Let’s get right to it: most eyeglass prescriptions are valid for up to two years. But, because life loves a good loophole, there are plenty of reasons why you might need an update before your RX officially turns into a pumpkin. Whether you’re rocking a distance prescription, reading glasses, or both (yes, we mean progressives), knowing when and why to refresh your prescription is the key to clear, comfortable, and headache-free eyesight.
From expiration dates to legal fine print to telltale signs it’s time for a change, we’re covering everything you need to know about your prescription so you can keep your peepers in tip-top shape.
Why Do Eye Prescriptions Expire?
No, your vision doesn’t magically reset when your prescription’s expiration date rolls around. Why the need for an expiration at all, you might ask?
It’s simple: your eyes change over time. Even if you don’t notice it happening, your prescription can gradually shift due to aging, strain, or underlying conditions. An expiration date ensures that you’re always seeing as clearly as possible and that your eye health isn’t taking a backseat.
There’s also a legal side to this. Many states require that prescriptions expire within a set time frame, typically one or two years, to encourage regular eye exams. Optometrists, being the thoughtful folks they are, also take your age and eye health into account. That means if your prescription expires sooner than you anticipated, it’s probably for a good reason.
When Do Eye Prescriptions Expire?
Here are the general rules of thumb:
For most adults, eyeglass prescriptions are valid for two years.
For children, prescriptions typically expire after one year. Their eyes are still developing, so their needs change more quickly.
If you have a progressive eye condition, your prescription may expire more quickly, a precaution to keep your vision correction as sharp as possible.
That said, just because your prescription is still valid on paper doesn’t mean it’s still the right one for your eyes. We’ll walk you through how you can tell when it’s time for an update, regardless of the expiration date.
Signs You Need a New Prescription (Even If It Hasn’t Expired Yet)
Your prescription might still be valid, but that doesn’t mean your eyes got the memo. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to schedule an eye exam – stat.
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Blurry Vision: If your world is starting to look fuzzy around the edges or hazy all over, your lenses aren’t cutting it anymore.
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Frequent Headaches: Straining to see through an outdated prescription is a major headache, in that it will more than likely give you one.
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Squinting More Than Usual: If you’re struggling to read this, take that as a sign.
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Double Vision: Seeing two of everything isn’t a superpower – it’s a red flag.
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Eye Fatigue or Strain: If your eyes feel exhausted by the end of the day, your prescription could be the culprit.
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Trouble Seeing at Night: Difficulty driving at night or seeing in dim lighting? It’s probably time for a stronger prescription.
Can You Use an Expired Prescription?
In a word? Nope.
If your prescription is past its expiration date, you won’t be able to order new prescription reading glasses or prescription sunglasses. Opticians and retailers have to follow the rules, meaning your prescription needs to be current for you to get a fresh pair of specs.
Think of it like trying to board a flight with an expired passport: you’re not going anywhere until you update your documents. The same principle applies to your glasses.
How to Update Your Prescription
If your prescription is expired or your eyes are giving you signs it’s time for an upgrade, here’s what to do:
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Book an Eye Exam. Your optometrist will check your vision and overall eye health, then give you a fresh prescription.
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Request a Copy of Your Prescription. Legally, your eye doctor is required to provide it. Make sure to take it with you.
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Upgrade Your Frames. Whether you need new prescription reading glasses or prescription sunglasses this is your chance to pick out a new look.
At eyebobs, we’ve made it unbelievably easy to update your prescription. Once you have your frame of choice in your shopping cart, click on the Submit My Prescription option and choose how you want to submit it. You can scan and upload it from your computer, or snap a photo on your phone and email it to us at omfg@eyebobs.com.
If you’d prefer, you can have us reach out to your eye care provider and we’ll grab your prescription directly from them. Just select that option, input all the necessary contact info, and let us take it from there.
Still obsessed with frames carrying an outdated prescription? We can help with that, too. Our Lens Replacement service allows you to simply upload your new prescription, add the details for your frame, and add to cart. Once you checkout, you’ll be charged the lens replacement cost and receive a return label to send your frames our way. Our lab will upgrade your lenses with the utmost care, and we’ll get them back to you within 10 business days of when we receive them.
Sounds almost too easy, right? That’s just how we roll.
What if You Only Wear Glasses Occasionally?
You may be wondering if getting a new prescription is really worth it if you only wear your glasses now and again. Here’s the thing: even if your glasses only make an appearance when you’re reading fine print or driving into the sun, an outdated prescription can still cause eye strain, headaches, and unnecessary squinting. Keeping your prescription current ensures that when you do wear your glasses, they’re actually doing their job.
Final Takeaway: Stay on Top of Your Prescription
Your eyeglass prescription isn’t a lifelong contract. Most last about two years, but factors like age, eye health, and vision changes can shorten that window. Keeping up with regular eye exams ensures that you’re always seeing your best and enjoying every view.
If your prescription is expired (or you suspect it’s not cutting it anymore), don’t wait: schedule that eye exam. Bonus: a new prescription is the perfect excuse to upgrade your frames. And who doesn’t love an excuse to get some new eye candy?
