How to Turn Your Favourite Frames Into Prescription Sunglasses

Optician's hands carefully cutting new prescription lenses in a bright Canadian optical lab

Can you put prescription sunglass lenses in frames you already own?

Person considering turning eyeglasses into sunglasses.

Yes, you absolutely can put prescription sunglass lenses in frames you already own. LensFixers specializes in replacing the lenses in your existing eyewear. This means you can transform your favourite everyday glasses into stylish prescription sunglasses. You don't need to buy a whole new pair. We make it simple to get the sun protection you need. Keep the frames you love and see clearly, even in bright sunlight.

What is lens replacement (reglazing) for sunglasses?

Lens replacement, often called reglazing, is the process of fitting new lenses into your current eyeglass frames. For sunglasses, this means we can install new tinted or polarized lenses with your prescription. It’s a smart way to update your eyewear. You get the benefits of new lenses without the cost of new frames. Our Canadian lab handles any frame type. We ensure a precise fit for your new sunglass lenses.

Why keep your current frames instead of buying new sunglasses?

You already love your current frames. They fit your face perfectly and match your style. Why give them up? With LensFixers, you don't have to. We help you keep the frames you already own and trust. This is often more affordable than buying a completely new pair of prescription sunglasses. It’s also a more sustainable choice. You give your favourite frames a new purpose and keep them out of landfills.

Which frame types work best for prescription tints?

Most frame types work well for prescription tints. This includes full-rim, semi-rimless, and rimless styles. We can fit tinted or polarized lenses into almost any frame. Consider the lens size and shape for your needs. Larger lenses offer more coverage and UV protection. Wraparound styles are great for sports. No matter the brand or style, our licensed opticians can assess your frames. We ensure they are suitable for new sunglass lenses.

Choosing the right lens for your lifestyle

Assortment of prescription sunglass lenses with different tints and polarization.

Selecting the right sunglass lenses ensures optimal vision and comfort. Consider how and where you’ll wear them most. This helps determine the best tint, polarization and any lens upgrades. LensFixers offers a wide range of options. We help you find the perfect match for your daily activities. From driving to relaxing outdoors, the right lens makes a difference. If you want to compare prescription sunglass lens options side by side before you decide, our full lens guide breaks down every tint, polarization and lens upgrade.

Polarized lenses: Maximum glare reduction for driving and water

Polarized lenses are ideal for reducing glare. They have a special filter that blocks intense reflected light. This is especially helpful when driving or near water. Glare can cause eye strain and reduce visibility. Polarized lenses make colours appear richer and details sharper. They are a fantastic choice for reducing squinting and improving visual comfort. Ask us about adding polarization to your prescription sunglasses.

Standard tinted lenses: Classic style and UV protection

Standard tinted lenses offer a classic sunglass look. They reduce brightness and provide essential UV protection. Tints come in various colours, each with different benefits. Grey tints reduce brightness without distorting colours. Brown tints enhance contrast. Green tints offer good colour balance. All our sunglass lenses provide 100% UV protection. They keep your eyes safe from harmful rays.

Photochromic lenses: The convenience of lenses that darken in the sun

Photochromic lenses, often called transition lenses, are incredibly convenient. They automatically adjust to light conditions. Indoors, they are clear. Outdoors, they darken in response to UV light. This means you can wear the same pair of glasses for both indoor and outdoor use. They eliminate the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses. It's a versatile option for many lifestyles.

How much do prescription sunglass lenses cost?

Prescription sunglass lenses start at $114 CAD in single vision: $79 for the lenses plus $35 for a solid or gradient tint. Polarized is $79 more and polarized mirror $99 more, since each involves a different lens construction than a flat tint, and Transitions is a +$90 option instead of a tint. Bifocal and progressive prescriptions cost more across the board, sunglasses included, for the same reason they do in clear lenses — more complex optics and a segment-height measurement. If you're weighing prescription sunglass lenses against a second everyday pair for the same frames, our multi-pair discount takes 25% off your entire order when you order 2 or more pairs together, which is often better value than ordering the two separately weeks apart.

The benefits of upgrading your existing frames

Before and after of eyeglasses upgraded with prescription sunglass lenses.

Upgrading your existing frames with new lenses offers significant advantages. It’s a practical and often cost-effective solution. You leverage the frames you already own and love. This approach provides convenience and sustainability. It’s about enhancing your current eyewear rather than replacing it entirely. Discover how this can benefit you and your wallet.

Saving money compared to buying new designer sunglasses

Replacing lenses in your current frames is typically much more affordable than buying a new pair of prescription sunglasses. Designer frames alone can be expensive. Add prescription sunglass lenses, and the cost quickly rises. With LensFixers, prescription sunglass lenses start at $114 CAD in single vision ($79 lenses + $35 tint). This offers substantial savings. You get the sun protection and vision correction you need without the premium price of new frames.

Ensuring a perfect fit you already trust

You know your current frames fit your face perfectly. They are comfortable and suit your personal style. Choosing to replace the lenses means you keep that familiar, comfortable fit. There's no guesswork involved in finding new frames that work for you. Our process ensures your new lenses are precisely cut for your existing frames. You receive back the same comfortable fit, but with brand-new vision.

Reducing waste by keeping quality frames out of landfills

Every time you choose lens replacement, you contribute to a more sustainable future. Many perfectly good frames end up in landfills simply because a prescription changes or lenses get damaged. By reglazing your current eyewear, you extend its lifespan. This reduces manufacturing demand and waste. LensFixers is proud to support this eco-friendly approach. Keep your frames and help the planet.

How the LensFixers process works

Optician fitting new sunglass lenses into existing frames in a Canadian lab.

Getting prescription sunglass lenses for your existing frames is straightforward with LensFixers. We’ve designed our mail-in service to be simple and secure. You can have confidence that your eyewear is in expert hands throughout the process. Our goal is to make updating your vision as easy as mailing a package.

Ordering your lenses and sending your frames

Start by ordering your new prescription lenses on our website. You can often provide your prescription details later. Once your order is placed, we’ll send you a free, prepaid, insured shipping label. Simply pack your frames securely and attach the label. Drop them off at any Canada Post location. Your frames are insured from the moment they leave your hands.

Precision cutting in our Canadian lab

When your frames arrive at our Canadian lab, they are carefully inspected. Our licensed opticians then precisely cut your new sunglass lenses to fit your specific frames. We use advanced technology combined with expert craftsmanship. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal optical performance. We handle all frame types, including designer and vintage styles.

Inspection by a licensed optician and insured shipping

Before your newly reglazed sunglasses are shipped back to you, a licensed optician performs a final inspection. They ensure the lenses are perfectly fitted and meet our quality standards. We then ship your updated eyewear back to you, fully insured and tracked. Your glasses are shipped back 7–10 business days after we've received everything we need.

Common questions about prescription sunglass lenses

Licensed optician offering reassurance about lens replacement services.

We understand you might have questions about reglazing your glasses into sunglasses. Here are answers to some common inquiries. We aim to provide clarity and confidence in our service.

Do I need a new prescription for sunglasses?

If your current prescription is still accurate, you can use it for your new sunglass lenses. If your vision has changed since your last eye exam, you will need an updated prescription. We can often read your prescription directly from your existing lenses. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult your eye doctor for a recent exam.

How long does the turnaround take?

Your glasses are shipped back 7–10 business days after we've received everything we need — your frames, prescription and measurements. That includes the time for our opticians to precisely cut and fit your new lenses. Some specialty lenses or progressive lenses might take a little longer.

What happens if the lenses don't feel right?

We stand by our work with a 30-day free remake guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, we will remake your lenses. This applies within 30 days at no extra charge. Your satisfaction and clear vision are our top priorities.

Ready to change how you see the sun?

Person happily wearing transformed prescription sunglasses.

Transforming your favourite frames into prescription sunglasses is a smart and stylish choice. You get customized sun protection tailored to your vision needs. LensFixers makes the process simple, secure, and affordable. Experience the convenience of seeing clearly and comfortably in bright light, all while keeping the frames you love.

Comparing costs: Lens replacement vs. new sunglasses

The cost of new prescription sunglasses can be significant, especially for designer brands. Prescription sunglass lenses from LensFixers start at $114 CAD for a complete single vision pair. This is often a fraction of the cost of buying new frames and lenses. You invest in new functionality for eyewear you already own, making it a financially savvy decision.

Starting your order with LensFixers

Ready to get started? Simply visit our prescription lens replacement page to begin your order. You can choose your lens type and sunglass style (solid, gradient, polarized or polarized mirror); anti-reflective, scratch-resistant and UV protection are included. We'll guide you through the simple steps. Soon, you’ll be enjoying your favorite frames as perfect prescription sunglasses. Keep the frames you love. We’ll handle the rest.

AI summary (TL;DR)

Yes, you can absolutely put sunglass lenses in frames you already own with LensFixers, transforming your favorite everyday glasses into stylish prescription sunglasses. This process, also known as reglazing, involves fitting new tinted or polarized lenses into your current frames, offering a more affordable and sustainable alternative to buying new eyewear. LensFixers' Canadian lab handles all frame types, ensuring a precise fit, and their service starts at $79 CAD, providing significant savings while keeping the comfortable fit you already trust and reducing waste.

author
Yukta Patel
Licensed Optician/Founder
author https://lensfixers.ca

I started LensFixers after almost ten years working in the optical industry, most of it spent behind the counter watching people fall in love with frames they didn't want to give up. I'm a licensed optician, so when I write about how to read a prescription, whether a scratch is actually fixable, or what to expect from lens replacement, it comes from fitting lenses for a living — not from research alone. Today our team of licensed opticians reviews and inspects every order that comes through our Canadian lab, and I'm also one of a growing number of women running independent optical businesses in Canada.