Why CDs and DVDs are not eternal: how long optical discs actually last

When compact discs first appeared, they were often touted as "eternal" storage media. However, experience has shown that the lifespan of optical discs varies significantly, depending on manufacturing quality and storage conditions. Even visually identical discs can age differently: some experience reflective layer degradation, while others suffer from polycarbonate clouding. This degradation process is often subtle, manifesting only as read errors or data corruption. The article explores the causes of physical wear in optical media and methods to minimize the risk of data loss. The author emphasizes that relying on CDs and DVDs as a long-term archival solution without regular verification and data duplication is risky. To ensure file safety, it is recommended to use modern backup methods and periodically migrate data to more reliable media, as optical discs are prone to irreversible chemical changes over time.