How to Change Eyeglass Lenses at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to change eyeglass lenses might sound like a simple task—but without the right technique, it’s easy to crack a lens, scratch a frame, or worse, injure yourself. I’ve seen this firsthand over the years as a licensed optician here in Calgary. Some clients bring in their favorite frames, hoping to save them after a DIY gone wrong. So if you’re looking to replace lenses yourself, let me walk you through the right way—honestly and carefully.
And if you’re local and feel hesitant, no pressure—you’re always welcome to bring your glasses in. We do in-store lens replacements for all kinds of frames.
What You'll Need to Change Eyeglass Lenses at Home
Before you begin, make sure you have:
A clean towel or soft surface
A microfiber cloth
Optical screwdriver (for metal frames)
A hairdryer (for warming plastic frames)
Clean hands and some patience
When It’s Safe to Change Eyeglass Lenses Yourself
If you’re working with plastic or acetate frames and polycarbonate lenses, DIY might be safe. But certain metal frames, rimless styles, and glass lenses are risky. You can easily warp the frame, strip a screw, or shatter a lens.
I know many people buy replacement sunglass lenses online to revive their favorite shades. That’s totally fine for pop-in non-prescription lenses. But if you’re trying to re-use your existing prescription lenses, consult with a licensed optician.
If that’s you, visit us for prescription lens replacement in your existing frames. We’ll make sure everything fits right—no guesswork, no cracking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Change Eyeglass Lenses
Step 1: Identify Your Frame Type
Look closely. Is it plastic or metal?
Plastic/acetate frames are flexible and DIY-friendly.
Metal frames often require a screwdriver and steadier hands.
Rimless or semi-rimless styles? Skip the DIY—too risky as these are drill mounted in.
Step 2: Warm the Frame if Plastic
Use a hairdryer to gently heat the front of the plastic frame for 15–20 seconds.
This softens the material slightly and helps reduce tension when removing or inserting the lenses.
⚠️ Don’t overheat—too much can warp or melt the frame.
Step 3: Remove the Old Lenses (Start at the Nasal Edge)
Hold the frame firmly and begin at the nasal side (the side closest to your nose).
Apply gentle pressure with your thumbs at the top and bottom of the lens.
Rotate slightly while pushing outward from the front of the frame.
For square frames, start at a corner instead of the center for better leverage.
Repeat for the other lens.
Step 4: Make Sure Your New Lenses Are Facing the Right Way
Not all lenses are marked left or right, especially in round shapes.
Hold them up to the light and match them with the original orientation before you press anything into place.
Step 5: Insert New Eyeglass Lenses the Right Way (Start from the Outside Edge)
Align the new lens with the frame starting at the outer edge (temple side).
Press the lens into the groove gently and begin rotating around the frame.
Use firm, even pressure with your thumbs—don’t try to jam the whole lens in at once.
Step 6: Press Around the Full Rim
Once the lens is partially seated, rotate your pressure around the edge to “walk” it fully into place.
The lens should snap into the groove that runs around the inside of the frame.
If it’s too tight, reheat the frame and try again.
Step 7: Clean the Lenses and Check the Fit
Use a microfiber cloth to clean off fingerprints.
Check that the lenses sit flush and there’s no frame tension. Try them on—if something feels off, it’s best to bring them in for a quick adjustment.
Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Eyeglass Lenses
Using glass lenses (dangerous and brittle)
Forcing lenses without warming the frame
Inserting from the wrong edge
Mismatching left and right lenses
Overheating and warping the frame
Skipping fit check after install
Watch How to Change Eyeglass Lenses in Real Time
Video credit: The Glasses Guy
To help you visualize the process, watch this step-by-step video showing how to remove and insert lenses in both round and square frames.
Still Unsure How to Change Eyeglass Lenses? Visit Us in Calgary
How to change eyeglass lenses is doable—but there’s no shame in getting expert help. If you’re not confident, or if the lenses are expensive or your frame is irreplaceable, let me do it for you.
We can:
Replace your lenses in your existing frame
Ensure proper fitting and alignment
Offer new prescription lenses from trusted Canadian labs
If you’re still deciding on lens type—progressive, bifocal, or single vision—check out our post on what are progressive eyeglasses.
