If you need to clean your glasses thoroughly or need to replace your lenses, you'll need to remove the lenses yourself without damaging them. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screw-on lens. If the eyeglass frames are plastic, heat the frames to help loosen the plastic so the lenses can be removed. Once the old lenses are removed, you can replace them and reuse the frames.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing Eyeglass Lenses from Metal Frames
Step 1. Find the screw that secures the lens
The location of the screws depends on the frame design. First, check the inside of the frame to see if there are 2 screws on the nose brace. If it's not there, check the side of the frame, under the handle hinges. If it's not there, check along the bottom-frame, i.e. around the lens, to see if there are any hidden screws there.
- Check the internet for eyeglass frame models to see if there are any diagrams or instructions that tell you how to remove the lenses.
- If you can't find the screws on the frame, then the lens will have to be pushed until it snaps out of place.
Step 2. Turn the screw counterclockwise using an eyeglass screwdriver
To unscrew, use the eyeglass screwdriver from the tool set to fix the glasses. Turn the screw counterclockwise until it can be pulled and removed. Insert the screws into the small housing so they don't get lost when you change lenses.
You can buy equipment for repairing glasses at convenience stores or online marketplaces
Step 3. Push the lens out of its concave side
Hold the nose bridge with your non-dominant hand. Place the thumb of your dominant hand on the lens, just below the nose bridge. Gently push the lens forward until it slides out of the frame. Remove the other lens in the same way.
Tip:
Place a microfiber cloth between your thumb and lens so there are no fingerprints on the glass.
Method 2 of 3: Heating Plastic Eyeglass Frames in Water
Step 1. Fill a shallow bowl with hot water
Use the hottest water you can hold to submerge the frame. Fill the bowl with enough water to completely submerge the eyeglass frames so they can heat up evenly.
Place a towel under the bowl to help absorb spilled water and protect the lens in case it falls
Step 2. Put the glasses in the bowl with the lenses facing down
Fold the handle or unscrew the screw that attaches the handle to the lens frame. Put the glasses in the water so that the concave side is facing up. Soak the frame in water for 1 minute to heat the plastic and make it easier to bend.
Step 3. Dry the lens with a microfiber cloth after 1 minute
Remove the glasses from the water and shake the remaining water. Use a dry microfiber towel to wipe water droplets from the lens and frame to prevent them from slipping. Cover both sides of the lens with a microfiber cloth for a firmer grip.
Warning:
Do not use paper towels to dry your glasses or lenses as they can scratch the glass.
Step 4. Gently push the concave side of the lens to remove it from the frame
Hold the nose bridge with your non-dominant hand and place your dominant thumb on the concave side of the lens. Gently push the corner of the lens out and off the frame. Remove one lens until it is completely detached before removing the other lens so that it does not fall off accidentally.
If the lenses don't come off easily, put the glasses back in the hot water for another 1 minute
Method 3 of 3: Using a Hair Dryer to Remove the Lens from the Plastic Frame
Step 1. Heat the frame around the lens on medium setting for 5 minutes
Hold the hair dryer 15 cm from the eyeglass frame. Turn the hairdryer on to medium heat and speed to heat the plastic. Slide the hairdryer around the frame holding the lens to make the frame more flexible and the lens can be removed.
Do not use a high heat setting as the frame may melt or damage its shape
Step 2. Place your thumb on the concave side of the lens and push it out
Hold the nose bridge against the frame with your non-dominant hand and squeeze it firmly. Push your thumb into the corner or side of the lens that is closest to the nosepiece and apply slight pressure. The lens will come off the frame and you can easily pull it out.
Do not press too hard on the lenses as they may break or fall off the frames
Step 3. Heat the frame longer otherwise the lens cannot be removed easily
If you can't press and remove the lens easily, turn the hair dryer on to medium and reheat the frame for 3 minutes at a time. Push the lens after each heating.
Warning:
Remove one lens from the glasses until it is completely removed before removing the other lens so as not to damage it.
