Can I Replace my Lenses and Keep my Frames? (2024)

Can I Replace my Lenses and Keep my Frames? (1)Eyeglasses have been an essential part nowadays, especially for those people whose job requires them to stare at their computer for long hours. But wearing eyeglasses can be difficult, although it is easier if you find the best lenses for your eyes. Choosing eyeglasses with proper lenses can help provide a clearer focus and more comfortable vision. In addition to vision correction, they also provide a fashion statement. But as with any type of eyewear, lenses need to be replaced on occasion too.

Types of Lenses Materials

If you are using eyewear that comes with the lenses, chances are it will have to be replaced because most of these glasses' lenses cannot last for more than two years. This is why people should replace their lenses at least once every two years.

Eyeglasses that come with lenses are called single-vision eyewear, and they have a one-size-fits-all type of lens. If you have a pair of glasses with the same kind of lenses in both eyes, it may be possible to use one lens for two different prescriptions. But if they are not the same prescription or power, this could lead to eye strain and difficulty focusing on things far away from you because there is a difference in the power between your two eyes.

You may also opt to purchase different types of lenses like bifocal, progressive, or multifocal in order to make your vision correction more comfortable because the glasses can be adjusted to fit your needs. Here are few lists of popular lenses materials you can choose from:

Plastic Lenses

Plastic lenses are made of a plastic polymer called CR-39 (Columbia Resin 39). They are the most cost-effective type of lenses, and they can last for five to ten years. Plastic is often used because it has good durability, strength, optical clarity, and scratch resistance. Because they have no additional coatings or treatments on them, these lenses can be cleaned with just soap and water.

Lightweight Lenses

These are a type of plastic lens that is thinner than regular lenses. They are often used for people who have light sensitivity due to the thickness and weight of the lens.

Glass Lenses

Glass lenses offer exceptional optical clarity and scratch resistance but are more expensive than plastic lenses because they need to be made of higher quality materials. They also have high durability and strength.

FDA Approved Lenses

If you are looking for a lens that can be worn on top of eyeglasses or contact lenses, then FDA-approved glasses may be what you need. These types of glasses allow your eyes to breathe by not blocking them from the air around them as regular contacts do.

Polycarbonate Lenses

If you need glasses for an active lifestyle, polycarbonate lenses may be the best option. They are lightweight and strong to withstand any activity.

Trivex Lenses

Trivex lenses are an excellent alternative for polycarbonate lenses. They are also lightweight and strong and have impact resistance qualities.

High-Index Plastic Lenses

These types of lenses are the thinnest type of lenses. If you have a strong prescription, these may be the best option for you because they are thinner and lighter than other lens options.

Perspex Lenses

If what you need is sunglasses instead of glasses with lenses, then Perspex should be your choice. These types of frames do not require any prescriptions.

Tips:If you care about how your lenses look, then Perspex and polycarbonate are the best options. If what you need is a type that will be durable to withstand any activity, or if it's for sunglasses instead of glasses with lenses, then Trivex may be an option as well. High Index plastic can also be a good choice if you have a strong prescription or want to care for your lenses in any way. In general, the best type of lens will depend on what is most important to you and your lifestyle.

Can I Replace my Lenses and Keep my Frames?

The short answer to that is yes. Eyeglasses are made of plastic, so it's possible to change the lens without replacing the frame if needed. A good rule of thumb is that when a new prescription is needed, it's time to replace the lens. However, if you've had your glasses for a while and need new lenses because of an eye injury or something else that has changed your vision, then yes, the frame can stay.

The decision to replace one's eyeglass lenses does not automatically mean that you have to purchase new frames, as with most optical services such as eye exams, glasses prescriptions, and lens replacements. Replacing glasses frames are expensive, while replacing eyeglass lenses may not cost as much.

Lens Replacement and Care Tips

It is vital that your lens replacement doesn't bubble or have a "foggy" appearance because it could result in poor vision quality. In addition, it's essential to take good care of your eyeglass lenses because it will help them last longer. Here are some tips on how to take care of glasses and lens frames:

1) The first thing you should do is consult your eye care provider about what kind of lens would suit your glasses' needs. They will be able to tell you what the best type of lens is for a specific need and lifestyle, such as sports or outdoor activities.

2) Another thing that can help new eyeglass lenses last longer and stay safer in frames is protective coatings. These thin layers of material give extra protection against wear and tear and damage.

3) Clean the glass frame using a clean cloth or tissue with water, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water mixed together well. Make sure that you dry them with a clean cloth to avoid damaging the frame.

4) Clean the front and back surfaces of your lenses using isopropyl alcohol or a lens cleaner.

5) To prevent any scratches on the lenses, make sure that you put a protective coating (such as UV Protection) onto your new eyeglass lenses before putting them into frames.

It is essential to consult your eye doctor before getting your glasses lens replacement, as with all eyeglass prescriptions. Depending on the type of prescription, it may be possible to order a new pair that can fit into your old frames, but this is not always the case.

The best way to verify what type of eyeglass lenses replacement is suitable for you is by scheduling a visit to your eye doctor. They will be able to tell you what the best type of lens is for a specific need and lifestyle, such as sports or outdoor activities. And if you are in need of eyeglass repair services to fix frames to lenscrafters, you can visit Rx-Able.com for more details.

Can I Replace my Lenses and Keep my Frames? (2024)

FAQs

Can I Replace my Lenses and Keep my Frames? ›

If you would like to keep your old frames, you should bring that up with your eye doctor or eyeglass provider. They will have a good understanding of compatibility and costs and be able to determine if your frames are in good enough condition to reuse.

Can you keep the same frames but change lenses? ›

If you're looking to update your eyeglasses prescription without purchasing new frames, replacing the lenses in your existing glasses is a viable option. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of updated vision correction while keeping the frames you love.

Is it worth putting new lenses in old frames? ›

If your frames are not in good condition, the added stress from lens replacement and normal wear and tear can lead to your glasses malfunctioning much sooner. In the long run, it will likely be more efficient and cost effective to replace old and worn out frames when you get a new prescription.

Can I replace lenses on a frame? ›

If you're ready to get new lenses in your frames, there are plenty of optical stores that will be happy to replace your old lenses with new ones. You just need to have a current eyeglass prescription when visiting your local optician.

Is it cheaper to just replace lenses in glasses? ›

There are plenty of situations where you might prefer to replace the lenses of your glasses rather than purchase an entirely new set. In most cases, you'll save money and be able to hang onto the glasses you already chose, rather than having to pick a new pair.

Can I pop my lenses out of my frames to put them in another frame? ›

It is therefore only possible in very few cases that "old" customized lenses can be put into new frames. The option of fitting used eyeglass lenses into new eyeglass frames is most likely to work in the case of standard single vision lenses, because only the inter-pupillary distance has to be identical.

How much does it cost to put new lenses in old frames? ›

Eyeglass Lens Replacement Walmart
Lens PricesSingle VisionDelivery Time
RX-able.com$28/pair24 Hours*
Walmart$70/pair1 to 2 weeks
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.

Will opticians put lenses in my own frames? ›

It's likely that at some point your prescription will change, requiring new lenses. However, if you're happy with the glasses you have, we can simply fit new lenses into your current frame. Of course, this service is also available if you break or scratch the lenses in your current glasses.

Can optometrist put new lenses in old frames? ›

Under certain circ*mstances, a trusted optometrist like Custom Eyecare can update your favourite frames with your current prescription with minimal downtime.

What company will put new lenses in old frames? ›

Lensabl makes it easy to put new lenses in a favorite pair of shades or glasses.” “I'm psyched that Lensabl offers such an easy and affordable service…

Do LensCrafters replace lenses in old frames? ›

Specifics. LensCrafters won't replace lenses in every frame. As they point out on their website, normal wear and tear puts stress on the frames and can make replacement more difficult. LensCrafters will only swap out lenses on a case-by-case basis.

Can Warby Parker put new lenses in old frames? ›

If you're updating your prescription, you can get new lenses placed in old Warby Parker frames. However, there are some important caveats: the frames need to be in really good condition. Frames age and become brittle over time, depending on the environment.

Can I put my lenses in any frame? ›

Generally, most frames sold nowadays can fit prescription lenses; however, they must have a lens groove (what holds the edge of a lens) designed to hold an ophthalmic lens. In most cases, this groove must be 2MM (about 1/16 of an inch). In addition, the frame needs to be in good condition.

Can I keep my frames and get new lenses? ›

Can You Keep Your Existing Frames? Fortunately, you can typically continue to use your existing frames when you get new lenses, provided that the frames are in good condition and aren't too complicated in shape. If they're damaged or worn out, then you'll need to get a new pair of frames along with the new lenses.

Will Walmart put lenses in my own frames? ›

Lenses. Walmart offers clear, tinted, polarized, and transition lenses. They also offer different protective coating options for lenses. If you'd like your old lenses put in new frames, Walmart offers that, too.

What is the average cost of lens replacement? ›

Cost of Lens Replacement Surgery

According to experts, pricing can range between $2,000 to $8,000 per eye. “The cost of custom lens replacement varies by region and surgeon experience,” agrees Dr. Brusco. “In most metro areas, [the surgery] will run about $6,000 to $8,000 per eye.”

Can I have prescription lenses put in my own frames? ›

These days, you can get a new lens or order a replacement online with ease -- without even buying a whole new pair of glasses every time. There are plenty of sites out there that will replace the lenses in your existing frames, which can save you quite a bit of money, as well as some time and effort.

Will Walmart put new lenses in old frames? ›

As long as the frame is in good condition then yes. Today most frames aren't manufactured the way they were in past so many don't hold up for long. Part of this is because frame companies want to sell you more frames. Best bet is to stop in Walmart and show the optician the frame you want to use.

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