What Is a Reglaze on Glasses? Save Money & Refresh Your Favourite Frames

If your lenses are scratched, your prescription has changed, or your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, there’s no need to splash out on a whole new pair of glasses. With a professional reglaze sunglasses service, you can keep your favourite frames and simply fit them with new lenses tailored to your needs. But what is a reglaze on glasses, and why is it such a smart choice?

What Does It Mean to Reglaze Glasses?

Reglazing refers to the process of removing old lenses from your glasses and replacing them with new lenses. This allows you to retain your existing frames—whether they’re designer, sentimental, or simply comfortable—and update only the lenses. It’s especially useful when your prescription changes, your lenses are damaged, or you want to upgrade to lenses with new features like anti glare or blue light filtering.

Whether you’re updating single vision lenses, progressive lenses, or switching to sunglasses, reglazing is a practical way to refresh your glasses without the cost of buying a completely new pair.

Why More People Are Choosing to Reglaze

There are several factors behind the growing popularity of reglazing in the UK:

• Cost effective: Replacing just the lenses is far cheaper than buying an entirely new pair.
• Environmental impact: Reducing waste by keeping your current frames helps lower your carbon footprint.
• Convenience: If you’ve already found a frame type that fits and suits you, there’s no need to start again.
• Sentimental value: Some frames carry memories or are simply irreplaceable.

Many people also choose to reglaze glasses to add upgraded lens features. From blue light lenses for screen use, to thinner, high index lenses for stronger prescriptions, the right lens options can make a huge difference to comfort and clarity.

When Should You Reglaze Your Glasses?

If you relate to any of the following, it might be time to consider reglazing:

• Your prescription has recently changed after getting your eyesight tested.
• Your lenses have become scratched or damaged from everyday use.
• You experience eye strain and want blue light protection for working or watching TV.
• Your current lenses are too thick or heavy and you want to switch to thin lenses.
• You’d like to repurpose your frames into prescription sunglasses for driving or holidays.
• You want to switch between lens types such as single vision or varifocal lenses.

Even if your frames are a few years old, as long as they’re structurally sound, reglazing can give them a second life—saving you money and hassle.

Lens Options Available Through Reglazing

One of the key benefits of reglazing is the ability to fully customise your new lenses. Whether you need prescription glasses or non prescription lenses, you can choose from a range of options to suit your lifestyle:

• Single vision – Perfect for reading, distance or general use.
• Progressive lenses – Also known as varifocals, these provide seamless vision at multiple distances.
• High index lenses – Designed to be thinner and lighter, ideal for higher prescriptions.
• Blue light lenses – Help reduce digital eye strain, especially useful if you spend long hours at a screen.
• Anti glare coating – Reduces reflections and glare, especially when driving or using screens.
• Photochromic or tinted lenses – Adjust to sunlight and reduce glare, useful for everyday wear and outdoor use.
• Scratch-resistant coatings – Help your new lenses last longer.

These lens features can make a big difference in everyday comfort and are often overlooked when people stick to their original lenses for too long.

Will My Frames Work for Reglazing?

In most cases, yes. Reglazing works for most frame types, whether they’re metal, plastic, rimless or semi-rimless. As long as your existing frames are in good condition and not at high risk of breaking during the reglazing process, they can be reused.

If your frames have sentimental value, are designer frames, or are simply a fairly new pair you like, reglazing is a great way to extend their life. A professional reglazing service will always assess your frames before proceeding, ensuring the entire frame can handle the new lenses safely.

Reglazing vs Buying a New Pair of Glasses

When you buy new glasses from the high street, you’re often paying for both the frames and the lenses, not to mention upsells like special coatings or extra thin lenses. This can add up quickly, especially if you want multiple pairs or designer styles.

Reglazing allows you to only pay for what you need: the new lenses and any upgrades you choose. It also means you avoid the time and effort of picking out new frames, adjusting to them, and hoping they’re as comfortable as your last pair.

In many cases, people find that reglazing is the perfect solution for keeping their existing glasses while improving their vision and comfort.

How Does the Reglazing Process Work?

The process is simple:

1. Choose your new prescription lenses or non-prescription lens features.
2. Send in your current frames to the reglazing service.
3. The lenses are removed and replaced with new ones.
4. Your upgraded glasses are returned to you—often within a few days.

Most reputable reglazing services offer a professional service with a quick turnaround and the option to add coatings and tints to suit your needs.

Is Reglazing a Long-Term Solution?

Absolutely. Reglazing gives your glasses a new lease of life. If your frames are in good condition, you can reglaze them multiple times over the years as your prescription changes or your lens preferences evolve.

It’s particularly popular with those who want to rotate between different lens types or frame styles—perhaps using one pair for work with blue light protection and another for driving with photochromic lenses.

And with the growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective solutions, reglazing is fast becoming a smart alternative to buying new frames every time.

Conclusion: Reglazing Makes Sense

Reglazing is a cost effective, convenient and environmentally friendly way to update your glasses without giving up your favourite frames. Whether you want to replace scratched lenses, upgrade to new prescription lenses, or add features like anti glare or blue light filtering, reglazing gives you complete control over your eyewear—without the price tag of a completely new pair.

So if your current lenses are past their best, don’t bin your existing glasses just yet. With a trusted reglazing service, you can get lenses tailored to your needs, save money, and continue enjoying the style and comfort of your own frames.

Image by Martine from Pixabay