When it comes to eye care, understanding the duration of your eyeglass prescription is significant. If you reside in Alberta, most eyeglasses stores in Calgary will ask for a valid prescription before they sell you new eyeglasses. This is done to ensure your eyes are clear and healthy. Most prescriptions also have an expiration date, and knowing the date can save you money as well as time. It also allows you to plan if you're considering upgrading your frames or changing to a different type of lens.

Most eyeglasses stores in Calgary suggest renewing your prescription every one to two years. The reason is that your eyesight can gradually change without you realizing it. In addition to renewing your prescription, a regular eye exam also screens for potentially life-threatening eye conditions. Even if you don't notice anything wrong with your vision, wearing an outdated prescription for too long can cause more harm than good.

Standard Expiry for Eyeglass Prescriptions

In Canada, the majority of provinces have a one- or two-year rule for the validity of prescriptions. To put it another way, your eyeglass prescription will generally expire after 12 to 24 months. The actual duration may also depend on your age and eye condition. For instance, adults with stable vision may receive a prescription with a two-year expiration, whereas children and seniors may receive a prescription with a one-year expiration.

Your optometrist will decide this from your eye test. If there are indicators of vision changes or eye fatigue, they may recommend more frequent tests. Adhering to this advice ensures that your lenses align with your current vision requirements, saving you headaches, blurry vision, and eye exhaustion.

Why Prescriptions Expire

Prescriptions for eyeglasses expire because your eyes naturally change over time. You may not notice it every day, but your vision can change due to aging, screen use, or other health issues. Wearing out-of-date lenses may cause stress and even contribute to safety issues, particularly while driving.

Regular eye exams also identify signs of early conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. The conditions might not present symptoms initially, but can be identified earlier through routine visits. That's why prescription expiration is not merely about your lenses; it's about your complete eye health.

How to Check If Your Prescription Is Still Valid

Is your prescription still valid? Look at the date on the one your optometrist provided to you. Do not have it? Many Calgary eyeglass shops can look up your information or call your eye doctor to verify it. A few stores even retain a record of your previous visit and can notify you when it's time for a new checkup.

If you're planning to buy new glasses or switch to a different frame style, make sure your prescription is up to date. Shopping for new eyewear with an expired prescription will slow down the process. You'll be required to get a new eye exam before placing your order.

What About Contact Lenses?

Contact lens prescriptions usually expire sooner than eyeglass ones. That's because contacts sit directly on the eye, and any change in fit or eye condition can cause problems. You'll also need a separate prescription for contacts, even if your eyeglass numbers are the same.

If you want to order contacts online, you'll still require a current contact lens prescription. Online stores have to comply with safety and health legislation, and most of them check the expiration date with your optometrist. Don't think that you can simply use an old glasses prescription and purchase lenses; the fit and material are just as important as the figures.

When purchasing contacts online, ensure that your prescription is up to date and accurately specifies the correct brand, size, and fit. This helps protect your eyes and allows you to enjoy the comfort and vision you need. Most trusted websites will send you a reminder when your prescription is about to expire and provide tools to schedule your next eye exam.

Conclusion

Your eyeglass prescription is not forever. Most expire after one to two years, and it's for a good reason. Vision changes gradually, but even the slightest changes can impact your everyday life. That's why Calgary eyeglasses stores always verify your prescription date before assisting you with new glasses.

Whether you're replacing your frames or ordering contacts from the Internet, put eye care first. See your eye doctor regularly, update your prescriptions, and heed your optometrist's recommendations. By doing so, you'll have sharp vision and healthy eyes for the years to come.