeratology lenses are an absolutely safe corrective optical product. Wearing them under the supervision of a leading ophthalmologist has a positive effect on the development of the visual organs in children.

As a rule, manufacturers of hard night lenses set the maximum service life of a set for a year. Compliance with the rules of operation and care will allow you to use vision correctors for the maximum period.

The use of colored lenses or orthokeratological ones should be agreed with your doctor. Even despite the absence of vision problems, a specialist will be able to select the most suitable type of corrector, taking into account the material of its manufacture and period of wearing. But, if you have myopia, you cannot do without the help of a doctor when using hard night lenses.

How and where to store contact lenses

The best containers for lenses are containers designed for storage. Containers and tweezers are sold separately, sometimes they come in a set with caring solutions. They require regular replacement at least 3 times a year.

Alternative containers - jars for medicines, cosmetics, shot glasses, and other utensils. Containers are used as temporary containers. Not suitable for long-term storage. They have many disadvantages - volume, increased consumption of solutions, inconvenience of use.

Where to store:

• dressing table;

• shelf in the bathroom;

• refrigerator door.

New products are stored in a first aid kit, a box with hygiene items - pads, condoms, napkins. No processing is required before first opening.

What affects the lifespan of contact lenses?

Here are the main factors influencing this indicator:

• thickness;
• degree of ambient air pollution;
• hydrophilicity indicator (moisture content as a percentage);
• preparation method;
• features of the chemical structure of the material used;
• individual tolerance.

Thin products with a high moisture concentration (about 50%, which applies to one-day models and models with frequent scheduled replacement) have a short shelf life. Also, an important role is played by the individual characteristics of the wearer - his handling skills, the presence of bad habits, the composition of the tear, compliance with operating rules, etc.

For traditional products, as already noted, this figure reaches 1 year, but more careful care, periodic disinfection and enzymatic treatment are required.

Note! Do not confuse the service life (how long the devices are good for) with the wearing mode. The wearing schedule is the length of time during which contact lenses can be worn continuously.

We should also talk about portability, since this indicator is subjective - different people can perceive the same model in completely different ways. Some people can easily tolerate DW lenses, while others are only suitable for FW lenses. Therefore, the characteristics specified by the manufacturer should be treated rather as auxiliary information, and the main emphasis should be placed on the results of a personal consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Before choosing a particular model, you should definitely consult an ophthalmologist

And during the first days of wearing it, it is advisable to be under the constant supervision of a specialist (this will allow the latter to give individual recommendations). If you visit a doctor at least once a year, optimal use of the devices is guaranteed! I hope you have received comprehensive information about whether contact lenses have an expiration date . Take care of your eyes!

Here are the main factors influencing this indicator:

Consequences

Wearing expired contact lenses may cause the following:

• the appearance of deposits that contribute to the deformation of optical products;
• eye irritation, inability to use cosmetics;
• impairment of visual acuity and clarity, its quality;
• infection of the mucous membrane;
• lack of oxygen access to the cornea with subsequent hypoxia and edema.

This is due to the fact that modern lenses are made of polymer materials, and their surface tends to become dirty even if they are in a vacuum.

How to determine the expiration date? It is always indicated on the packaging, in the text of the instructions, or even on the blister. It is advisable to clarify this when purchasing optical products.

Shelf life of packaged contact lenses and after opening

The shelf life of lenses depends on several factors. Packed ones last longer, unpacked ones last less. Different types of lenses have different expiration dates. It is not recommended to exceed it, as it can harm the eyes.

The shelf life of lenses in closed packaging is long - several years. The relevant information is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Typically, medical products have a expiration date written on them, but variations are possible.

1. The packaging indicates the deadline until which the lenses are suitable for intended use. Do not use them after this date.
2. The date of manufacture and expiration date are indicated. You need to independently calculate the expiration date.
3. Two dates are given. The first is the date of manufacture, the second is the deadline for use.

The shelf life of contact lenses after opening depends on their type.

1. Disposable. This type is produced for people who wear lenses periodically. They don't need them to wear them all the time, so there's no point in buying reusable ones that will expire before the second or third wear. Disposable lenses are also recommended for people with an allergic reaction that may occur from the composition of the cleaning solution. Shelf life – 1 day.
2. Frequent replacement. Service life – 1-2 weeks. The short shelf life is compensated by the material, which maximally protects the eyes from possible complications. These lenses use materials with a high moisture content, which is good for people with dry eyes.
3. Planned replacement. After opening the package, such lenses are suitable for intended use for 1 month. Material – hydrogel or hydrogel with silicone. Cleaned with a universal solution. Some of the lenses in this category can be worn throughout the shelf life without removing them for cleaning with a solution.
4. Quarterly replacement. As the name of the category suggests, they retain their quality for three months after the start of use.
5. Traditional ones have the longest shelf life after use. Minimum – 6, maximum – 9 months. Not suitable for everyone, as they need to be cleaned with peroxide systems or enzyme tablets. For people with sensitive eyes or allergies to the drugs used, they will cause discomfort.

Lenses are worn not only for vision correction. Models are produced for people who see well, but want to stand out in some way. Buyers of color use this method to visually change the color of their eyes. For example, a brown-eyed brunette wanted to become a blue-eyed blonde - she bought hair dye and lenses of the desired color. Or vice versa. For fans of mystical series, manufacturers have released a series of vampire lenses.

The shelf life in unopened form is long - about 4 years. Store in a hermetically sealed container with a sterile solution. As long as the solution fulfills its role, they remain suitable for use for their intended purpose. After the first opening of the container, the solution loses its sterility due to contact with air. After this, the lenses must be cleaned in a different solution. If they are not cleaned after removal, there is an increased risk of eye infection the next time they are used. In addition, dry eyes will be uncomfortable. For the same reasons, it should not be worn after the expiration date.

After opening the container, the shelf life is significantly reduced and, depending on the type, is:

• 1 day (for one-time use);
• 1-2 weeks (planned frequent replacement);
• 1 month (scheduled replacement);
• 3 months (quarterly replacement);
• 6-9 months (traditional).

How do you know whether it is permissible to remove lenses at night or whether you can wear them without removing them for the entire expiration period? This is indicated by two letters of the Latin alphabet.

What if I don’t wear lenses every day? How long does a package last?

As for products with frequent, scheduled, quarterly and traditional replacement, the manufacturer establishes a guaranteed period of use: during this period it is safe to wear them. It is counted from the moment the blister is first opened and the lenses are put on. If you don’t wear them periodically and store them in solution for a week, you will not extend the period of use in any way. After all, during wearing, the surface is damaged, deposits form and you risk getting an infection or inflammation. This is not the case when you should save: it is better to keep track of time, replace without delay, or simply change the wearing mode.

In the case of one-day products, you can use the pack longer. For example, you wear lenses every other day, which means 30 pieces are enough for a month (for the same correction of two eyes) or for two months (for one eye).

What should you consider if you are buying for future use?

Pay attention to the expiration date - you can start wearing lenses even on the last day of storage. All this time they lie in a sterile solution and are therefore suitable for wear. But if you buy several packs at once, the shelf life should be longer. Otherwise, you simply won’t have time to use everything before it runs out and you’ll have to throw them away.

To make it easier, manufacturers distribute the quantity according to the rule: the longer the replacement period, the fewer pieces in the package. For example, ephemera can be bought in packs of 10, 30, 90, 180 pieces. But nine-month ones are sold only individually.

MagazinLinz.ru team