If you’re a contact lens wearer, you’re in good company–over 24 million people wear contacts in the United States alone. But have you ever wondered how those little circles of plastic actually improve your vision? Read on to take a closer look at contact lenses:

We all know foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products go bad, usually much quicker than we’d like. However, your contact lenses are also susceptible to the same demise. While they don’t spoil as quickly, contact lenses can and will go bad under the right circumstances. In order to avoid any eye infections and other expired contact lens symptoms, it is best to be aware of the status of contacts, as well as to adhere to the information below.