If you wear contact lenses, you may have wondered: how long are contact prescriptions good for? Do they expire like medication, and if so, why? Understanding the validity of your contact lens prescription will help you maintain optimal eye health and clear vision.
In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions about contact lens prescription expiration, including why it happens and what you should do when yours expires.
Quick Answer
A contact lens prescription typically lasts one year, depending on your state’s regulations and your eye doctor’s recommendations. The expiration date ensures that your vision and eye health are regularly monitored.
So, do contact prescriptions expire? Yes. The expiration period is mandated to prevent outdated prescriptions from causing eye strain, discomfort, or serious health issues. If your prescription has expired, you must get a new eye exam before purchasing more lenses.
Do Contact Lenses Expire?
Contact lens prescriptions and the lenses themselves are two different things. While your prescription expires, your actual contact lenses also have an expiration date, usually printed on the box.
Expired lenses can become contaminated over time, leading to bacterial infections and irritation. If your contacts are past their expiration date, discard them immediately and get a new pair.
When Does a Contact Lens Prescription Expire?
Your contact lens prescription will have an expiration date written on it. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that most contact lens prescriptions be valid for at least one year.
Your eye doctor might recommend a shorter prescription period if you have underlying eye conditions, frequent prescription changes, or other vision-related concerns. Always check with your eye care optometric physician to confirm your prescription’s validity.
Understanding FCLCA’s Position on Prescription Expiration
The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA), enacted in 2004, ensures consumers can access their contact lens prescriptions easily. Under this law:
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A contact lens prescription must last at least one year unless a shorter duration is medically necessary.
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Doctors must provide a copy of the prescription after initial exam and follow up appointments produce a viable CL prescription, allowing patients to purchase lenses from their preferred vendor.
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Retailers must verify prescriptions before selling contact lenses.
This regulation protects consumers and promotes eye health through regular check-ups.
How to Tell If Your Contact Lenses Have Expired
Even if you have a valid prescription, using expired lenses is risky. Here’s how to check if your lenses have expired:
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Look for the expiration date on the box.
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Check for discoloration or a change in texture (lenses should be clear and smooth).
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If your lenses feel dry, itchy, or uncomfortable, they may no longer be safe to wear.
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A sudden decline in vision clarity could indicate expired or improperly stored lenses.
If you notice any of these signs, replacing your lenses immediately is best.
What to Do if Your Contact Lenses Expire
If your contact lenses or prescription have expired, follow these steps:
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Schedule an eye exam – Your eye doctor will check for any changes in your vision and health.
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Get a new prescription – Your updated prescription ensures your lenses fit properly and provide clear vision.
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Order new contact lenses from a trusted provider – Avoid buying from unverified sellers, as counterfeit or low-quality lenses can harm your eyes.
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Dispose of expired lenses properly – Never attempt to reuse or extend the life of expired contacts.
At Vision Source Rio and Vision Source Heights, we provide comprehensive eye and contact lens exams to ensure you receive the best prescription for your contact lenses.
FAQs
1. What Happens If I Wear the Wrong Prescription Contact Lenses?
Wearing an incorrect prescription can lead to:
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Blurred vision
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Headaches and eye strain
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Dizziness or nausea
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Increased risk of eye infections
Using the wrong prescription may also cause corneal damage over time, making it even more challenging to correct vision. Corneal damage can cause you to lose your vision.
2. Can I Buy Contact Lenses with an Expired Prescription?
Most reputable retailers do not sell contact lenses without a valid prescription. Even if you find a seller willing to provide lenses, using expired prescriptions can lead to severe vision problems and should be avoided.
3. Can I Use My Glasses Prescription for Contact Lenses?
No, glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions are not interchangeable. Contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eye, while glasses sit at a slight distance from your eyes, requiring different prescription measurements for accurate vision correction.
To get a contact lens prescription, you need a specialized contact lens fitting by an eye care professional.
4. Can I Get a Contact Lens Prescription Online?
Some online services offer virtual eye exams, but they may not be as thorough as an in-person exam. For safety and accuracy, it’s best to visit an optometric physician for a proper contact lens fitting and prescription.
5. Can I Use a 2-Year-Old Contact Lens Prescription?
If your prescription has expired, you should not use it to order new lenses. Over time, your vision may have changed, and using an outdated prescription could lead to poor vision and discomfort. Why invest money in an old CL prescription?
6. How Often Do I Need a New Contact Lens Prescription?
Most eye doctors recommend getting a new contact lens prescription every year.
Risks of Using Expired Contact Lenses
Wearing expired lenses or using an outdated prescription can have serious consequences. For example, a 23-year-old woman in the UK contracted a rare amoeba infection, acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), from swimming with her contact lenses, resulting in severe eye pain and vision loss.
This highlights the importance of following proper lens care and prescription guidelines.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Did you know that 1 in 4 children and 1 in 3 adults have vision problems that could be corrected with proper eyewear? Regular eye exams are essential for detecting issues early and updating your prescription.
At Vision Source Rio and Vision Source Heights, we’re committed to providing personalized care to help you see clearly and comfortably. Whether you need a new contact lens prescription or an annual exam for glasses, our team is here to help.
Conclusion
Understanding how long contact prescriptions last and why they expire is essential for protecting your eye health. Regular check-ups, following prescription expiration dates, and replacing expired lenses are key to ensuring safe and effective contact lens use.
At Vision Source Rio and Vision Source Heights, we’re committed to providing top-quality eye care services. Our experienced team offers comprehensive eye exams, custom contact lens fittings, and a wide selection of eyewear to ensure you receive the best vision care possible.
Don’t wait until your prescription expires! Book an appointment today and keep your vision crystal clear.
