Can You Replace Lenses in Eyeglasses?

Choosing eyeglasses that fit and flatter a person's face allows them to feel confident in their appearance, but when the lenses inside them become outdated and the prescription no longer does the job, it can be frustrating. No one wants to spend a couple of hours trying on new frames to find a new pair of glasses, especially if there is nothing wrong with the old ones.

Designer frames can be expensive and many people prefer to go with that choice, so of course, it is natural that replacing a valuable pair would be less than desirable. On the other hand for some people needing new lenses, the cost of a designer pair may be out of the question, so fitting for existing glasses may be the way to go.

Are used eyeglasses suitable for new lenses?

Not every pair of eyeglasses is suitable to receive new lenses. There are a few guidelines with which to determine the practicality of such a choice:

• There should be no broken hinges
• Bent or twisted frames are not useable
• If the frame material is blistered or flaking, the pair needs to be replaced
• Do not reuse frames that fit improperly
• If any of the components necessary for installing the lenses securely are broken or missing, the frames are likely not workable

There may be more factors that contribute to whether a frame may be fitted with new, updated lenses. A person would do well to speak with an optometrist and show the frames in question. A trained eye can give the proper advice as to whether a replacement would be possible. If a person is trying to use a hand-me-down frame, the doctor or technician may perform a few checks to make sure the pair fits the new wearer well and is adequately built for new lenses to fit into.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of reusing frames?

If a person really enjoys the weight, fit or style of the frames currently worn, it makes sense to use them for new lenses so the same style can be retained. Additionally, if the frames are suitable, it may save considerable cost to replace only the lenses, as frames can be extremely pricey — particularly when it comes to designer frames.

There are some disadvantages to trying to reuse the frames of eyeglasses. Some insurance companies will only pay for a completely new pair of glasses, so a customer may be left to absorb the complete cost out of pocket. Warranties may not be in effect on such a pair, as the frames will have already experienced quite a bit of wear. A person may also experience a problem putting a pair of new lenses in an older frame if the thickness or other features of the new prescription does not fit inside the frame.

Conclusion

It is good to know that reusing a pair of beloved eyeglasses is a possibility. By studying the pros and cons and consulting with professionals to see whether a specific pair of glasses is a candidate, it's possible to make a better choice.

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