Can I Buy Glasses Online with an Expired Prescription?

Shopping for new glasses online is a great way to update your look and enhance your vision. But what happens if you want to purchase a new pair of glasses online and your prescription has expired? Can you still make the purchase, or do you need to schedule an eye exam first?

Learn everything you need to know about using an expired prescription and why it’s important to keep your prescription up to date. 

What does it mean to have an expired prescription? 

If a prescription has expired, it means that it is no longer valid. Generally, glasses prescriptions are good for one to two years, but it can vary. Using an expired prescription is not the best idea because your vision might have changed since your last eye exam. Wearing glasses with an outdated prescription can cause discomfort, eye strain, headaches, and other symptoms.  

Updating your prescription ensures your new glasses are tailored to your current vision needs. Our eyes change gradually, and an up-to-date prescription is crucial for having the best possible vision. Sometimes, even if you think your vision is fine and your prescription is still current, you might not notice subtle changes in your vision. An updated prescription can show you how much better your vision can be, helping you see more clearly and comfortably. 

Can you still buy glasses online with an expired prescription? 

Some online eyewear retailers will let you use your expired prescription to place an order, but this isn’t always the best choice for your eye health because of: 

• Accuracy: An expired prescription may not match your current vision needs. You could end up with glasses that don’t fit properly or don’t correct your vision as well as they should. 
• Comfort: Wearing glasses with an outdated prescription can cause eye strain and discomfort. Your vision might have changed, so your old prescription might not be the best fit. 
• Eye health: Regular eye exams are not only about checking your vision; they are also important for assessing your eye health. An expired prescription might mean you haven’t had a recent eye exam, so you could be missing out on important updates about your eye health. Some eye diseases have no symptoms in the early stages, and early detection through a comprehensive eye exam is critical to getting the care you need and preventing permanent vision loss.  

How to update your prescription 

The best way to make sure your prescription is up to date is to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist. During the exam, your eye doctor will check your vision and update your prescription if needed. With a current prescription, you can shop for glasses online with confidence and find the perfect pair that suits your style and vision needs. 

While it might be tempting to schedule an online eye exam, these exams are not as comprehensive as an in-person eye exam with a qualified optometrist. Online exams might miss important details about your eye health and any underlying conditions. A thorough in-office eye exam will provide a complete assessment of your vision and overall eye health. 

Is it time for an eye exam? 

If it’s been a while since your last eye check-up, now is a great time to schedule one. An updated prescription can make a significant difference in how well you see and feel.

At Primary Eye Care of Arlington and South Main, we offer comprehensive eye exams as well as a wide selection of eyewear in Arlington and Memphis. You can also browse our eyewear selection online. Schedule your eye exam today and make sure your prescription is current!