Your prescription has changed, but you love your frames. Or your lenses are scratched, and the frames are still in great shape. Either way, you don't need to buy a whole new pair of glasses. You can have your frames reglazed.
What is reglazing?
Reglazing means taking the old lenses out of your existing frames and fitting new ones made to your current prescription. The frame stays the same; only the lenses change.
It's a popular choice for designer frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Prada or Tom Ford, where replacing the whole pair would cost much more than new lenses alone.
When reglazing makes sense
Reglazing is usually the right choice when:
- Your prescription has changed but your frames still fit well and look good.
- Your lenses are scratched or the coatings are peeling.
- You own designer frames you don't want to replace.
- You want to upgrade your lenses, for example adding a blue light filter, switching to thinner lenses or moving to varifocals.
- You want prescription sunglasses made from a pair of sunglasses you already own.
- You care about waste. Reusing a good frame is more sustainable than buying new.
When buying new glasses is better
Reglazing isn't always the best option. A new pair may be better value if:
- The frame is cracked, bent out of shape or has loose hinges.
- The frame is old or brittle. Older plastic frames can become fragile and may break when the lenses are removed.
- You want a different style. Our budget glasses start from £6, which can work out cheaper than reglazing a basic frame.
Which frames can be reglazed?
Most frames can be reglazed, but some are easier than others.
|
Frame type |
Can it be reglazed? |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Full-rim plastic (acetate) |
Yes |
The most common type. Very old frames may be brittle. |
|
Full-rim metal |
Yes |
Usually straightforward. |
|
Semi-rimless |
Yes |
Lenses are held by a thin nylon cord, which is replaced at the same time. |
|
Rimless (drilled) |
Often |
Lenses are screwed to the frame, so it needs extra care. |
|
Sunglasses |
Usually |
Most can take prescription lenses. Very curved, wraparound sports frames may limit your prescription range. |
If you're not sure about your frame, send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll tell you before you post anything.
Lens options when you reglaze
Reglazing is the perfect time to upgrade your lenses. Popular options include:
- Single vision for distance or reading
- Varifocals for distance, intermediate and reading in one lens
- Thinner, high-index lenses for stronger prescriptions
- Blue light filter for long hours on screens
- Anti-glare coating to reduce reflections and night-driving glare
- Tinted or polarised lenses to turn your frames into prescription sunglasses
What affects the cost of reglazing?
The price depends on the lenses, not the frame. The main factors are:
- Lens type: single vision lenses cost less than varifocals.
- Prescription strength: stronger prescriptions may need thinner, high-index lenses.
- Coatings and tints: blue light, anti-glare, tints and polarisation each add to the price.
- Frame type: rimless and wraparound frames take more work to fit.
In most cases, reglazing a designer frame costs far less than buying the same frame new with lenses.
How reglazing works at Specsmart
- Fill in our form. Tell us about your frame and the lenses you want using our Send Your Frame for Fitting Lenses form.
- Share your prescription and PD. Not sure how? Read our guides on reading your prescription and measuring your PD.
- Post us your frame. Pack it securely in a hard case.
- We fit your new lenses. Your lenses are made to your prescription and fitted into your frame.
- We send your glasses back ready to wear.
Reglazing glasses FAQs
Can you put new lenses in any glasses frame? Most frames can take new lenses, including designer, metal, semi-rimless and many rimless frames. Frames that are cracked, bent or very brittle may not survive the process, so a new pair is the safer choice.
Is it cheaper to reglaze or buy new glasses? For designer or high-quality frames, reglazing is usually much cheaper than buying the same frame again. For basic frames, a new budget pair can sometimes cost less.
Can I put prescription lenses in my sunglasses? In most cases, yes. Your sunglasses can be fitted with tinted or polarised prescription lenses. Very curved wraparound frames may only work with lower prescriptions.
Can I reglaze glasses I didn't buy from Specsmart? Yes. You can send us frames from any brand or retailer.
Can I switch to varifocals when I reglaze? Yes, as long as the frame is deep enough to fit the reading area at the bottom of the lens. We'll check this before fitting.
Will I be without my glasses while they're reglazed? Yes, for a short time, because we need the frame to fit the lenses. If you rely on your glasses every day, use a spare pair while yours are with us. Our budget glasses from £6 make an easy backup.
Give your favourite frames a second life
There's no need to say goodbye to frames you love. Send them to Specsmart and we'll fit new lenses made to your current prescription.
Need an updated prescription first? Book a free eye test. Have old frames you no longer wear? You can also sell your old frames to us.
