Can I order contact lenses with an expired prescription?
So, you’re staring at your expired contact lens prescription like it’s a Netflix password your ex wrote down in their notes app (and, somehow, you still have it). You’re hoping to get another order of contacts because, well, you can’t exactly see yourself in the future without them (literally). But there’s one problem: The prescription is expired.
You're probably thinking: No big deal, right? Oh, but it is a big deal. So, let’s clear up the confusion, and while we’re at it, drop some knowledge on why expired prescriptions aren’t something you should mess around with. You know, in case you didn’t get that memo from the contact lens gods (aka eye care professionals).
Here’s the TL;DR: You can’t get contacts with an expired prescription. You just can't. Not anywhere in the United States. Contrary to what your college roommate says, this is not because some evil corporate overlords are trying to take your money. It's because there are real safety risks when you try doing it. Let's learn more about that and how to get around the issues you might be having with how long your contact lens prescription is good for.
How long is my contact lens prescription good for?
First things first: How long is your prescription good for? In the United States, the average validity period for a contact lens prescription is 1 year. However, some states have regulations that might extend that period to 2 years, so it’s a good idea to check your state’s specific rules.
Now, before you start Googling "expired contact lens prescription" and hoping for a loophole (we see you), understand that a prescription that’s past its expiration date isn’t valid anymore. Yes, the system might let you slide for a second (you know, like when you go to a store with a gift card that’s technically expired, but they still let you use it), but your eyes deserve better than that.
Contact lens prescription expiration by state
Alright, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the legalities (try not to snore). Depending on where you live, your prescription could expire in 1-2 years (or never, lol). It’s always good to check with your local regulations. Here’s a handy breakdown of the states and how long your prescription is valid in each:
Keep in mind that states can change their laws at any time. If you're unsure, it’s always a good idea to ask your eye care professional.
How expired is too expired for contact lenses?
Let’s cut to the chase: "Expired" means "expired." You can’t drive your car with an expired registration (unless you're playing the don’t-get-caught game, which we don’t recommend), and similarly, you can’t get new contacts with an expired prescription.
Sure, technically, a bottle of ketchup has an expiration date, and you might still use it months after that (hey, it’s still ketchup). But contacts? Not so much. Those little guys are a lot more finicky than condiments. Here’s why.
The dangers of expired prescriptions
Wearing contacts with an expired prescription is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole. They might fit, but they’re not right. Here’s why expired prescriptions are a no-go:
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Outdated measurements. Your prescription isn’t just about the power of the lens; it’s also about the fit of the lens on your eyeball. If your prescription is outdated, your contacts might not fit correctly, leading to discomfort or even damage.
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Changes in your eye health. Your eyes could change over time. Maybe you developed astigmatism (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us). Maybe your eyes have become drier. If your prescription is expired, there’s no way to ensure your contacts will be as comfortable as the last pair, which may lead to dryness, irritation, or even infection.
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Potential for complications. If you’ve got an old prescription and you’re rocking expired lenses, you’re increasing your risk of serious eye issues like corneal ulcers or infections. And you know what they say: “It’s all fun and games until someone ends up with a nasty eye infection.” Actually, no one says that, but they should.
Will 1-800 Contacts ship if a prescription is expired?
You might be wondering, “What if I’m trying to order contacts from 1-800 Contacts and my prescription is expired?” We’ve got good news (and bad news). The bad news is that no, we won’t ship contacts to you if your prescription is expired. The good news is that this is actually a good thing.
Why? Because 1-800 Contacts wants to make sure you’re getting the right prescription (and at a great price ... hey! Are these money-saving coupons?!?). It’s not about being mean, we promise. We just want to protect your eye health by making sure your prescription is accurate and up-to-date.
How to (not really, but sort of) get contacts with an old prescription
Here’s the bottom line, friends: Expired contact lens prescriptions are expired for a reason. They are not valid, and trying to use one could lead to some serious complications for your eye health.
If you’re ready to get back on track and update your prescription, check out our online exam page. It's like the eye exam version of a quick drive-through (minus the fries, sadly). So, get those peepers checked, and let’s make sure your eyes are in tip-top shape for the future!
Did you know you can order contacts online?
Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!
FAQs
What information do I need to provide for online contact prescription renewal?
You will need to provide some information about yourself, such as your name and date of birth. You'll also need to provide your current contact lens prescription.
Is online contact prescription renewal available for all types of contact lenses?
No, you can't use these types of services for every prescription. Prescriptions outside standard limits or for unique contact types may not be supported.
How long does it take to receive the renewed contact prescription?
Typically, individuals receive their prescription within two business hours of taking the 1-800 Contacts ExpressExam.
What should I do if I experience discomfort or changes in vision after renewing my contact prescription online?
Your prescription will be issued by an ophthalmologist licensed in your state. If you have any issues with new contacts, you can return or exchange them for free. If you experience changes in vision or discomfort, make an appointment with your eye care professional.
Original publish date: 9/28/2023
Updated date: 1/27/2025