How To Remove Lenses From Sunglasses - Ultimate Guide
Lenses and frames snuggly fit together and it’s great that they do so, but only until you need to separate them. Sometimes, you need to change your prescription lenses but you don’t want to give up on a frame that you really like. Other times, it’s the frame that got damaged and you’d prefer to keep the lenses. Whatever the case, you may be tempted to assume that you can only do it in an optical shop.
As you’re about to find out, letting a pro handle the replacement isn’t your only option. You can do it yourself, knowing that it doesn’t take much science or complicated tools. The secret, however, consists in knowing how to proceed, depending on the situation.
There are typically two types of frames that determine the way that the lenses are secured within:
- Fixed frames, where lenses will snap-in, with a simple, firm push;
- Adjustable frames, with screws on the sides, where you partially unscrew them to make the lenses fit.
Depending on what model of frame you have, you should follow one of the methods we’ll show you below. Without further ado, here’s what you must do:
How to remove lenses from sunglasses with fixed frames
If you have fixed frames with no screws, you’ll need to put firm, gentle pressure on it to make the lenses pop out. On the one hand, you’ll need to have a steady hand and sort of feel how much to push in order to take them out safely. On the other hand, you’ll need to use a trick that will make things easier – to warm up the frame just a little bit, allowing the lenses to pop out a bit easier.
Warming the frame is very easy. You can use a hair dryer to blow hot air on it for a couple of minutes. Or you can sink your glasses in really hot water for a couple of minutes.
When the frame seems hot enough, you need to act fast. Make sure you have a soft cloth at hand, to use it as a cushion for just in case you’ll drop the lens when you take it out.
The movement should be done pushing from the back of the lens, meaning from the side of the lens towards the eyes.
Be prepared to hear something like a cracked noise, and don’t fret. It’s the sign that the lens got out from the frame’s groove. If everything goes well, as it should, you still need to examine the frames and make sure no damage occurred in the process.
How to remove lenses from sunglasses with adjustable frames
If you have the adjustable type of frames, with side screws, it’s even easier to remove lenses from your sunglasses. Basically, you need a small screwdriver and use it to take out those little screws. Again, it helps if you keep a soft cloth at hand, to avoid watching your lenses fall on a hard surface.
The moment the screws were taken out, you’ll be able to manually remove the lenses. It’s a straightforward process and you’ll put the new lenses to the old frame in a jiffy.
While you may still be reluctant about the idea of doing it yourself, you’ll soon enough conclude that it’s the most convenient option of them all. Usually, it’s the lenses that deteriorate sooner than the frame would. And it is actually recommended that you change them at the first signs of wear, if you want to enjoy the best possible protection for your eyes.
If you’re in a similar situation, why paying for a new pair of sunglasses when you can purchase the lenses separately and mount them on your current frame? As shown above, you can do it yourself, or you can let a pro handle the replacement for you. Knowing your options is the first step in taking the best possible decision. We’ve played our part, now it’s your time to decide for how long you’re going to continue using scratched sunglasses…