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Many online retailers and some optometrists offer online glasses lens replacement. This service is an easy alternative to visiting an optometrist when a person has lost or damaged a lens or has a new prescription and wants to keep their current frames.
This article explores when people might need to replace their glasses lenses. It discusses vision checks and lists some websites offering lens replacement services online, and also explores how to choose between the available options and answers some frequently asked questions.
While some people regularly replace their eyeglass frames, others prefer to just replace the lenses.
Individuals might do this because they favor the style or the frames they currently use are no longer available from retailers.
It can also be cheaper to only replace the lenses instead of getting new frames.
In some cases, frames outlive the lenses. This can happen when:
If a person’s eyeglass frame is still in good condition, lens replacements can be useful.
Some companies specialize in fitting new lenses to existing frames. They may require a recent or new prescription, but some may use a person’s current prescription to create and fit the lenses.
An individual should first consider having an eye exam to make sure the lenses they request are still the right strength. That way, if their prescription still fits their existing frames, they can be sure that their new lenses will work.
Some signs that it may be time to replace the lenses in a person’s eyeglasses include:
When a prescription is no longer valid or effective, it may cause eyestrain and make everyday tasks more difficult.
Some people may develop other eyestrain symptoms, including:
Additionally, as lenses are an essential part of glasses, if they break or pop out of the frames due to damage, this creates a safety hazard. Years of wear and tear may prevent a person from seeing clearly.
While a person may get their lenses replaced online without an appointment, vision checks are not the only part of eye health.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends annual eye exams to check for a wide range of medical conditions that can affect sight, such as glaucoma. An eye exam may also detect early signs of diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer.
The AOA also advises that online apps to assess vision may not reveal a complete picture of a person’s vision and eye health, while they may also provide less accurate results than a comprehensive eye exam.
After an eye exam, federal law requires prescribers to provide a copy of lens prescriptions, although state laws that govern how long prescriptions are valid vary.
As a result, while a person can obtain their prescription to use with an online lens provider, it might not be valid if the prescription is very old.
To receive replacement prescription lenses online, a person may consider the options below.
Several apps can test a person’s eyesight at home. An optometrist or ophthalmologist reviews the test then creates a prescription for an individual to use at most online glasses retailers.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), it is only safe to use these apps for glasses, not contact lenses.
In some cases, if a person’s prescription has expired, their eye doctor may be able to perform a telehealth eye exam if they prefer not to visit the office.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Below are some of the top eyeglass lens replacement companies an individual can consider.
Price: from $77
With plenty of options for people who wish to replace their lenses but not their frames, Lensabl offers a wide range of lenses.
Prescription choices include single vision, progressive, and bifocal.
Lens types include:
Available lens materials to choose from include:
Additionally, a person can order water-repellent, scratch- and smudge-resistant, UV protection, and antifog coatings.
Individuals send their frames directly to Lensabl, and the company installs the new lenses into the frames and sends them back in a few days.
A person must already have a valid prescription to use Lensabl, but they have the option to submit a prescription after completing their order. The company states they will email and request this information.
Lensabl also provides printable labels and the use of its own packaging for convenience.
Other advantages of the Lensabl brand include:
Some disadvantages include:
This brand offers a wide variety of options in both lens types and colors. Those looking for a convenient way to customize and order their lenses may find Lensabl suitable.
Price: from $39
39DollarGlasses offers a wide range of lens-only products.
The company sells a choice of prescription types, including single vision, bifocal, and progressive options. Single vision lenses do not cost extra, but there are additional charges for bifocal and progressive lenses.
A person may also select clear, sun, or transition lenses, each with varying options, such as:
They can also include antiglare and Crizal Prevencia enhanced antiglare coatings.
A person must either input their prescription as they are ordering or have a valid prescription already on file with the service. Alternatively, they can complete their order without a prescription, but they must send it to the company within 21 days of ordering.
They can then send their frames to the company for lens fitting.
Some advantages of 39DollarGlasses a person can consider include:
Disadvantages include:
This company is a viable option for those looking for a service with a good guarantee on its products.
Price: from $49
Eyeglasses.com offers replacement lenses for a person’s current frames.
Available lens options include:
Lens material includes:
A person can also order antireflective, antiglare, smudge resistance, and dust-repelling coating options. Some lenses also come with an anti-scratch warranty of 1–2 years.
Additionally, Eyeglasses.com offers official and certified RayBan lenses if a person has RayBan frames.
Individuals must send their frames and current prescription to the company. Alternatively, Eyeglasses.com can read and duplicate a person’s current lenses.
The company will then install the lenses and ship them back for free.
A person can consider the following advantages of Eyeglasses.com:
Some disadvantages include:
This company may be a suitable choice for those who have designer frames as it stocks lenses from official designer brands.
The following table provides an overview of the above three companies.
Replacing eyeglass lenses can be an important decision to maintain eye health, especially for those who regularly wear glasses.
Factors a person can consider before making a purchase include:
Below are some common questions about replacement eyeglass lenses.
Some companies offer to make and cut new prescription lenses and fit them into an old frame. However, if a person’s prescription has changed considerably, they should be prepared to buy new frames if their new lenses do not fit.
A person does not always need to buy new frames along with their lenses, and this can be a cheaper way to update their glasses.
If a person has damaged their lenses and does not need a new prescription, they can order new lenses from many online retailers. A person can also just replace one lens if only one is damaged.
If a person has a new prescription, there may be a chance that these lenses will not fit their current frames.
Glasses lens replacement services can be much more affordable than replacing frames, and many websites offer options for new lenses without needing to visit a doctor or optometrist.
However, it is essential to undergo regular eye exams, so a person should regularly consult with an eye doctor to help ensure optimal vision and eye health.
Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. These apps have not been evaluated for medical accuracy by Medical News Today. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.
Last medically reviewed on March 28, 2021
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