About Expired Glasses and Contact Prescriptions

Name: Moody Eyes
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Has My Glasses Prescription Expired?

Let’s talk about expired glasses and contact prescriptions. First of all, the prescription you are wearing could have changed. Sometimes this is a significant change; sometimes there’s little or no change. However, your eyeglass or contact lens prescription is just one reason you need annual eye exams. Keep in mind, a comprehensive eye examination includes checking for the health of your eyes. This includes tests for glaucoma, cataracts, and other conditions that may or may not have symptoms.

Here are more detailed explanations about expired glasses and contact prescriptions…

Does an Indiana Optometrist have to Release an Expired Prescription?

No, an Indiana optometrist is not required to release an expired glasses prescription because the prescription is no longer valid for use in creating new glasses. You must get an updated eye exam to receive a new, valid prescription.

Prescription validity: Under Indiana law, eyeglass prescriptions are generally valid for at least one year from the date of the eye exam. An expired prescription is no longer considered a valid medical document for new glasses.
Health reasons: The requirement for an updated prescription is because eyesight can change over time, and an old prescription may no longer provide clear vision or may even be harmful to your eyes, causing issues like eye strain or headaches.
Right to a prescription: While federal law (the Eyeglass Rule) requires optometrists to provide you with a copy of your current prescription immediately after an eye exam, this right applies to valid, unexpired prescriptions.
A Copy of Your Patient Records: You can request a copy of your eye exam records over the past 5-years be sent either to you or to your new eye doctor by filling out the request form and paying the $30 processing fee. Please request the form via email to staff@moodyeyes.com

Do you know whether your eyes are healthy?

The only way to be sure is to have annual eye examinations. Of course, most of our patients do not have eye diseases. We do see patients who have a potentially sight threatening issue and don’t know it. Public health officials recommend and many vision plans cover annual eye exams.

Does it hurt my eyes to wear an older glasses prescription?

That depends on how much change you have had and what kind of activities you do that requires clear vision. If you are staring at a computer screen for hours per day or driving long distances, especially at night, even a small prescription update can relieve visual stress.

Can I just order more contacts with my current prescription?

Your cornea breathes from oxygen and secretes waste back into your tears. Plus, older contact lenses do not breathe well. Not only should you change your contacts as your eye doctor recommends, you should schedule annual eye exams to asses the health of your cornea.

Why do Vision Plans Cover Annual Eye Exams?

Many patients have vision plan coverage that helps pay for a yearly eye exam. They do this because they know how important regular eye care is. Some diseases, like diabetes and high blood pressure, show up early during an eye exam. As some experts say, “Your eye is a window to your health.”

Why is a Yearly Contact Lens Evaluation Is Necessary

Your contact lenses can interfere with the health of your cornea. Why? Because your cornea gets its oxygen from your tears. Any contact lens covers your cornea, potentially causing reduced oxygen levels, which can lead to significant compromise or damage. Checking annually can help prevent these issues.

Do You Wait Until You Need New Glasses for an Exam?

With good care, eyeglasses can last several years. However, your eyes might be developing preventable problems during this time. It is a good idea to get annual eye exams even if you don’t think you are having a vision problem or need new eyeglasses.

Final Thoughts about Expired Glasses and Contact Prescriptions

At Moody Eyes we schedule patients 30-minutes apart so we have enough time to listen and to answer your questions. A new exam will help us decide about expired glasses and contact prescriptions. Does yours need to be updated? First step: schedule an eye exam. Then we will help you choose a great pair of glasses and/or the right contact lenses for your eyes. We have helped over 25,000 happy patients since 2005.