Lenses, not just frames
How Often to Replace Glasses
The prescription is on a 1–2 year clock. The frame is on a 3–6 year clock if you do not bake it. Scratched coats do not heal.
Updated 27 Aug 2026 · 6 min read · how often to replace glasses
Two clocks
Eyes change. Frames fatigue. You can replace lenses in a still-good chassis for $40–$150 and keep the frame you can already wear. You should not keep 2017 lenses in a 2026 prescription because the tortoise is still pretty.
Children: often every year. Adults with a stable Rx: 18–24 months is a reasonable check, not a law. This is practical shopping, not a diagnosis.
Lenses that are done
AR that looks permanently smudged. A scratch through the centre. Photochromic that will not go dark. Polarized film peeling. Tint that has gone blotchy. Polish will not save a coat; replacement will.
| Part | Typical life if cared for |
|---|---|
| Clear coated lenses | 2–3 years |
| Photochromic dye | 2–3 years of useful darkening |
| Acetate frame | 3–6 years |
| Titanium frame | 5–8 years, minus pads and screws |
| Fashion sun, daily bag abuse | 1–2 seasons |
Do not wait for a dramatic failure
A pair that only works if you tilt your head is already late. Get the Rx checked, measure PD if you will buy online, and stop wearing failed sun lenses outdoors. A spare UV400 pair in a case is cheaper than a week of squint.
Questions, answered
- Can scratches be polished out?
- Fine ones on uncoated glass, sometimes. On coated plastic, polishing takes the coat. Replace.
- Is an annual pair a scam?
- An annual exam can be useful. An annual frame upsell is a shop. Keep a frame that sits.
- Do sunglasses expire if unused?
- Slowly. Film and coats age in heat. A drawer pair from 2012 should be metered before a beach week.
