subject: Repair Your Sunglasses Or Buy Replacement Lenses? [print this page] Doesnt it seem like no matter how careful you are or how much attention you pay to your beloved sunglasses that somehow, at some point you find yourself considering purchasing replacement lenses instead of buying an entire new pair? Unfortunately many people are unaware that you can often purchase replacement lenses for your sunglasses instead of spending the money to buy an entire new pair, frames and all. Of course if the problem with your sunglasses is that they are smashed to Smithereens, buying more lenses is not going to solve your problem! However, if you put on your sunglasses this morning and a large scratch right through the center of your right lens suddenly appeared while you were sleeping, you very well might be able to find lenses to stick in the frames as a cheaper alternative.
When you first discovered that big old scratch, depending on how much you love your shades (and how much you paid for them) you probably were annoyed, mad and maybe even a bit panicky. Dont worry! You actually might have a pretty good shot at removing that nasty scratch from your sight, and then when all else fails, you can at least save a few dollars by purchasing replacement lenses. Start by considering the material that your lenses are made of and gather some household items that you already have in your home.
You need to find out if the lenses of your sunglasses are made of plastic or glass. Many lenses these days are made out of metal plastics like polycarbonate, which is used because it reduces the risk of shrapnel getting into your eyes if they do break. Not only that, but this type of material is much lighter than glass. If you have plastic lenses, you are in luck, because many of the repair options that are easiest should only be used on plastic. It should be said quickly that if you have glass, you probably are going to have to take them in to a repair shop to have the scratch buffed out before you buy replacement lenses.
Many solutions you can buy to take scratches out are polymer based solutions. Since polymers and plastics are both made from carbon they bond with each other, and are able to fill in scratches and cracks. If you have sunglasses with glass though, you should not use this type of solution. Take them in for buffing or purchase replacement lenses for the frames.
