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Originally published on 4th October 2021 & updated 23rd August 2024
Do you have a favorite pair of sunglasses? Most of us do. Whatever make or brand they are, and no matter the memories that come with them, some styles just stand the test of time. Whether your treasured shades are iconic Ray-Ban Aviators or a stylish pair of Tony Montana’s by Carrera, changing the lenses with replacement sunglass lenses will let you keep wearing them year after year. Adding new lenses to old frames is simple and affordable. What’s more, you can bring a fresh look to old frames, and ensure your sunnies offer the same level of eye protection. This guide covers everything you need to know including the importance of new lenses, how much they might cost, and most importantly, information about how to replace sunglass lenses yourself.
Why Replace Sunglass Lenses?
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to replace the lenses in your sunglasses. Over time, even the best-cared-for sunglasses can get scratched or cracked, or the protective coating can wear away. Or simply, you might just want to change the color or style of your sunglasses or add higher quality, or polarized lenses. If you like your frames, perhaps they’re not in production anymore, or you want to save some money, replacing the lenses may be your best option. Reusing old frames rather than buying new ones can also be a way to do your little bit for the environment. Did you know that over 1 billion pairs of sunnies get thrown away every year?
Can You Replace Sunglass Lenses in Your Old Frames?
Yes! Reinvigorating and revitalizing those old, scratched shades is easier than you’d think! You can almost always replace the lenses in old frames. Knowing where to buy replacement sunglasses lenses and who to trust can be daunting, but at Sunglass Fix we provide a wide variety of replacement sunglasses lenses for all top brands. Take a look at our range, there will be something suited to your frames, no matter how old they are.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Sunglass Lenses?
When people think about how much it costs to replace lenses in sunglasses, many are surprised that it doesn’t have to be expensive, and it’s often way, way cheaper than a whole new pair. Our prices start from as low as $33.99 for replacement lenses for all top brands, while a new pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers or Oakley Holbrooks will likely cost $180 if not more. The next consideration when working out how much it costs to replace sunglass lenses is whether you will replace them yourself, or have a professional do so. The former is of course free, but paying someone will add additional cost.
Where to Get Sunglass Lenses Replaced
It can be challenging to know where to buy replacement sunglass lenses and where to get them replaced. Here at The Sunglass Fix, we’ve been providing replacement sunglass lenses for longer than anyone else on the market, and our lens quality is second to none. They’ll be delivered directly to your door, ready for fitting. You may be able to find a local watchmaker, jeweler, or other specialist that will be able to replace your lenses, or of course, you could do it yourself (...it’s often very easy!)
How to Replace Sunglass Lenses Yourself
If you’re not sure how to get your sunglasses lenses replaced and you want to give it a go yourself, we recommend reading one of our guides. Sunglasses generally fall into three categories, and we have a how-to for each below:
Advice for Replacing Sunglasses Lenses
If you follow our guides then you should have no issue replacing your sunglasses lenses yourself. However, there are always some handy tips and pieces of advice to keep in mind.
- Take it slowly and carefully
- Don’t try to force anything, it’s the easiest way to break your glasses or lenses
- Make sure you have the right tools and a clear, well-lit workspace
In most cases, the hardest part is removing the old lenses. If you can successfully do that, then you should have no problem installing the new ones.
Choosing the Best Replacement Lenses
It can be tricky to determine who makes the best replacement sunglass lenses and what you might need. You should look for replacement lenses that offer the same or higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) protection, preferably 100% protection, sometimes listed as “UV400”. Remember that darker lenses don’t always equate to higher levels of UV protection. Consider the material and the quality of the replacement lenses. When shopping online it can be hard to tell, but you can rest assured that all our lenses, films, and coatings meet or exceed ANSI Z80.3-2018. The color of the lens will also make a difference. Gray or black provides a neutral tint, while brown can be a great choice for depth perception (such as when driving). For overcast days, a yellow or orange tint is a good idea, while blues and greens are a great choice for use on water or snow. Most lenses come with an option to be polarized. Polarized lenses have a special coating that reduces glare from flat surfaces such as roads and sidewalks, water, snow, and even grass. They’re often a great choice for active people, as are lenses made from plastic or polycarbonate which can be more durable. Mirrored lenses don’t necessarily offer any additional protection, but the coating on them can help reduce glare… and they often just look cool!
Your old sunglasses as good as new
If you’ve got a classic pair of Ray-Bans, Oakleys, or other sunglasses you want to give a fresh lease of life to, then replacement lenses should be top of your list. New, high-quality lenses will provide maximum protection, will be free of scratches, and can allow you to try a new color or style. We recommend taking good care of your shades by keeping them in a case, cleaning them with soap and warm water, and wiping them regularly with a microfiber cloth. Try not to put them face down on any surfaces, or put them in bags or pockets without at least a soft case. If you keep the frames in good condition, you can replace the lenses time and time again. If you want to replace your sunglass lenses, explore our full range of high-quality lenses from top brands, delivered directly to your door by The Sunglass Fix.
