How Long Is An Eyeglass Prescription Good For?
Eyeglasses are great. They give you a new perspective on the world around you, and they can make it easier to see things up close.
The only problem is that they're not always easy to get ahold of. You have to go into an optical shop and have them measure your eyes. So they know exactly how strong your eyeglass prescription is and what kind of lenses they need to make for you.
So what happens if your eyeglass prescription expires? Do you have to go through this whole process again? Well, maybe!
All About Eyeglass Prescription and Its Expiration
An eyeglass prescription is a document that states the refractive error of your eye. It is usually issued by an eye care professional. An eyeglass prescription contains information regarding your visual acuity and other eye health parameters.
An optometrist will use your updated eyeglass prescription to determine what type of lenses will work best for you. In contrast, an ophthalmologist will use it to determine whether or not you have any underlying conditions that might affect your eyesight.
Eyeglass prescriptions can be created manually or digitally, depending on what the doctor prefers doing.
Do Eyeglass Prescriptions Expire?
Many people wonder how long an eyeglass prescription is good, and the answer to this question can be a little confusing.
The truth is that there is no expiration date printed on eyeglass prescriptions, unlike food or medicine. Therefore, it's up to you to decide when you need to get your vision checked again by a doctor or optometrist.
For most people, an eyeglass prescription is ideal for one to two years. However, your eyesight and thereby eyeglass prescription can change within that period—especially if you're getting older or have medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Why Does Eyeglass Prescription Expire?
When your eye vision changes, your eyeglass prescription automatically expires. There are several causes for this, some of which I shall discuss below.
As you age, your eye's natural lens loses its ability to focus properly and becomes more opaque. This is known as presbyopia and happens around the age of 40. The older you get, the more likely your eyeglass prescription will change as well.
Your eyeglass prescription can also change if you have an underlying health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. Both of which increase your risk for glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that affects fluid pressure within the eye and makes it harder for light to enter your retina, the back part of your eye.
Additionally, certain medications can impact how nearsightedness or farsightedness affects your eyeglass prescription. If you're on any medication now or in the past year that could affect this relationship between refraction and prescription strength, please speak with an ophthalmologist before making any changes to your eyeglasses or contact lenses!
Signs that You Need New Eyeglass Prescription
The most obvious sign that you need a new eyeglass prescription is when your vision is not as clear as it used to be. You may have trouble seeing far away or close up, and the problem might worsen over time.
Other signs of an out-of-date eyeglass prescription include headaches or eye strain, discomfort when wearing glasses, scratched or damaged lenses, and even changes in visual acuity, the ability to see fine details.
If you notice any of these issues while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, it’s time to visit your eye doctor!
Dangers of Using Expired Eyeglasses
Using expired eyeglasses can cause a variety of problems. You may not be able to see clearly, which could result in an accident or injury. You're also at risk for eye injuries and infections if your eyeglass prescription is outdated.
And if you don't get regular eye exams, there's a chance that you won't notice any changes or issues that are happening with your eyesight until it's too late—and then you might permanently lose some of your vision!
Your eyesight is important—it helps you navigate the world around you to get where you need to go safely and efficiently. If you want to avoid these risks and dangers, ensure your glasses are up-to-date before using them again!
Things to Consider When Getting New Eyeglass Prescription
There are several things you should consider when getting a new eyeglass prescription. First, think about your lifestyle. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Are you an avid cyclist? If so, it might be best to get photochromic lens options that automatically darken in sunlight and lighten up indoors.
Also, take stock of your budget and comfort level with the glasses themselves. Some people simply don’t like how glasses feel on their faces or have difficulty adjusting to wearing them at first. If this sounds like you, consider getting clip-on sunglasses instead!
For those who like wearing traditional glasses but still want more flexibility for different activities, try polarized lenses that reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water or snow though these can be more expensive.
Conclusion
An eyeglass prescription is valid for some time, usually two years. It can be renewed or updated before the end date expires. If your vision has changed and you need new glasses or contact lenses, then it’s important to get a new examination by an optometrist so that they can prescribe the correct correction for your eyes.
Don't settle for old-fashioned eyeglasses with your new eyeglass prescription. Even prescription sunglasses come in a variety of designs, shapes, and colors. Simply browse the web store to pick your dream shades!