Eyeglass lens prescriptions generally are valid for a minimum of 12 months, or the minimum required by an applicable state law. It’s very common for the expiration date for the eyeglass prescriptions to be the date of two years from the day of your eye exam when the prescription was written and given to you.
Contact lens prescriptions are generally valid for up to 2 years, meaning you can buy the contact lenses your prescription states for this duration. However, this is dependent upon lens type, wearing schedule, replacement schedule and how often you wear your lenses. Whilst contact lens prescriptions can be valid for up to two years; your optician will usually advise you on when you need to return for a check-up. It is recommended that you at least have a yearly routine eye health check to make sure your eyes are not being harmed by wearing the wrong lenses.
For healthy adults (19-64 years of age) routine eye exams are recommended every two years. Having routine eye health and vision checks help to ensure that your eyes are functioning at their best.
How do you know if your vision prescription needs to be updated?
Gradual changes to your vision may not be obvious, but here are some common symptoms to watch for
- Headaches. People usually fail to associate their recurring headaches to a change in their vision – one of the earliest signs of change.
- Eye strain or a feeling of “tired” eyes. If you are eyes are feeling fatigued or strained, you may be experiencing one of the clearest signs that your vision has changed.
- Squinting to resolve details. People who are constantly squinting usually have a problem seeing clearly.
- Double vision or blurred vision. If you have a sudden or occasional blur of vision, accompanied by a loss of focus, you are experiencing blurred vision.