You have your glasses prescription, and you are ready to get new frames. But then you notice the little date on it has already passed. At Great Hills Eye Care, we understand that it might be easy to think that the expiration date isn’t important, but we’re here to remind you that your prescription for eyewear isn’t meant to last forever.
An eyeglass prescription typically expires after 1 year. This helps ensure your vision correction stays accurate and gives your eye doctor an opportunity to monitor your eye health through regular exams.
The Standard Rule for Prescription Expiration
Most eye prescriptions have a clear expiration date printed on them. This date is designed to help keep your prescription accurate and also follows healthcare regulations.
How Long for Adults?
For adults, eyeglass prescriptions are generally valid for 1 year in Texas. Contact lens prescriptions are also typically valid for 1 year, as regular exams are important to ensure your prescription remains accurate and your eyes stay healthy. The exact length can depend on your personal eye health and regulations, which are a little different for each state.
How Long for Children and Teens?
Because growing eyes can change quickly, prescriptions for children and teens usually expire after 1 year. Regular eye exams are key during these years of growth to help their prescription keep up with them and watch for conditions like progressive myopia.
Why Your Eye Prescription Expires
Your Vision Can Change Over Time
You might not even notice small shifts in your vision as they happen. A yearly eye exam helps ensure your prescription stays accurate and allows your eye doctor to monitor your overall eye health.
A Check for Your Overall Eye Health
An eye exam does more than test your vision. It is also an opportunity for an eye doctor to look for early signs of eye conditions. Regular exams are a simple step for preventive care.
Signs Your Prescription Needs an Update
Sometimes your eyes will tell you it is time for a visit before your prescription expires. If you notice any of these changes, it is a good idea to schedule an exam.
Common Clues to Watch For
Keep an eye out for:
- Frequent headaches, especially after you read or use a screen
- Blurry or fuzzy vision
- The need to squint to see things clearly
- Tired or strained eyes
- Trouble with glare or seeing at night
Can You Use an Old or Expired Prescription?
It might seem easy to just use an old prescription to buy new glasses, but it’s not a great idea, as a prescription that no longer meets your needs can lead to eye strain or headaches. An expired prescription is a strong signal that it is time to come see our team.
The Risks of an Outdated Prescription
Using an old prescription may mean you’re not seeing as clearly as you could. This can lead to eye strain and headaches, but, more importantly, you might miss the chance to detect an eye health issue early.
The Trouble of Buying New Glasses
You may find that many reputable optical shops and online sellers require a valid prescription before filling an order. This policy is in place to help you continue to see clearly.
How Often You Need an Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to get a complete updated prescription. How often you need one depends on your age, your health history, and whether you wear contacts or not.
A General Guideline for Eye Exams
At Great Hills Eye Care, we recommend annual eye exams for all patients, regardless of age. Yearly exams help ensure your prescription stays accurate and allow your eye doctor to monitor your overall eye health and detect potential concerns early. Though these are good general guidelines, your eye doctor can give you a personal recommendation.
Why You Might Need More Frequent Visits
If you have certain health conditions like diabetes or have a family history of eye disease like glaucoma or macular degeneration, you may need more frequent exams to monitor your eye health.
Update Your Prescription Today
Our team at Great Hills Eye Care can help you get the personalized attention you need. If you’re looking for an eye doctor, we have 4 convenient locations to choose from, making updating your prescription as easy as possible. If your prescription has expired, don’t wait: Book your eye exam with us today.
