Giving your old frames new life

While there is a plethora of spectacles in the Opticians, chances are if you’ve been wearing spectacles for a while then you’ve probably accrued a collection yourself. While prescriptions expire, the frame of your spectacles can be used provided they are in good condition. Frames such as those made of titanium rolled gold and gold-filled tend to last longer as they are more resistant to corrosion and general wear. Other materials such as cellulose acetate are more prone to damage over a longer period as the lacquer wears out. There are a few signs that your spectacles are on its last legs and below I have listed some of them:

Metals:

·       Greening of the metal

·       Disfigurement of the frame

·       Erosion of the frame

·       Broken spring or hinge

Plastics:

·       White and discolouring of the frame

·       Cracks or stretching of the material

There are some frames that the opticians may reject glazing due to legal or safety issues. Cellulose nitrate for example has been banned since the 1990's due to the material instantly combusting at 70°C. A Dispensing Optician should be able to identify the material by its characteristics and advise if it is one of which they can glaze. The Dispensing Optician can also assess the condition of the frame and see whether it is fit to glaze and can withstand the glazing process without damaging or deforming.

How to prepare for reglazing your frame?

·       First, you need to make sure that you have a valid eye examination prescription that is in date, signed by a Dispensing Optician, Optometrist or Ophthalmologist and abides by GOC guidance.

·       In an ideal situation, you would have more than one pair of spectacles designed with the same function in mind. For example, if you require a distance pair of spectacles to drive with the legal minimum visual acuity then you should have two pairs of spectacles designed for use when driving. Another example could be if you require occupational spectacles for computer use and aren’t able to do your work without them. This is so that you are never without a pair of spectacles for its intended purpose.

·        Make sure you bring a frame case when you come to collect your deglazed pair as some optical practices will not provide you with a new case.

Advantages of reglazing your old frames:

·       It is more environmentally friendly as you are reusing your frames rather than discarding them.

·       It is more economic as you don’t have to factor in the price of the frame when getting new lenses made up with the latest prescription. It also means that you can invest more into the lenses and opt for a higher-grade lens design/coating that may have been inaccessible due to the total price of the frame and lenses when purchased together.

·       If you are glazing them at the original practice that you had purchased them then they may have a trace of the lens on their system (if their system has the capacity for this information) in addition to your measurements meaning that they wouldn’t need to take the frames for you and just have the lenses cut. They can then insert them into your frame when you come to collect.

·       Some practices may have a Lab on-site and can glaze the spectacles for you on-site. Unfortunately, this is becoming more of a rarity as most optical practices will send their orders to an external lab where your lenses will be cut, installed and processed. This service may also incur a premium price and quite rightly so. As with everything, more express service will come with a premium price; the same goes for the post, custom cakes, even an express queue for a ride in a theme park.

·       It can save you a lot of time looking for a new frame. Chances are you are happy with the fit and style of this frame and hence are happy to give them a new life by updating their prescription. For varifocals, it could mean less time adapting to the lenses as you don’t have to factor in a change in the shape or aperture of the lens. Some may have limited edition frames or frames that are no longer available to purchase. Especially if it’s a design you love, you don’t want them to sit on your shelf gathering dust.

·       In the case of most rimless frames, you can update your look by simply changing the shape of the lenses.

*Some optical practices may charge for reglazing your lenses and the price will vary depending on the practice.

Despite all the precautions that the practitioner will take there is always a risk that your frame may get damaged in the glazing process. This is why you must take care of your spectacles to increase the longevity of its life. There is also a chance that when you come to collect the spectacles they may need adjusting. This can be due to the required method of removing the lenses from the frame but don’t worry, as long as the frame is structurally sound then the Dispensing Optician can adjust the frame to fit you. It is good practice to visit an optical practice when your frames require some adjustments or a general inspection of the condition so that you may keep your frames in the best condition as possible.

I will be writing more blogs on how to look after your spectacles and what you can do to increase their longevity so please Subscribe to stay informed of new uploads.

If you liked what you read and find it useful for yourself or others, please consider sharing and subscribing to show your support. Please feel free to leave any comments below.