How Long Is an Eyeglass Prescription Good For?

May 24, 2023     Sherry

A prescription for eyeglasses is based on the results of an eye exam and vision status, and includes the prescription, correction, and other special requirements you need. However, eyeglass prescriptions are not permanent, they have a limited validity period.

The expiration date of eyeglass prescriptions varies with individual differences and eye health conditions. Generally, eyeglass prescriptions are valid for between 1 and 2 years. This means you should have regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescriptions.


The reason the expiry date for eyeglass prescriptions exists is because vision can change. Vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism may change over time and require adjustments based on new test results. In addition, factors such as age, eye health problems, and medication use can also affect the eye's prescription and need for correction.
If you do not renew your eyeglass prescription for a long time and continue to wear expired eyeglasses, the following problems may result:
Inaccurate Vision: Expired eyeglass prescriptions may not provide the accurate vision correction you need, resulting in blurred vision, eye strain and discomfort.
Increased eye strain: If your eyeglass prescription is out of date, your eyes may be under greater strain as the eyes have to work extra hard to adjust to the incorrect prescription.
Therefore, to ensure your vision is properly corrected and to maintain eye health, regular eye exams and eyeglass prescription renewals are recommended. An ophthalmologist or optometrist will assess your vision and eye health to determine if your glasses need to be adjusted.

Also, if you experience changes in your vision or have any vision problems before renewing your eyeglass prescription, make an appointment for an eye exam with a professional to ensure your eyes are receiving proper attention and treatment.

To summarize, eyeglass prescriptions are not permanent, they are valid for between 1 and 2 years. To maintain accurate vision correction and eye health, it is recommended to have regular eye exams and keep eyeglass prescriptions up to date.