How to Replace Sunglass Lenses

Co-authored by Alexander Knezevic, MD

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 References

After a lot of use, your sunglass lenses may get scratched, smudged, or damaged. Replacing the lenses can give them new life and save you the hassle of buying a new pair. Start by choosing replacement lenses that are the correct type and size. You can then remove and put in the new lenses in just a few steps.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Choosing Styles and Features

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1
Get polycarbonate plastic lenses for high UV protection. This material is light and durable, making it ideal for sunglasses that you plan to wear and use often. However, polycarbonate plastic lenses are not very scratch resistant, so you may want to get a scratch resistant coating on them for added protection.^{[1]
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- Polycarbonate plastic and regular plastic lenses are the most popular types in high quality sunglasses.
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Opt for a scratch-resistant coating on the lenses to protect them. You should be able to order most sunglass lenses with a coating that prevents scratching and other surface damage. Some lenses will come with this coating, while others will cost a bit more for this option.^{[2]
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- The coating should be invisible and not affect how the lenses look or appear.
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3
Get glass lenses for high scratch resistance and low UV protection. Glass lenses can be heavy and fragile, so they are not ideal for sunglasses you plan to wear often. However, they are less prone to scratching than plastic lenses. They have low UV protection so you may want to get a UV coating added to the glass lenses to protect your eyes from the sun.^{[3]
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- Due to their fragile nature, glass lenses are not commonly used in sunglasses.
4
Go for polarized lenses to reduce glare. Polarized lenses will absorb sunlight to reduce or prevent glare when you wear the sunglasses. This is a good option if you plan to wear the sunglasses often, especially in sunny or bright conditions.^{[4]
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- Keep in mind getting the lenses mirrored, rather than polarized, will reduce some of the light that hits the lens but will not significantly reduce glare.
5
Get tinted or colored lenses for style and appearance. Standard tinted lenses and gradient tinted lenses are more of a fashion preference, as they do not do much to reduce glare or improve the lenses. You may also opt for colored lenses, such as yellow, gray, or green lenses, to add style to the glasses.^{[5]
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- If you plan to wear the sunglasses when you are driving, go for grey or green colored lenses. Avoid brown and amber colored lenses, as they can affect your ability to differentiate color on street signs and stop lights when you are driving.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Ordering Replacement Lenses

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1
Look for the model number of the lenses on the frame. The model number will help you match the replacement lenses with the ones currently in your sunglasses. It will usually appear on the inside of 1 of the temple pieces, which are the bars, or arms, of the sunglasses. The model number will have a mix of letters and numbers.^{[6]
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- For example, you may have a model number like “SR 4550” or “6051-HJ.”
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Check the color code of the lenses next to the model number. The color code will have 1 number for the lens color or 2 numbers, 1 for the color of the frame and 1 for the color the lenses. The color code usually appears right after the model number on 1 of the temple pieces.^{[7]
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- For example, you may have a color code like, “004” or a combination of 2 numbers, “402/14,” with the latter number being the color of the lenses.
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Find the size of the lenses on the bridge of the frame. The size of the lense is usually in millimeters or centimeters. There will be 2 measurements, the width of the lenses and then the bridge and earpiece length. The width of the lenses is what you need to order the correct size lenses for the sunglasses.^{[8]
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- For example, you may have a lens size like “50 to 75 millimetres (5.0 to 7.5 cm).”
4
Order the replacement lenses online or at your nearest sunglasses retailer. Once you have the model number, color code, and lenses size, you can order the replacement lenses from an online retailer. You can also choose other details like the lens material, the color or tint, and polarization.
- If you prefer to shop for the lenses in person, head to your nearest eyeglass or sunglass retailer and ask a salesperson to help you find the right replacement lenses for your sunglasses.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Changing Screw-in Lenses

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1
Use a small screwdriver for glasses to remove the screws. Place the frames face down on a flat, soft surface. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws on either side of the frames and place them in a piece of fabric or in a block of foam so they do not roll away. Then, take out the old lenses by sliding them out from the frame.^{[9]
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- You can get a tiny screwdriver for eyeglasses from an eyeglass repair kit or buy 1 at your local eyeglass store. The eyeglass repair kit usually comes with extra screws so you have replacements if you lose 1.
2
Insert the new lenses 1 at a time. Make sure the new lenses line up correctly with the groove on the inside of the frames. Check that the lenses sit flush in the frame, with no gaps, as this will ensure they do not fall out or shift.^{[10]
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Replace the screws to keep the new lenses in place. Use the screwdriver to put in the screws. Make sure they are screwed in tightly so they do not fall out.^{[11]
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Wipe the replacement lenses with cleaning solution. Use a soft microfiber cloth and a homemade solution of water and mild soap or professional cleaning solution for eyeglasses and sunglasses.^{[12]
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- Make sure the cleaning solution is mild and free of any chemicals or additives that could damage any coatings on the lenses.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Replacing Pop-in Lenses

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1
Place a paper towel over the lenses. The paper towel will ensure no pieces of the lenses go flying, especially if they are made of glass.^{[13]
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Position your thumbs on the inside of the frames, against the lens. Your other fingers on the outside of the frames so you can pop out the lenses easily. The front of the sunglasses should be facing away from you.^{[14]
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- You can also brace your hands on a flat surface, holding the lenses away from you, for extra support.
3
Push the lens out of the front of the frames. Use your fingers to apply pressure to the sides of the lens and gently pop it out. If the lens does not pop out easily, you can try using 1 hand to lift the top area of the frame and the other hand to pull the bottom area of the frame downward as you push out the lens. This should help it to pop out.^{[15]
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- Repeat the same steps with the other lens so both of the old lenses are removed.
4
Pop the new lens into the frames. Flip the sunglasses around so the front of the glasses faces you. Hold the new lens between your fingers and place it over the front of the frames, lining it up with the sides of the frames. Use your thumbs to gently press the new lens in place, moving your thumbs around the perimeter of the lens.^{[16]
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- You should run your thumbs around the perimeter of the lens once it is in place to ensure it is secure.
- Repeat the same steps with the other lens, popping it into the frames.
5
Clean the replacement lenses to remove smudges or fingerprints. Use a cleaning solution of water and mild soap or professional eyeglass cleaner, applying it with a soft microfiber cloth. Wipe the lenses down to ensure they are clean and ready to use.