A common question for eyeglass wearers is whether they must purchase a new frame every time they update their prescription, especially if they love their current frame or found a unique set elsewhere. The practice of using existing or externally purchased frames for new prescription lenses is known as re-lensing. This process involves the optical laboratory cutting new lenses to precisely fit the dimensions of the existing frame. The feasibility of re-lensing depends heavily on the structural integrity of the frame and the policies of the service provider.
The Direct Answer: Feasibility of Re-Lensing
Yes, it is generally possible to have new prescription lenses placed into frames you already own or have purchased separately. Optical labs and retail locations have the machinery to trace the frame’s shape and manufacture a lens that fits its groove. This is a practical solution for updating a prescription without the added expense of a new frame.
The process is not without potential complications, and providers often exercise discretion due to the risk of breakage. Removing old lenses and inserting new ones places stress on the frame material. Because of this risk, most providers require customers to sign a damage waiver stating they are not responsible if the frame breaks during the procedure. This risk transfer is the primary caveat to re-lensing, especially with older or used frames.
Essential Frame Requirements for New Lenses
A frame’s physical condition and design are the most significant factors determining if it can be successfully re-lensed. Older frames, particularly those made of acetate or plastic, can become brittle over time as the material ages. This increased fragility makes them prone to cracking or snapping under the pressure exerted during lens insertion, which is a major reason for refusal by service providers.
Certain frame designs are considered higher risk for re-lensing, notably rimless or semi-rimless models. These frames require the lenses to be drilled or grooved, which puts strain on the lens edges and frame components, often leading to damage. If a discontinued model breaks, securing replacement parts becomes nearly impossible, leaving the customer without their preferred frame and a new pair of unusable lenses.
Accurate measurements are paramount for successful lens-making, especially the Pupillary Distance (PD) and the optical center height. These measurements must align perfectly with the frame’s shape and your eye position. Frames that are excessively large or have an unusual, deep curve can pose optical challenges, especially with high-power prescriptions or complex lens types like progressives. These factors affect lens thickness and the proper placement of the optical center, potentially leading to visual distortion.
Navigating Service Options and Costs
You have two main avenues for getting new lenses installed: in-person retail optical shops or online/mail-in services.
Retail Optical Shops
Retail optical shops offer the benefit of having an experienced optician immediately inspect the frame’s condition and take precise fitting measurements. However, these shops are often more hesitant to accept outside frames due to liability concerns. They may also charge a separate mounting fee, increasing the overall cost.
Online/Mail-in Services
Online or mail-in lens replacement services typically offer a lower cost for the lenses and often have a higher acceptance rate for customer-provided frames. These services rely heavily on the customer to provide accurate measurements, which carries a risk of error if not done professionally. While they are often cheaper, the turnaround time is longer due to shipping, and there is a risk of the frame being damaged in transit.
The cost of re-lensing may not be as low as expected, as many providers build the lens cost into a package deal with their frames. The cost of a lens-only order can range widely; basic single-vision lenses start around $50 to $70, but adding features like anti-reflective coatings or complex progressive lenses can easily push the price into the hundreds. Using an external frame often voids the original manufacturer’s frame warranty, and the lens warranty usually only covers defects, not damage caused during installation or subsequent use.