Everyone drops their eyeglasses sometimes. While your frames may be able to take the abuse, the lenses could easily scratch or crack. When that happens, you may wonder whether you can put new lenses into your old frames. Is it possible and/or advisable to do lens replacement for eyeglasses?
There’s no simple, generic answer to this question. Whether you can insert replacement prescription lenses into your eyeglass frames will be determined by the condition of the frames, their shape, size and curvature, as well as by your prescription requirements. To find out what you can do, we recommend bringing your glasses to our optical store in Overland and St. Charles, Missouri, to show them to our staff; we will gladly evaluate your frames for suitability.
Does the style of frames matter?
If you’re worried about which frame designs can be fit with replacement lenses, it doesn’t make a significant difference. Nowadays, most types of Rx lenses can be crafted to fit every style of frames. However, if style and long-lasting use matter to you, then old frames can be a problem. Even if the old frames have a contemporary look, they’ll age faster and look even more dated during the life span of their new prescription lenses.
It’s also worth noting that if you wear rimless glasses and drop them, there are no frames to protect the lenses, and therefore they’ll get more easily damaged. Obviously, when this happens there are no old frames to accommodate replacement lenses, so you’ll need to purchase everything new.
How are replacement lenses for glasses fit into old frames?
Generally, the frame must be heated to remove the old lenses and then reheated to properly place the new lenses. This process comes with a high likelihood that the plastic will become stressed, making it prone to splitting, cracking or breaking sooner.
What are the benefits of buying new frames?
On the surface, the biggest benefit of purchasing new eyeglasses frames instead of putting new lenses in old frames is it gives you a chance to update your appearance. When you bought those glasses, you may have been in a different mood – and now, you’d rather express your casual and creative attitude instead of your professional, academic one. New eyewear gives you an opportunity to share the new look you want.
New frames are also more durable, because they won’t have undergone the damaging process of being fit with replacement lenses. So you’ll enjoy more years of wearing time ahead.
What are some common reasons to choose new lenses for old frames?
- You’ve worn your old frames for years and love them
- Your preferred eyeglasses frames are no longer available
If you feel strongly about using your old frames for your new lenses, stop in to speak with one of our optical specialists in Overland and St. Charles, Missouri. We’ll examine your old frames carefully for damage, and if it works to use replacement prescription lenses, then we’ll use high precision and a gentle touch to fit them perfectly.
At Overland Optical Family Eye Care, we put your family’s needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 314-423-3874 or book an appointment online to see one of our Overland eye doctors.
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