Key Takeaways
- Most glasses prescriptions stay valid for 1 to 2 years.
- State rules and your eye health can change how long a prescription lasts.
- Children often need more frequent eye exams because their eyes can change quickly.
- Blurry vision, headaches, and eye strain can signal you might need an update to your prescription.
- You can’t use an expired prescription to buy l new glasses.
How Long Your Glasses Prescription Lasts
You found a pair of glasses you love at Insight Vision Care Optometry, and now you want to order a backup. Then you notice that your prescription has expired.
Most glasses prescriptions stay valid for 1 to 2 years from the date of your eye exam.
The exact time frame depends on where you live and how your eyes are doing. Some states set their own rules on expiration dates, and your eye doctor may suggest a return visit sooner than a year if you experience vision fluctuations. . Young eyes usually grow and change quickly, so children need their prescription checked at least yearly, but sometimes more frequently than that.
Why Prescriptions Expire
Your eyes don’t stay the same forever. Vision shifts a little at a time, often so slowly that you barely notice until the effects become significant. Regular eye exams give your optometrist a chance to track changes in your vision and update your prescription as needed.
Wearing an old prescription can leave you squinting and make you more prone to eye strain.
Signs You Need an Updated Prescription
Your body has a way of telling you when your vision has changed.. Watch for these signs:
- Blurry or double vision when you look at near or far objects
- Frequent headaches or a tired, strained feeling around your eyes
- Trouble reading, focusing, or seeing clearly on screens
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to book an exam.
Where to Find Your Expiration Date
The expiration date is included with your prescription..You can obtain a copy of your prescription from your eye doctor.
What to Do When Your Prescription Expires
An expired prescription has a simple fix: schedule a comprehensive eye exam. This allows your optometrist to measure whether your vision has changed since your last visit.
Once you have an updated prescription, you can get new lenses. If you’re looking to update your style, you can also take a moment to browse new frames. A new look can be a refreshing change, and trying on styles in person helps you to find a comfortable and stylish frame that you will look forward to wearing everyday.
Can You Use a 2 Year Old Prescription?
An expired prescription can’t be used to order new glasses, even if your old pair still feels fine. This is because the numbers may no longer be accurate to achieve your most optimal vision.. It is possible to get an extension on a prescription that has expired after one year at your eye doctor’s discretion.
Also keep in mind that glasses and contact lens prescriptions are not the same. A glasses prescription won’t work for ordering contacts, and the reverse is true, too. A contact lens prescription needs to include the brand and parameters of the contacts, which is not part of a spectacles prescription.
Keep Your Vision Happy With an Eye Doctor in Walnut Creek
Eye care is easier when your team feels like family. Dr. Chan grew up here in Walnut Creek, and our practice has cared for a multitude of generations for more than 40 years. Many of our patients experience a nostalgic comfort in visiting our neighborhood practice for yearly eye exams and eye emergencies, and they know that they can always count on us to give them the best possible care. We strive to get to know our patients that starts with a warm greeting when you walk through our door. We listen to your concerns and address any issues affecting every member of your family, from young children to grandparents. We have experienced full circle moments, as some of our patients that were first seen here as children have grown up and are now bringing their families in for all of their eye care needs. We also offer a wide frame selection with styles for every taste and budget. Whether you want something bold or something simple, there’s a pair waiting for you. We practice by the motto: Happy Eyes, Happy Life.
We truly care about our patients, whether we’ve known them for years or are meeting them for the first time. And we love to help and support our community by donating to local schools, organizations, and fundraisers. We are so grateful for the continued support of our community and want to show our deep appreciation by giving back whenever we can.
You can call us or schedule your next eye exam online today, and let our team help you and your family see clearly all year long.
