What happens when you grab a contact lens package or solution from your medicine cabinet - and see that the expiration date has passed?

Just what does "expiration date" mean anyway? It's actually the last date that the manufacturer can guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug - it doesn't mean that the drug will suddenly be ineffective or unsafe. (Enter "drug expiration date" on health sites like Medscape and Mercola and you'll find plenty of information).

As for contact lenses and solution: I'm not aware of any research on how long they can be used before they risk becoming contaminated.

So my advice, for now:

Respect the expiration dates of your lenses and solution, and obtain "fresh" products. Chances are you'll be fine with the older products, but why take the chance? As my long-time patients know, when it comes to your eye's health, I prefer to to be cautious.