When it comes to taking care of your eyes, understanding your contact lens prescription is an important part of the process. Just like other prescriptions, contact lens prescriptions have an expiration date, but the length of time they’re valid for might surprise you.
Whether you’ve just gotten your first pair of contacts or you’re a long-time wearer, knowing how long your prescription lasts can save you time, and money, and ensure your eyes stay healthy.
In this article, we’ll break down how long contact lens prescriptions are good for and why it’s important to stay on top of them.
How Long Are Contact Lens Prescriptions Good For?
As per the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA), contact lens prescriptions typically last for one to two years. This means that after the prescription is issued, it remains valid for this period, as long as your eye health and vision haven’t changed.
However, if your vision changes or if there are any changes to your eye health, your prescription may need to be updated sooner. It’s important to get regular eye checkups to ensure that your prescription is still accurate and that your eyes remain healthy.
Even if your prescription is still valid, you should always consult with your eye care provider if you notice any discomfort or vision changes.
Understanding FCLCA’s Take About Prescription Expiration
In 2003, Congress passed the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA), which established rules for how long contact lens prescriptions should be valid. The law outlines three main points regarding prescription expiration:
- A contact lens prescription will expire based on the laws in the state where the eye exam took place, as long as those laws set a minimum expiration of one year. There is an exception for health-related reasons.
- If no state law applies, the prescription should expire at least one year after you were given a copy of it, following your eye exam and contact lens fitting. However, if there’s a medical reason, the doctor might require you to have a new exam before the year is up.
- Finally, the expiration date can also be determined by the prescribing doctor. This date depends on the doctor’s medical judgment, considering your eye health.
In short, the FCLCA ensures that your prescription is valid for at least a year but also gives room for doctors to adjust the expiration based on individual health needs.
Factors That Affect Contact Lens Expiration
The lifespan of contact lenses can be affected by several things:
- Type of Lens: The material used to make the lenses plays a big role in how long they last. For example, soft hydrogel lenses tend to wear out faster than rigid gas permeable (RGP) or silicone hydrogel lenses, which are made from sturdier materials.
- How Often They’re Worn: Lenses that are used every day experience more wear and tear from activities like blinking, cleaning, and handling. This means they may need to be replaced sooner compared to lenses that are used less frequently.
- Cleaning and Storage: The way you clean and store your lenses is important for keeping them in good shape. Proper hygiene helps prevent bacteria or dirt from building up on the lenses, which could make them uncomfortable or even cause eye infections.
- Environment: The environment you’re in also matters. For example, humid climates may lead to more moisture buildup on lenses, requiring more frequent replacements to maintain comfort and clarity.
- Individual Eye Characteristics: Every person’s eyes are different. Factors like tear production or protein buildup can shorten the usable life of contact lenses. Some people may need to replace their lenses more often for comfort and eye health.
Also Read: Contact Lenses Care: Ways to Keep Your Lenses Clean & Safe
How to Tell If Your Contact Lenses Have Expired?
Keeping track of your contact lenses’ expiration date is important, but if you’re unsure whether they are still good to use, there are some signs you can watch out for. Here are a few ways to tell if your lenses might need replacing:
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Uncomfortable or Irritating to Wear
If your lenses start to feel rough or irritating, it might mean they’ve been used too long. Over time, deposits can build up, or the lenses can lose their original quality.
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Sudden Blurriness
When lenses are old or damaged, they may affect your vision by causing it to become unclear or blurry. If this happens unexpectedly, your lenses might need replacing.
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Red or Puffy Eyes
Using expired lenses can sometimes lead to infections, which may result in redness or swelling. If your eyes don’t look or feel normal, it’s best to remove the lenses and consult a specialist.
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Lens Colour Looks Different
A faded or discoloured tint on your lenses could mean they’re past their usable period. Lenses with visible changes like this are often no longer safe to wear.
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Dry or Tired Eyes After Use
If your eyes feel dry or strained after wearing your lenses for a while, it might indicate that the lenses have aged beyond their intended use.
Closing Thoughts
Taking care of your contact lenses is essential for keeping your eyes healthy and ensuring clear vision. Proper cleaning, storage, and timely replacement can prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of infections.
For a detailed guide on maintaining your lenses, check out this guide on contact lens care.
Regular eye checkups are equally important to monitor your eye health and update your prescription as needed. They help ensure that any changes in your vision or eye condition are addressed promptly. If it’s time for your next checkup, schedule an appointment today with our expert team at Insight Vision Center.
FAQs – Is Your Contact Lens Prescription Expired?
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
