You may have noticed that your eyeglass prescription comes with an expiry date. This date isn’t just a suggestion—it’s an important part of looking after your vision and overall eye health. It also serves as a helpful reminder to stay on top of any changes in your eyesight so you can always see your best.
An expired prescription is a clear signal that it’s time for an eye health check-up. In Canada, most optical prescriptions are valid for one to two years, but this timeline is designed to help protect your long-term vision. Regular comprehensive eye exams help you keep your prescription current and give us a chance to check on the health of your eyes.
The Reason Your Prescription Has an Expiry Date
Your prescription’s expiry date encourages regular eye exams, which are important for a few reasons. Your eyes can change more than you realize in a year or two. An updated prescription helps keep your vision sharp, clear, and comfortable.
Your Vision Changes Over Time
It’s completely natural for your vision to change as you age. A prescription that worked perfectly two years ago might not be the right fit for your eyes today. Using an out-of-date prescription can lead to symptoms like headaches, eye strain, or blurry vision.
A Check on Your Overall Eye Health
Unlike a simple vision test, a comprehensive eye exam does much more than just test how well you can see. We also carefully check the health of your eyes for any early signs of eye conditions. This makes these exams a key part of your family’s routine healthcare, just like a visit to the dentist.
How Long a Prescription Is Valid
As mentioned, prescriptions for eyeglasses are typically valid for one to two years, though it’s ultimately up to the discretion of your optometrist.. The exact length of time can depend on several factors. Your age, your vision history, and your overall health can all play a part in how often you should have your eyes checked.
Why Some Prescriptions Expire Sooner
We might recommend a shorter expiry period (sometimes even less than a year!) if your vision is changing quickly. This is quite common for children and teenagers, whose eyes are still developing. It can also apply to adults with certain health conditions that may affect eyesight.
Can You Use a Prescription From 1 Year Ago?
If your prescription was issued with a two-year expiry, you can certainly use it to get new glasses after one year. However, if you’ve noticed any changes in how you see, it’s always a good idea to schedule an exam. It’s better to get things checked out sooner rather than later.
Signs You Need a New Prescription
Sometimes, your eyes will let you know it’s time for an update before your prescription’s expiry date arrives. Paying attention to these subtle signs can help you stay on top of your vision needs. Let us know if you experience any of these common symptoms.
- Frequent Headaches: If you find yourself getting headaches while wearing your glasses, your eyes might be working too hard to focus, which can sometimes be related to misalignment of your eyes.
- You Squint to See Clearly: Squinting can temporarily make things sharper, but it’s a strong signal that your lenses aren’t doing their job anymore.
- Blurry or Double Vision: When words or objects start to look fuzzy even with your glasses on, your prescription probably needs an update. It’s worth noting that other issues, such as dry eyes, can also cause blurriness.
- Tired Eyes or Eye Fatigue: Your eyes should feel relaxed and comfortable when you wear your glasses, not tired or strained.
What to Find on Your Prescription Slip
After your eye exam, you can ask for a copy of your prescription. This document has all the specific information needed to create your new lenses. It’s a detailed summary of your vision correction needs.
- Your name and the optometrist’s contact information
- The lens power and other details for each eye
- The date the prescription was issued and when it expires
- The signature of the optometrist who performed the exam
What to Do When Your Prescription Expires
Once a prescription expires, you can no longer use it to purchase new glasses or replacement lenses. The next step is a simple one—it’s time to schedule a new eye exam. This allows us to give you a new, accurate prescription based on your current vision.
The Value of Local Eye Care
If you need eyecare in St. Paul or Bonnyville, our local team can support your family’s needs with a personal touch. We’re not just your eye doctors—we’re your neighbours.
If your prescription has expired or you’re noticing changes in your vision, we’re here to help. At Lakeland Family Eyecare, we’re committed to providing clear, trusted information for your family. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment in St. Paul or Bonnyville!
