Updated – June 18th, 2026
Picture this: you’re down to your last pair of contacts, so you go online to reorder. Your cart is ready, you go to checkout, and then… your order doesn’t go through because your prescription is expired.
Annoying, right? You know your vision hasn’t changed (or so you think), so why does a piece of paper stand between you and fresh lenses?
Just like food, medicine, and even sunscreen, contact lens prescriptions expire, too.
If you’re wondering why that happens and whether you can still use your expired prescription to order contacts, you’re not alone. Let’s break it all down and go over your options.
- Do contact lens prescriptions expire?
- Why do contact lens prescriptions expire?
- Can I use an expired contact lens prescription?
- Dangers of an expired contact lens prescription
- Renew your prescription with an online vision test
- Contact lens prescription expiration by state
- How to order contacts with an expired prescription
- Order Contact Lenses Online at 1-800-GET-LENS
Do contact lens prescriptions expire?
Yes, the long and short of it is contact lens prescriptions expire. You can’t use the same one forever.
Most prescriptions are valid for one to two years, depending on state laws and your eye doctor’s recommendations. The expiration date is usually printed on your prescription, so you’ll know exactly when it’s time for a renewal.
Why do contact lens prescriptions expire?
Now you know contact lens prescriptions expire, but why is that? Here are a few reasons:
- Eye health changes over time – Even if your vision feels the same, your eyes may develop dryness, irritation, or other issues that require a different lens type.
- Your prescription needs adjustments – A small change in your prescription can make a big difference in comfort and clarity.
- It’s a legal requirement – The FDA and state laws regulate contact lens prescriptions to keep them accurate and safe for wearers.
Your eye doctor will let you know when your prescription expires and when you’ll need an exam to get a new one. If you’re unsure, just check your prescription or call your doctor’s office.
Can I use an expired contact lens prescription?
If you’re wondering, “Can I order contact lenses online with an expired prescription?”, the short answer is no.
In the U.S., both online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores are legally required to verify your prescription before selling you contacts. If it’s expired, they can’t process your order. It’s as simple as that.
And while it might seem like just a technicality, this rule is in place to protect you. Wearing the wrong prescription—or lenses that aren’t suited for your current eye condition or vision needs—can lead to discomfort, strain, or even infections.
If your prescription has expired, the best thing to do is schedule an eye exam. Many doctors offer quick appointments, and once you have an updated prescription, you can reorder your lenses without any issues.
Dangers of an expired contact lens prescription
But wait, you say. Plenty of shelf-stable foods like canned goods are still safe well past their expiration dates. So why not contact lens prescriptions?
We hear you, but it’s not worth the risk. Don’t just take our word for it. Below are some well-documented dangers of using an expired contact lens prescription.
- Increased dryness or irritation – Old prescriptions don’t account for changes in your eye health.
- Higher risk of eye infections – Wearing old lenses without proper checkups can increase the risk of infections.
- Unnoticed eye conditions – A routine exam doesn’t just update your prescription. It helps detect early signs of eye diseases that could impact your vision long-term.
Renew your prescription with an online vision test
Need a fast and convenient way to renew your prescription?
1-800-GET-LENS offers an online vision test and eye exam that takes just 10 minutes. All you’ll need is your contact lenses, your computer, a smartphone, and about 10 feet of space.
If everything checks out, a board-certified ophthalmologist will review your test results and renew your prescription.
It’s an easy, hassle-free way to get back to ordering your contacts!
Contact lens prescription expiration by state
So, when does a contact lens prescription expire exactly? The answer depends on where you live.
In the U.S., contact lens prescription expiration laws vary by state, but most prescriptions are valid for one to two years.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires a minimum expiration period of one year unless your eye doctor determines you need a shorter term for medical reasons. Some states extend the validity to two years, though.
Here’s a breakdown of how long your contact lens prescription is valid based on state laws:
| State | Minimum Length (Years) | Maximum Length (Years) |
| Alabama | 1 | N/A |
| Alaska | 1 | N/A |
| Arizona | 1 | 1 |
| Arkansas | 1 | 1 |
| California | 1 | 2 |
| Colorado | 1 | 1 |
| Connecticut | 1 | N/A |
| Delaware | 1 | 1 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 1 |
| Florida | 2 | 2 |
| Georgia | 1 | 1 |
| Hawaii | 1 | N/A |
| Idaho | 1 | 1 |
| Illinois | 1 | 1 |
| Indiana | 1 | 1 |
| Iowa | 1 | 1.5 |
| Kansas | 1 | N/A |
| Kentucky | 1 | 1 |
| Louisiana | 1 | 1.5 |
| Maine | 1 | 2 |
| Maryland | 1 | 2 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | N/A |
| Michigan | 1 | N/A |
| Minnesota | 2 | 2 |
| Mississippi | 1 | 2 |
| Missouri | 1 | N/A |
| Montana | 1 | N/A |
| Nebraska | 1 | 1 |
| Nevada | 1 | N/A |
| New Hampshire | 1 | 1 |
| New Jersey | 1 | 2 |
| New Mexico | 2 | N/A |
| New York | 1 | N/A |
| North Carolina | 1 | N/A |
| North Dakota | 1 | 1 |
| Ohio | 1 | 1 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 1 |
| Oregon | 1 | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | N/A |
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 |
| South Dakota | 1 | N/A |
| Tennessee | 1 | N/A |
| Texas | 1 | N/A |
| Utah | 2 | 2 |
| Vermont | 1 | 1 |
| Virginia | 1 | N/A |
| Washington | 2 | N/A |
| West Virginia | 1 | N/A |
| Wisconsin | 1 | N/A |
| Wyoming | 1 | N/A |
Note: “N/A” indicates that specific information was not found in the available sources.
Keep in mind that states may change their laws at any time. If you’re unsure when your prescription expires, check the expiration date printed on it or contact your eye care provider.
How to order contacts with an expired prescription
The truth is you can’t really order contacts with an expired prescription. But what you can do is either schedule an eye exam with your eye care professional or take an online vision test.
1-800-GET-LENS offers an online vision exam that takes just 10 minutes, with results reviewed by a board-certified ophthalmologist. If approved, you’ll receive an updated prescription without needing an in-person visit.
That isn’t to say that you no longer need to see your eye care professional. Getting a routine checkup every year or so is still the best way to make sure your eyes are healthy. It also gives your eye doctor a chance to catch early signs of potential issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems.
Order Contact Lenses Online at 1-800-GET-LENS
Once your prescription is up to date, ordering contact lenses online is a breeze.
1-800-GET-LENS makes it easy to shop for your favorite brands at competitive prices, all from the comfort of home. With a wide selection of lenses, fast shipping, and an online vision test for quick prescription renewals, 1-800-GET-LENS is the go-to choice for contact lens wearers. From daily contact lenses and monthly contact lenses to specialty options like contact lenses for astigmatism, there’s a fit for every prescription and lifestyle.
Don’t let an expired prescription hold you back. Get your eyes checked, update your prescription, and order your contacts today!
