Alexei Volkov
Many people prefer to replace their glasses lenses rather than purchase a new pair of glasses. This could be due to the cost, the desire to keep a favourite pair of frames, or because their current frames are no longer in production. While it is possible to replace lenses yourself, especially if you have the exact same frames, it is recommended to go to an optical shop to have it done professionally. Some companies, such as LensDirect, offer lens replacement services with free shipping and expert lab technicians who can custom-cut lenses to fit your frames.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic lenses are manufactured to fit a specific frame | The frame has to be in the database to be able to order a replacement lens |
| Heating a plastic frame | Can allow a lens to be popped in/out easier |
| Heating a frame with the lenses in it | Can result in "crazing" the lens coating and ruining the lens |
| Using hot water to heat a plastic frame | Can work, but the best tool is an optical shop's box of heated sand or glass beads |
| Using a hair blower to heat a plastic frame | Can work, but an optical shop's box of heated sand or glass beads is better |
| Popping out lenses from a broken frame | Can allow the lenses to be fitted into a new frame |
| Company | Comments |
| --- | --- |
| Lenses Rx | Used twice to replace lenses in existing frames with good results |
| Overnight Glasses | Replaced lenses in a pair of designer prescription sunglasses; quick and easy |
| Zenni | Ordered a back-up pair of frames and lenses through them |
| Eye Buy Direct | Online vendor for updating lenses at a low cost |
| Pearle Vision Center | Replaced lenses, but not in plastic frames |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pop out old lenses and heat plastic frames to fit
Popping out old lenses and heating plastic frames to fit new lenses is a cost-effective option to purchasing new frames. It is important to be careful when removing lenses to avoid damaging them. Lenses that are held in place by a screw require a screwdriver to remove them. If there are no screws, you can try heating the plastic frames to loosen the hold on the lenses.
To pop out the lenses, hold the nose bridge with your non-dominant hand and place your dominant thumb on the lens just under the nose bridge. Gently push the lens forward so it slides out from the frame. Repeat this process for the other lens.
To heat the plastic frames, fill a shallow bowl with hot water and completely submerge the frames so they can heat evenly. Leave the frames in the water for about a minute. Take the frames out and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
Once the frames are dry, insert the new lenses through the backside of the frame's proper side. Insert the side closest to the nose rest first, then gently push the lens along the ear rest until the outside edge is close to the ear rest. Repeat this process for the other lens. Allow the frames to cool completely before wearing your glasses again.
It is important to note that heating a frame with the lenses in it can damage the lens coating and ruin the lens. If the lenses do not pop out easily, it is recommended to take them to an optical shop to have them installed properly.
Plastic's Health Impact: The Dark Side of Plastic
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Optical shops can install lenses in plastic frames
One way to install lenses in plastic frames is to heat the frame and fit the old lenses into the new frames. This can be done with hot tap water, a hair blower, or a box of heated sand or glass beads. However, heating a frame with the lenses in it can ruin the lens coating.
Some people choose to install lenses in plastic frames themselves, but this can be risky. If the frames are not durable enough, the lenses may not be well protected. Additionally, if the wrong type of lens is chosen, the user may experience discomfort.
Optical shops often offer package services for glasses, which can sometimes be cheaper than buying frames and having lenses put in independently. It is important to consider the cumulative costs before committing to either path.
Collapsing Plastic Pto Guard: Easy Steps to Follow
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Online vendors offer cheaper lens replacement
Online vendors offer a cheaper alternative to in-person lens replacement services. For example, Lensabl offers competitive pricing for its lens replacement service, with prices starting at $97 for a basic pair of single-vision lenses. Prices for lens replacement services can start even lower, such as $48 at Eyeglasses.com, $49 at ReplaceALens, or $39 at 39DollarGlasses.
These online vendors also offer a wide array of lens options, including Transitions, Anti-Glare, and Sunglass Lenses. Some vendors, like Lensabl, offer the additional service of renewing eyeglass prescriptions online. Others, like Overnight Glasses, offer quick services, with a three- to four-day service available for $9.
Some online vendors, like LensDirect, offer to cut lenses to fit your frames, accommodating various prescriptions like single vision, progressive, and bifocals. Other vendors, like Eyeglasses.com, offer to duplicate your current lenses without needing to know your prescription.
Online vendors also offer convenience and flexibility, with options for both online ordering and in-person services.
Flip Flops: Plastic's Dark Side and Cancer Risk
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lens replacement is often quicker than getting new glasses
Ordering new lenses for existing frames can be a quick and easy process. Some companies offer free shipping and quick turnaround times, with some customers reporting that they received their glasses back within a few days. The entire process can take as little as 5 days, with some companies offering 2-day shipping.
Lens replacement services can be a convenient alternative to visiting an optometrist, especially if you have damaged your lenses and do not need a new prescription. Online retailers and some optometrists offer this service, allowing you to keep your current frames with a new prescription. This can also be a cheaper option, as you are only paying for the lenses and not the frames.
In some cases, frames can outlast lenses, and you may want to keep your frames due to their style or because the manufacturer no longer makes them. Additionally, if you have a backup pair of glasses with an older prescription, you can simply replace the lenses to update them to your current prescription. This can be a cost-effective way to ensure you have multiple pairs of glasses for different situations.
While some companies may require you to send in your frames, others provide pre-paid shipping labels or boxes to make the process more convenient. They will then cut and assemble the new lenses, perform a quality inspection, and ship your updated frames back to you. This process typically takes around 12-14 business days, but it can be expedited by printing the shipping label ahead of time.
Plush Toys: Plastic Filling and Its Environmental Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$5.02
Some services require you to surrender your existing frames
While it is possible to replace the lenses in your existing frames, there are some services that require you to surrender your current frames and get a new pair. This is often recommended because there is no guarantee that your old frames won't break during the fitting process. If you provide the frames, you will be responsible for supplying a new pair if they break, which will cause delays.
Optical shops may be more accommodating if you want to keep your old frames. They can heat the plastic frames to fit the old lenses into the new frames, but this may not always work. The size of the lenses in the frame also determines your peripheral vision, so you may want to opt for new frames with larger lenses to improve your range of vision.
If you want to keep your old frames, you can try to find the exact same pair online and order new lenses to fit. This can be tricky, as even very similar frames may not have the exact same lens dimensions and shape. You can also attempt to replace the lenses yourself by heating the frames, but this could ruin the lenses if they are coated.
Plastic Pollution: Impacting Animals and Their Food Chain
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plastic lenses are manufactured to fit a specific frame. The frame has to be in the database to be able to order a replacement lens.
You can try to pop out the lenses yourself and find a frame that is the exact same brand, model, and size. Then, heat the new frames and fit the old lenses into them.
You can heat the frames by using hot tap water or a hair blower, but the best tool is an optical shop's box of heated sand or glass beads.
Yes, some companies that replace lenses in plastic frames include LensDirect, Lenses Rx, and Overnight Glasses.
