Contact Lenses Are Medical Devices
Contact lenses are prescription medical devices. A current prescription helps confirm that the lens brand and parameters are still the ones your eye care professional prescribed.
Expiration dates are part of determining whether a prescription is current for a new order.
Fit and Vision Can Change
Your prescription, comfort, tear film, lens fit, and wearing needs can change. An expiration date encourages periodic review with an eye care professional instead of relying indefinitely on older information.
If your lenses still feel fine, your prescriber can determine whether renewal is appropriate.
Expired Prescriptions Can Block Orders
Expired prescriptions generally cannot be used to complete a new contact lens order. If the prescriber reports that the prescription is expired, the order cannot continue as submitted.
Honest Lenses may ask for a current prescription before fulfillment.
What to Do If Yours Is Expired
- Schedule an eye exam or contact lens renewal.
- Ask your prescriber for a copy of the updated contact lens prescription.
- Confirm the brand, parameters, and expiration date are readable.
- Use the updated prescription when placing your order.
FAQ
Can I buy contacts after my prescription expires?
Generally, no. A new order requires a valid contact lens prescription. If your prescription is expired, contact your eye care professional about renewal.
Why do contact prescriptions expire sooner than I expected?
Expiration timing can depend on applicable rules and clinical judgment from the prescriber. Ask your eye care professional if you have questions about the date listed.
Who sets the expiration date?
The prescriber sets the expiration date within applicable law and professional requirements.
What should I do if my prescription is expired?
Schedule an exam or contact your prescriber about renewal, then use the updated contact lens prescription for your order.
Written for Honest Lenses by Dr. Paul Driggers, OD.
This guide is general educational information for contact lens customers. It is not a medical exam, diagnosis, or treatment plan.