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How Often Should You Update Your Eyeglass Prescription?

Wearing an outdated prescription is more common than you'd think -- here is how often to check, and the signs it's time sooner.

General Guidelines by Age
Ages 18-40

Every 2 years, or sooner if you notice vision changes.

Ages 41-60

Every 1-2 years, as presbyopia commonly develops and progresses during this range.

Ages 60+

Annually, since age-related eye conditions become more common and vision can shift faster.

Signs You Need a New Prescription Sooner

Regardless of the general schedule, certain symptoms mean it's worth booking an exam early rather than waiting out the calendar.

1
Squinting or Headaches

Frequently squinting to see clearly, or regular headaches after reading or screen use, often signal your prescription no longer matches your vision.

2
Holding Things Closer or Farther

If you find yourself adjusting your phone or a book's distance to focus, your prescription may need updating.

3
Eye Strain by Day's End

Consistent tiredness or strain, especially with screens, can indicate your correction is off, even slightly.

4
It's Been Over 2 Years

Even without obvious symptoms, gradual vision changes are easy to miss day to day -- a routine exam catches drift you might not notice yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep wearing my current glasses if my prescription has expired? +
Prescription expiration dates (typically 1-2 years) exist because your eyes can change enough in that time to make the correction inaccurate; wearing an outdated prescription is not dangerous, but likely means less-than-ideal vision correction.
Does Shade Gray require a current prescription to order? +
Yes, an unexpired prescription from a licensed eye doctor is required for prescription lens orders, in line with standard practice for prescription eyewear.
Will a slightly outdated prescription cause permanent eye damage? +
No. An imprecise prescription can cause eye strain, headaches, and less sharp vision, but does not cause permanent harm to your eyes.
How do I read my prescription once I get it? +
See our full guide -- How to Read Your Eyeglass Prescription -- for a plain-English breakdown of every value on the form.
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