How Long Is My Optical Prescription Valid?

When you receive a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, you might wonder how long it remains valid. The answer depends on several factors, including your age and the type of correction you need. In this article, we’ll explain the validity period of optical prescriptions in France and what you need to know to ensure your glasses or lenses are still suitable for your vision needs.

Validity of prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses - Kyoptic Optician Paris 6.

1. Prescription Validity for Glasses

The validity of the prescription you receive from your eye doctor for glasses varies depending on your age:

Under 16 years old: The prescription is valid for 1 year. It is recommended to regularly check children’s vision, as their eyesight can change quickly.
Between 16 and 42 years old: Your prescription is valid for 5 years. However, it’s advised to have regular eye checkups, especially if you notice changes in your vision or feel your glasses are no longer adequate.
Over 42 years old: After this age, the prescription is valid for 3 years. This is also when age-related vision issues like presbyopia can start to appear, requiring more frequent monitoring.

2. Prescription Validity for Contact Lenses

Contact lenses require more regular follow-up due to the need to monitor eye health and lens fit. Here are the validity periods for contact lens prescriptions in France:

Under 16 years old: Contact lens prescriptions are valid for 1 year, the same as for glasses.
16 years and older: The prescription is valid for 3 years. However, it is strongly recommended to have an annual checkup to ensure the lenses still suit your correction and comfort.

3. Can You Renew Your Glasses Without a New Prescription?

In France, opticians are authorized to renew your glasses or contact lenses without a new prescription, under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

If your prescription is still valid, you can renew your glasses or lenses without seeing the eye doctor again.
If you are over 16 years old and your prescription has expired but your vision hasn't changed, an optician can, in some cases, adjust your correction after an eye exam. However, this adjustment doesn’t replace a full medical checkup.

4. When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

Even if your prescription is still valid, some signs may indicate it’s time to revisit an eye doctor:

You experience visual discomfort (blurred vision, headaches, eye strain).
Your glasses or lenses no longer seem to suit your vision.
You have a family history of eye problems, or you’ve been diagnosed with a condition like glaucoma or macular degeneration.

It’s always important to monitor your vision changes and consult a specialist if you have concerns.

5. How to Make the Most of Your Optical Prescription

To get the most out of your optical prescription, here are some tips:

Check the validity of your prescription: Before ordering new glasses or lenses, make sure your prescription is still valid. If it’s expired, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
Keep a copy of your prescription: Having a copy of your prescription handy is useful for future purchases or in case it gets lost.
Check your insurance coverage: Health insurance and certain mutuals may cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. At Kyoptic, we offer the possibility to verify your mutual coverage and take advantage of third-party payment if you are eligible.

Conclusion

The validity of your optical prescription is crucial to ensuring that your glasses or contact lenses correctly adjust your vision. Depending on your age and needs, your prescription can last from 1 to 5 years for glasses, and up to 3 years for contact lenses. At Kyoptic, we are here to guide you and help you renew your optical equipment with peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our store for more information!