How to Choose the Right Frames for a Lens

New eyeglass frames are usually selected when you have a new examination or are updating or adding to your style. There are times, however, when you have to purchase a frame to fit your lenses. If your eyeglass frame breaks, selecting a replacement frame to fit your old lenses is an option to tide you over until you purchase a whole new pair of glasses. It is important to keep several things in mind when choosing the right frame for your old lenses.

Things You'll Need

• Current eyeglass prescription

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Instructions

• 1

  Go to an optical retail store or eye doctor office that sells frames. Most optical stores have dispensing opticians on staff who are experienced in putting old lenses into new frames. If you have a copy of your most recent glasses prescription, bring it with you. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you are entitled to obtain a copy of your current eye glasses prescription from your eye doctor.

• 2

  Choose a plastic frame even if your previous frame was metal. Plastic eyeglass frames can be heated and reshaped to fit your lenses. Metal frames are rarely able to be used as replacement frames unless you are replacing your old frame with the exact same style and size.

• 3

  Look for a plastic frame that is similar in size to your previous frame. It is sometimes possible to use a smaller frame but not a larger one. If you choose a smaller frame, expect to wait to have the lenses edged, or sized down, to fit the frame. Many optical offices have equipment to edge lenses while you wait but some have to send frames and lenses to a lab that does the work. Sending the frame and lenses to be edged takes from one day to two weeks, depending on the lab.

• 4

  Select several frames if possible. You may be limited as to which frames your lenses fit. Once you have a few choices, sit down in front of a mirror. Ask the optician to put your lenses into a frame you have chosen, even if the lenses do not fit tightly. You will be able to get an idea how you see through the lenses and also see how you look in the frame. Do this with each frame until you find the one you like best.

• 5

  Make sure the new frame holds your lenses so that they sit properly in front of your eyes. Your optician should help make sure your new frame keeps your lenses properly centered. Glasses are made with a customized optical center that is measured to sit in front of your pupil. When you put your old lenses in a new frame, your lenses must stay in the same horizontal place as they did in your previous pair so that you see correctly. It is also important to keep the lenses in the same vertical plane, especially if you wear a bifocal. Changing the placement of the lenses can alter your prescription.