If you’re someone who wears glasses, you know that they can be a significant investment. Whether you’re buying designer frames or simply looking for a functional pair, you want your glasses to last as long as possible. But what happens when your lenses need to be replaced? Can you put new lenses in old glasses frames?

Many people assume that if their lenses need to be replaced, they’ll need to buy an entirely new pair of glasses. However, if your existing frames are in good condition, you can usually have new lenses fitted to them. This can save you money and help you maintain your preferred style. Here’s everything you need to know about lens replacement and how it works with your existing frames.

What Is a Reglaze?

Reglaze (Lens replacement) is the process of removing your old lenses from your glasses frames and replacing them with new lenses. Eyewear professionals often offer this service, and it can be a cost-effective way to extend the life of your glasses. If your prescription has changed or if your lenses have become damaged, lens replacement can be a convenient solution.

Replacing the lenses in your existing frames is generally a pretty straightforward process. First, your old lenses will be removed and disposed of. Next, your new lenses will be cut to fit your frames using state-of-the-art computer technology. Finally, the new lenses will be inserted into your frames and checked for accuracy.

So, to answer your question: can you put new lenses in old glasses frames? The answer is yes! It is possible to replace the lenses in your existing frames. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you take the plunge.

Your Frames Might Not Be Compatible With New Lenses

If you’ve had your current glasses for a while, chances are they were made with traditional single-vision lenses. These days, however, there are many different types of prescription lenses available, including progressive lenses and blue light-blocking lenses.

And unfortunately, not all of these lens types are compatible with all frame types. So before you invest in new lenses for your existing frames, be sure to check with your optician or eye doctor to make sure that the type of lens you want is compatible with the type of frame you have.

You May Need to Replace Your Frames Anyway

Even if the type of lens you want is compatible with your current frame style, there’s a good chance that your frames will need to be replaced eventually anyway. That’s because the screws and other hardware that holds glasses frames together can loosen over time, which can cause the frames to become warped or misshapen. If this happens, investing in a new pair of frames is usually best rather than trying to salvage your old ones.

There Are Some Exceptions

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If your current glasses frames are made of metal and are starting to show their age, it might be possible to have them buffed and polished, so they look like new again. And if your plastic frames are starting to yellow or warp, there’s a chance that an experienced eye professional could heat and reshape them, so they fit properly again.