How to Get the Lens Back Into a Pair of Glasses

Plastic Frames
Metal Frames

Written by Beth Richards

27 July, 2017

If the lens pops out of your sunglasses or eyeglasses, don't panic — you can usually put the lenses back in. Glasses frames are made from plastic or metal 2. You put the lens in a certain way, depending on the type of frame you have. Keep in mind that a lens can break if you do not put it back into the frame properly.

Plastic Frames

Inspect the glasses to make sure there are no chips, cracks or breaks in the lens or frame.

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Place the frame in a bowl or sink filled with very warm water 2. The water should be warm but not too hot. You should be able to put your hand in the water without being uncomfortable. Allow the frame to soak for one minute 2.

Remove the frame from the water and place the outside edge of the lens into the groove inside the frame.

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Rotate the frame in your hand 180 degrees while keeping the lens held still in the groove.

Press the lens into the groove on the opposite side of the frame, near the bridge. The lens should gently snap into place. Be careful not to press too hard or you could chip or crack the lens.

Inspect the glasses to make sure there are no chips, cracks or breaks in the lens or frame.
Rotate the frame in your hand 180 degrees while keeping the lens held still in the groove.

Metal Frames

Place a towel on your work surface to help contain small screws if they fall out of the frame. Inspect the glasses to make sure there are no chips, cracks or breaks in the lens or frame.

Loosen the screw in the metal frame that holds the lens in place. Be careful not to remove the screw entirely. If you would happen to take the screw all the way out, put it back in and tighten it slightly.

Place the lens into the groove of the metal frame 2. The lens has a bezel, or pointed edge, that fits inside the rim of the frame.

Compress the frame together around the lens and hold it closed with one hand.

Turn and tighten the screw with your other hand. Do not over-tighten the screw because you can strip it out.

Tips

Put a little dab of clear nail polish over a loose screw in a metal frame to help keep it from coming out.

Warnings

Do not wear a lens with a crack, chip or break in it. If you cannot get your lens back into your frame, many retail optical stores and eye doctor offices will put your lens back into your frame for free.