How To Swap Lenses Glasses?

Old Eyeglass Lenses and New Eyeglass Frames

If you no longer like your eyeglass frames, but the lenses are still perfectly customized to your eyesight condition, how can an eye care professional help you in your search for a new model?

Fashions change at an ever increasing pace. And we are not just talking about clothes and shoes here - the same goes for eyeglass frames. If slimline models were the product to set eyeglass wearers' pulses racing two years ago, it is now the wider style eyeglass frames that are in fashion.

However, it is not always necessary to buy a brand new pair of glasses. In certain cases, the eye care professional can insert your current eyeglass lenses, which afford you optimal vision, into new eyeglass frames.

In general, you can replace lenses in any frame.

By upgrading your lenses, you’re upgrading your vision and hopefully seeing better than before, without changing your look.

Reasons for Lens Replacement

• Your lenses scratched, cracked, or broken
• Normal wear and tear (most common reason)
• Vision needs change – a new prescription
• Their favorite frames have been discontinued or unavailable
• Preference to antique or vintage frames, but need a modern lens
• Your frames fit you – you like them, and don’t want to change
• An affordable alternative to buying new glasses
• You have and keep multiple pairs and styles to choose from.

Often, the frames have simply outlived the lenses.

It can be a very costly and lengthy process when choosing the right frames for your glasses, you want to feel good in them and they need to work with your personal style and look. So, when your lenses need replacing, but the frames are still in good condition, why start again?

If you are happy with your glasses but your prescription has changed or your lenses are scratched or damaged then you may wish to consider a reglaze service.

Replacing your lenses is environmentally friendly, keeps costs down, and extends the life of your favourite frames.

Centering Data and Frame Compatibility

The distance between the center of the pupil and the center of the frame

The eye care professional makes a record of this centering data.

The distance between the lower edge of the frame and the center of the pupil

The eye care professional makes a record of this centering data.

The distance between the rear glass surface and the foremost point of the cornea

The eye care professional makes a record of this centering data.

The angle between the lens surface and the vertical line of vision

Technical term: inclination.

The angle between the lens surface and the horizontal line of vision

Referred to as the curvature.

This extensive list of centering data alone illustrates the highly sensitive functionality of modern eyeglass lenses and demonstrates the importance of the interaction between the eyes, eyeglass lenses and suitable eyeglass frames.

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. In the case of standard single vision lenses, the remaining centering data is not generally needed.

The higher the optical effect of an eyeglass lens, the narrower the tolerances in the production of the glasses.

Progressive Lenses and Lens Condition

Progressive lenses are even more problematic. In this case, the tolerances are unfortunately even more restricted, because in spite of being very small, the lenses should enable precise distance vision, near vision and intermediate vision.

The eyeglass lens must therefore be a technical masterpiece, because not only must it simultaneously correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia, it must also enable clear vision at all of the distances in between.

In this instance, there are only very few cases in which it is possible to put old eyeglass lenses into new eyeglass frames.

The condition of the eyeglass lenses is an additional factor to be considered. The lenses should not be heavily scratched, because the readjustment will subject the lens surface to further strain.

The insertion of new eyeglass lenses into old eyeglass frames, on the other hand, does not present any problem whatsoever. Anyone who has found glasses frames that suit them perfectly and that they are completely happy with can have new eyeglass lenses fitted by any eye care professional. As long as the material is still in working order, there is no reason to discard it.

Putting Lenses Back Into Plastic Frames

1. Many different materials can be used to make so-called “plastic” frames, including zyl acetate, carbon material and nylon.
2. Some materials will require heat to insert the lens properly and others won’t.
3. For frames not requiring heat, simply align the lens with the frame’s groove (or bevel) from the back and pop the lens into place.
4. You can use your thumbs to press on the top and bottom of the lens until it clicks into place.

If an accidental drop or other incident causes one or both of your lenses to come out of your eyeglass frames, you may be able to put the lenses back in yourself.

While we recommend that you seek help from an optician for this type of repair, there are some steps you can take to try and fix different frame types at home.

Start by placing your glasses on a clean, flat surface. Use a gentle hand to remove the old lenses from the frames. For plastic frames, gently heat them with a hairdryer to make the material more flexible. This will help prevent any breakage.

Apply even, gentle pressure around the edges of the lenses. This part of the process requires patience and careful handling.

Metal and Rimless Frame Fitting

1. When putting lenses back into metal frames, you will need a mini screwdriver from an eyeglass repair kit.
2. Loosen the screw just enough to allow space for aligning the lens with the frame front.
3. The lens will have a bevel that needs to fit into the groove of the frame.
4. Once you've secured the lens into the groove, you can tighten the screw back into place.
5. Double-check that the first lens is secure before moving on to the other one.

If you have rimless or metal frames, you'll need a small screwdriver to loosen the screws. Take care not to lose these tiny pieces during removal.

Place the new lenses where the old ones were removed. For plastic frames, press the lenses into the frames with even pressure. If the frames are metal or rimless, tighten the screws gently but securely.

Be sure the lenses fit comfortably, but don't force them if they resist. Take a moment to inspect the frames for any visible gaps or unevenness. If something appears misaligned, don't force it. Instead, check each part carefully to confirm they fit well together.

Adjustments and Professional Assistance

• Once the lenses are installed, make sure everything is aligned properly.
• You might need to make minor adjustments to the frame arms or the bridge for a comfortable fit.
• Try the glasses on and move your head to check for stability.
• Your glasses should sit comfortably without sliding down.
• Eyewear stores often offer free adjustments, so consider using this service if needed.

If something feels off, revisit the previous steps to troubleshoot any issues. If any discomfort continues, further frame adjustments might be necessary.

If you're wondering how to pop lenses out of glasses, it's better if you don't even try. Popping lenses out at home can actually be dangerous if done the wrong way.

You run the risk of breaking your glasses and lenses, and you may damage the bevel or groove that keeps the lenses positioned in your frames. If this happens, the lenses may be more likely to dislodge and hurt your eyes if something were to hit your head or face.

Optical stores and online lens replacement services will remove the old lenses and fit your new lenses into your frames so you don’t have to. One key advantage is that experienced professionals handle all aspects of your frame’s lens removal and replacement so you don’t risk major damage at home.