Your eyeglass prescription is typically valid for one to two years from the date of your eye exam. This timeframe is not arbitrary. It exists to make sure you’re always seeing your world through lenses that are just right for you. Several factors, including your age and eye health, help determine the exact expiration date.
Regular comprehensive eye exams allow your eye doctor to confirm that your prescription is current and effective.
What Affects Your Prescription’s Lifespan?
Your age is a significant factor in how long your prescription lasts. A child’s eyes develop and change quickly, which is why annual pediatric eye exams are so important. For many adults with stable vision, a two-year period is more common.
State Laws & Prescription Timelines
State regulations also play a part in setting the minimum length of time a prescription must be valid. These rules are in place to support public health and safety. Most states align with the one to two-year standard for eyeglasses.
Why Your Eyeglass Prescription Has an Expiration Date
It’s helpful to view the expiration date as a safety check for your eyes. Its purpose is twofold—to keep your vision clear and to monitor the health of your eyes. An up-to-date prescription helps you navigate your day with comfort and clarity.
Your Vision Changes Over Time
Subtle shifts in your vision can happen so gradually that you may not notice them right away. What was once a perfect prescription can become less effective over months or years.
Regular eye exams make sure that your glasses continue to correct your vision, reducing strain and helping you see sharply.
A Check for Your Overall Eye Health
A comprehensive eye exam is about much more than determining your lens power; it also provides a full picture of your eye health. Your optometrist can check for early signs of eye conditions that may not yet show symptoms, allowing for timely eye disease management and care.
Signs You Might Need a New Prescription Sooner
Sometimes, your body sends signals that your vision has changed before your prescription’s expiration date arrives. If you experience any of the following, it could be a good time to schedule a visit:
- Blurry vision when looking at objects near or far, which can be a sign of myopia (nearsightedness) or other refractive errors
- Frequent headaches, especially after screen use, could be a symptom of digital eye strain
- Eye strain or a feeling of tired, overworked eyes
- Constant squinting to see things more clearly
- Double vision, where you see two images of a single object
- New sensitivity to light, both indoors and outdoors
Locating the Expiration Date
After your eye exam, you should receive a copy of your prescription. This document contains all the necessary details for crafting your new lenses, including values for each eye.
Locating the Expiration Date
Your prescription paper should have a clearly marked expiration or issue date. This lets you know how long it’s valid for. If you’ve misplaced your copy, you can always contact your eye doctor’s office for the information.
Glasses vs. Contact Lens Prescriptions
It’s important to know that an eyeglass prescription is different from a contact lens prescription. Contacts sit directly on your eye, so they require different measurements and specifications, which are determined during a contact lens exam.
A contact lens prescription is also typically valid for only one year.
What to Do with an Expired Prescription
You cannot legally use an expired prescription to purchase new eyeglasses. This rule helps make sure you receive lenses that match your current needs.
Schedule Your Next Comprehensive Eye Exam
If your prescription has expired, book an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. This visit allows us to assess your vision, provide an updated prescription, and perform a thorough health check. It’s a simple, proactive way to care for your eyesight.
Prepare for Your Visit With an Eye Doctor in San Jose
When you schedule an appointment with your eye doctor, you’re investing in your long-term vision health. A regular exam helps you see the world comfortably and clearly every day. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and find solutions for your unique visual needs.
Caring for your family’s vision is a journey, and we’re here to support you at every stage. From a child’s first eye exam to managing age-related changes, consistent care makes all the difference. An updated prescription is a key part of that process.
At Total Vision Golden Hills, we are passionate about providing quality eye care for every member of your family. Our team is ready to help you find solutions for your vision and eye health. Book your next appointment with us today.
