How Long Can You Use Your Contact Lens Prescription?

Wearing outdated lenses could mean discomfort, dry eyes, or (worse) blurry binge-watching the new season of Grey's Anatomy.

Why Do Contact Lens Prescriptions Expire?

Contact lens prescriptions expire to keep your eyes healthy. Over time, your vision can change, and lenses that once fit perfectly might not anymore. Outdated prescriptions can lead to eye strain, infections, and irritation—things no one wants.

Think of your regular eye exams as built-in “spa days” for your eyes. Sure, they’re required, but mostly, they’re just good, sensible eye care.

How Long Is a Contact Lens Prescription Good For?

Most contact lens prescriptions are valid for at least 1 year—that’s the minimum required by federal law (according to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act).

Some states extend validity up to 2 years (or sometimes 1.5 years).

A doctor can set a shorter expiration if medically necessary, but they can’t go below 1 year without a prescribed reason for doing so.

Since the FDA classifies contact lenses as medical devices, a valid prescription is required to buy and wear them.

It is important to remember prescriptions vary by state, so be sure to check your state’s specific rules so you know when to renew.

Can You Order Contacts with an Expired Prescription?

Nope. Contact lens prescriptions expire because your vision changes, and sometimes your vision can change in the blink of an eye. If your prescription isn’t valid, you’ll need a new one before ordering lenses.

But don’t worry, getting a fresh prescription doesn’t mean spending hours flipping through a stack of waiting-room magazines from 2017.

How to Renew Your Prescription

Booking an in-person eye exam means a renewed prescription and a full eye health check, which is crucial, especially if it’s been a while since your last update.

Ready to Order New Lenses?

Good news: You don’t have to leave home to get fresh contacts. Blue Planet Optics delivers brand-name lenses straight to your door—fast, easy, and trackable, not to mention the countless options to choose from.

Now, go see the world in HD.