At LensFactory, we believe smart choices should benefit both your lifestyle and the environment. Let’s explore why lens replacement is the sustainable and budget-friendly solution you've been waiting for.

The Environmental Case for Replacing Your Lenses

1. Less Waste in Landfills
Over 4 million pairs of glasses are discarded in the U.S. each year. Most of them still have functional frames. That’s a lot of plastic and metal going straight to the landfill. By keeping your frames and replacing just the lenses, you're reducing your environmental footprint.

2. Reduce the Demand for New Manufacturing
Every new pair of glasses requires raw materials—plastic, metal, screws, nose pads—and energy-intensive production. Choosing lens replacement means you're not contributing to the cycle of overproduction and overconsumption.

3. Sustainable Style
Have a favorite pair of vintage frames or a designer set that fits just right? Don’t toss them. Refresh them with new lenses and extend their lifespan by years. Less buying, less waste—and you still look great.

The Financial Benefits Are Just as Clear

1. Save Up to 70% Compared to Buying New Glasses
Buying new prescription glasses—especially with specialty lenses or coatings—can cost anywhere from $200 to $800. At LensFactory, replacing your lenses can cost as little as $77, depending on your prescription and lens type.

2. Upgrade Without the Extra Fees
Many optical retailers bake hidden costs into new glasses: designer markups, frame upsells, insurance add-ons, etc. When you send your existing frames to LensFactory, you pay only for the lenses and coatings you actually need.

3. More Customization for Less
Lens replacement lets you select exactly the right features: blue light blocking, anti-reflective coatings, UV protection, photochromic lenses, and more. All without overpaying at a retail store.

Who Should Replace Their Lenses?

• Anyone with updated prescriptions but frames they still love
  

• Budget-conscious shoppers tired of overpriced optical stores
  

• Eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce waste
  

• Collectors and style lovers with designer or unique frames
  

• Seniors or students with fixed incomes and evolving vision needs
  

If any of these sound like you, lens replacement may be your perfect match.

How It Works at LensFactory

Replacing your lenses with us is simple:

1. Choose your lenses online – Single vision, progressive, bifocals, and more

2. Send us your frames – We'll email you a prepaid shipping label

3. Receive your glasses back, good as new – We’ll professionally fit new lenses in your frames and ship them back, fast

We’re based in the U.S. and use only high-quality, lab-grade lenses for maximum clarity and durability.

Final Thoughts

In a time when sustainability and affordability are more important than ever, replacing your lenses is a win-win. Keep your favorite frames, reduce your environmental impact, and save big—all with the convenience of ordering from home.

Ready to give your favorite frames a new lease on life?
Discover how easy and affordable it is to replace your lenses with LensFactory. Visit lensfactory.com to get started today!

Whether you love the outdoors or prefer indoors activities, there are distinct types of lenses that will improve your experience.

Why is selecting the right lenses so important?

A good mechanic will tell you the job is much easier with the right kind of tool.

It's much the same with glasses. If you pick the right lenses with the right enhancements, the activity you are doing will be easier and more satisfying.

There are polarized lenses that block glare.

There are photochromic lenses that darken with increased sunlight.

Tints that improve contrast or improve color variation in landscapes.

Blu-Blockers that, you guessed it, block blue light.

And anti-glare coatings that allow more light to enter, which helps block glare.

The correct lens upgrades to plastic, polycarbonate, or glass lenses add to the wearers positive experience.

Glasses for Fishing

While you're fishing, does the glare from the water's surface make it difficult to see below the surface? Does it make your eyes hurt?

Polycarbonate and Trivex are both recommended lenses because they are lightweight and impact-resistant.

Polycarbonate is thinner and lighter, but less resistant to scratches.

That said, many anglers prefer glass lenses due to their scratch resistance.

Glass is also the clearest material. It is heavier, but to many wearers, the scratch resistance wins out and they choose glass if the prescription is low.

There are different treatments and lenses to consider depending on whether you fish in shallow water or deep water:

Off-shore Fishing

Off-shore fishing is when you are fishing at least thirty meters deep, and fishing is done in direct sunlight. The glare and sunlight bouncing off the water is intense, which makes it hard to track the fish.

An excellent choice for lenses is a gray polarized lens with a blue mirror. These enhancements will not only allow to see the fish under the water, but also block the glare that hurts your eyes.

Shallow Water Fishing (Lake and River)

Shallow water fishing is for water less than 30 meters deep. The focus in this situation is to optimize contrast, so of course polarized lenses make sense. All fishing lenses should be a polarized lens.

The polarized lenses should have a copper base color and a green mirror. This will improve contrast in the darker water.

Best prescription glasses for hunters or shooters

Besides your prescription glasses giving you the ability to see better, a shooter or hunter in the outdoors would appreciate being able to see brighter and with optimal contrast.

If you shoot target practice or skeet, yellow or rose lenses will make targets brighter with more contrast.

If you are an avid hunter, then polarized lenses are an option as well as Photochromic lenses and a non-nlare coating will improve contrast and reduce glare.

Eyeglass considerations for golfers

Is it hard to see your ball in certain light conditions? Or is it hard to see your ball in the sky to know where it is going?

The right pair of glasses can improve the contrast between your golf ball and the sky, as well as other backgrounds on the golf course.

A contrast enhancement (e.g. rose tint) and a mirror coating are necessary, because these features enhance depth perception and clarity.

Polarized lenses on the other hand are not a good option for golfers. Polarized lenses play havoc with depth perception, which is not so great on a golf course.

Do you like to play in the snow?

Besides goggles when you are active, your dress glasses can help you navigate a snowy holiday. Glare from sunlight reflecting off the snow can be blinding. You can choose lenses that will block this glare.

Polarized lenses are an excellent choice, or look for transitions lenses, which change with the environment and conditions. Pair that with a non-glare coating and you'll never wince again!

Are you a cyclist?

Cyclists should select lenses that are scratch resistant and lightweight to ensure durability. Avoid polarized lenses, because polarization throws off depth perception.

Instead focus on contrast – enhancing colors. Consider a rose or copper tinted lens and, of course, a non-glare coating.

Are you a boater and sailor?

Polarized lenses are what you want to have when you are on the water, period!

These lenses protect your eyes from painful glare and allow you to see through the surface glare of the water. That means you can see any obstacles underneath the surface of the water.

Polarized lenses come in assorted colors. A rose or green tint is a good choice.

Are you a runner?

If running is your jam, try a polycarbonate lens. They are lightweight and impact resistant. You can choose a lens color that will improve your eye comfort, improve contrast relative on your terrain, and allow you to see all the bright colors.

The goal is to choose a lens color that will offer the best contrast.

High contrast lenses boost depth and color perception, and they will help you read the terrain. The best tint to choose is a rose-copper.

Stay away from gray tints, because they will tend to block color variations and make everything look gray.

Are you a gamer or do you spend hours at work on your computer?

If you wear prescription lenses and spend hours on a computer each day, get glasses with blu-blocker, along with an easy to clean non-glare coating on your lenses.

Digital screens have a negative effect on the health of our eyes, often making them hurt after being on the computer for a couple of hours.

Blue light, which comes from device screens, can suppress melatonin production, which causes sleep disruption. Lenses that block blue light can give you a more consistent sleep schedule. 

A non-glare coating on the lenses will generally reduce the glare from your computer or phone screen.

You find yourself with an outdated vision prescription and want to renew it.

But then it’s the whole “look up your doctor, schedule an appointment, find time away from work and life” thing that gets in the way.

Thanks to our partnership with Visibly, you can say goodbye to that experience.

Renew Your Glasses Prescription Online

Visibly's online vision test is the first eye care telehealth technology that connects consumers with licensed eye care professionals.

This new tech allows for vision tests without the need for in-person appointments.

All you need is your computer, a smartphone, and about 6 feet of space behind you for checking your distance vision.

Note: the online exam is valid only for prescription renewals. The technology hasn’t yet advanced to provide an initial vision test – but we’re getting there!

How do online vision exams work?

With our online vision test, you can renew your vision prescription in 10 minutes or less from the comfort of your own home.

You'll receive an updated vision prescription from a licensed doctor in less than 24 hours directly to your email.

Basically, we’ve taken the traditional phoropter (the big machine your eye doctor uses to check your eyes) and digitized it.

The phoropter is one of the most basic tools used by your doctor to measure the refractive errors of your vision and determine your prescription needs.

Virtual visual assessments can make a huge difference in the quality of life for those who wear glasses and contacts.

Particularly when they’re unable to make it into an exam room.

Benefits of Checking Your Vision Online

Just like online lens replacement, checking your vision online screams convenience, savings, and accessibility.

Online vision exam technology simplifies the vision prescription renewal process for optometrists, ophthalmologists, and patients alike.

In just a few steps, you’re off to renewing your prescription the easy way.

1) Save time, money, and hassle.

While there is a $25 cost to access our online eye exam, that's a deal compared to what it may cost you to normally see an eye doctor.

Plus, you save tons of time by not having to schedule an appointment and go to your office visit.

Our virtual eye exam takes ten minutes or less. In less than 24 hours, you'll be emailed an updated vision prescription from a licensed doctor.

Lastly, taking an at-home eye exam is hassle-free and contact-free. The ability to take the exam virtually means even people in some areas where eye care professionals may be more difficult gain access to easily renew their prescriptions.

2) Reduce the burden on our healthcare system.

Online healthcare innovations, including online vision tests, are not only helpful and convenient for patients.

They can also prevent our healthcare system from becoming overburdened.

Our online exam takes no more than ten minutes to complete. 

And of course, patients who may otherwise be unable to make an in-person appointment can easily mark a vision test off their to-do lists.

3) Convenience leads to reduced prescription lapses.

The convenience and accessibility of at-home eye exams greatly reduces prescription lapses. Meaning, generally, long-term outcomes in eye healthcare improve and more individuals are safe.

Why is it necessary to get regular eye exams?

Keeping your vision prescription up-to-date is a key factor in reducing eye strain. Especially in a world where many of us spend hours each day focusing our vision on screens.

Whether you wear contact lenses or glasses, it’s important to renew your vision prescription on time every year, so you can keep seeing clearly.

Vision health is extremely important, and an updated prescription will prevent eye strain and screen fatigue.

Dr. Christopher O’Brien, an Ophthalmologist within Visibly’s Optimized Eye Care doctor’s network, recommends having your eyes checked annually, even if you are not noticing any changes in your sight.

“Maintaining a high level of eye health not only protects your eyes, but also your body as a whole."

>> Experiencing eye strain? Reduce it with these tips from Visibly.

Dr. Karen Dorman, OD also stresses the importance of keeping your vision prescription up-to-date in order to maintain your eye health and performance.

It is important to renew your vision prescription, as recommended by your eye doctor, so that you can continue seeing properly.

Common Questions About At-home Eye Exams

Are at-home eye exams reliable?

When done correctly, an at-home eye exam can accurately measure your vision and provide a prescription for renewing your glasses or contact lenses.

Remember, at-home eye exams are only valid for renewing a prescription, not for an initial vision assessment.

Are at-home eye exams a replacement for your eye doctor?

At-home eye exams can be helpful in many situations. But, no, they don’t replace the need for your eye care professional.

Taking a vision test at home won’t check the health of your eyes for symptoms of cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, as examples.

If you’re having trouble seeing with your current prescription, you should see an eye doctor in-person and then consider if online renewals are practical.

Who is most eligible for an online eye exam?

Online eye exams are generally great for people who:

1. Are 18-55 years of age
2. Don’t have a strong prescription (+/-6 or more)
3. Have an existing prescription available
4. Have no risks for eye disease, such as existing cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

How much do online vision tests cost?

Online eye exams, unfortunately, are not free of charge. The nominal fee to renew your prescription online here at LensFactory is $25. That's a bargain considering you'll get a licensed doctor to review your prescription online!

We're also happy to share that we do not mark up the service.

Once you’ve taken the test, you'll only pay if we’re able to renew your prescription.

If your RX seems to have changed since your last visit to your doctor, you won’t be charged.

We will let you know that it may be time for an in-person visit to the optical shop.

Just remember – you don’t have to buy new glasses to get a new prescription. Simply come back to LensFactory with your updated prescription and we will replace your lenses -- you keep the frames.

Will health insurance cover an online eye exam?

Generally, health insurance will not cover this expense. However, we will provide you a receipt at the end of your service.

You can submit the receipt to them to verify eligibility. Check your individual plan to see what’s covered for you.

What states allow online eye exams?

As of this post, only 37 states were allowing the use of online vision testing technology, but this number is growing.

Online vision testing services for prescription renewal are allowed in AK, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, MA, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and WY.

Some states are trying to ban this service from being accessible to consumers. Optometrists and optometry manufacturers have lobbied Congress in a claim to protect their market share.

We believe whatever the solution, it should be easy for customers.

While the test isn’t a fit for everyone, it’s a start to disrupting an industry that has lacked innovation for decades.

And we're good to stand behind innovation at all turns.

LensFactory re-lenses your existing eyewear allowing you to continue using that frame you love so much!

One of the most common questions we are asked is, why are your prices so much less than my doctor’s prices?  The easy answer is, we are a business that is a branch of an optical lab that makes lenses.  That’s right!  We are a lab located in Louisville KY that has been in business for 30 plus years. 

LensFactory is one of several e-commerce stores that is owned and operated by the lab.  This allows us to keep our prices low and pass the savings on to our customers.

The second most common question we are asked is, When I am at the eye doctor, after my exam they have me sit in front of someone and they are measuring things, how do you know what measurements to use if I order online?   

That someone is known as an optician.  An optician is someone who specializes in fitting glasses and making lens.  We have over 100 opticians employed here at our lab and can call on them at any time for their expertise and advice.  An optician can provide all the measurements we need to re-lens your frame.

If you are ordering online there's one measurement is critical to making your lenses, your pupil distance.  It is the distance between your two pupils measured in millimeters and requires a precise measurement. 

This number gives the lab what is known as the optical center of the lens. The optical center is the best and clearest vision point on your lens, and you need your pupils to line up directly with that focal point on the lens.  Once you are an adult this number will not change, so once you know your pupil distance, record it in your medical records for your future use. 

If your pupil distance is not correct it will create eye strain and headaches and make wearing your glasses unbearable, it needs to be correct.  We do not know if your eye doctor will provide it to you on your prescription.  We recommend you ask your eye doctor to provide your pupil distance to you.  

If your eye doctor will not provide it to you, find a new doctor!  There are other ways you can make the determination yourself.  There are many phone applications that you can download, and they will measure it for you.  We’ve experimented with the most popular ones and found them to be fairly accurate. 

You and a friend can also work together to measure it yourself.  Make sure you measure in millimeters and that you measure enough times so that you confirm the same measurement at least three times. 

If you are sending us a frame that has an existing prescription in it that has worked well for you, please send a note with the order asking us to measure the pupil distance from the existing lens and we will do that for you.

If you wear a multifocal lenses such as progressive, bifocal, or trifocal there is another measurement we use based on the size of frame you have.  That measurement is called a segment height.  The segment height is where the near vision stops, and the other visions begin in the lens. This line varies and is unique to each frame and individual. 

We recommend you have each frame you are sending us to re-lens measured by an optician to determine your best segment height and that you provide those numbers for us to use as well, but it is not required unlike the pupil distance.

If the segment height is not provided to us, we will use a formula that we have found works well for most people.  Let us try it!  If it does not work well for you, give us a call, or email us to discuss it.  We will happily adjust it for you.  Also, if you are a multi-focal and you wear your glasses low on your nose, please let us know by including a note with your order! That will let us know we need to make an adjustment to our formula to compensate for it. At the end of the day our goal is to have them work well for you! 

The third most common question we are asked is what brand of lens you are going to use for my frame.  At LensFactory we want to offer a great product at a fair price.  We have discovered a way to make great lens at great prices.

We order our lens blanks from all the major manufactures of lenses. Varilux, Essilor, Hoya and Zeiss to name a few.  We offer them as a house-brand lens at a discounted price.  They offer the same superior quality that the branded lens offers, but without all the marketing jargon that raises the price.

Our flair, and what makes us stand out for the rest of the crowd is our customer service team.  If you don’t know what lens you need, please reach out to our experienced customer service team and they will be happy to help you select the right lens for your prescription, lifestyle, and your frame.  Our team is here to help you move forward and understand your lensing requirements.  Let us help!

If we make lenses for you and they are not what you expected, please contact us in the first thirty days and we are happy to work with you to determine next steps.  If for any reason you are not happy with our service in the first thirty days, you may return the lens to us for a 100% refund.

Give LensFactory a try and we believe you will be glad you did!  You can start here by searching for lenses by material, or by vision need.

Plastic

Plastic or CR39 is as close to glass in clarity that you can get.  It’s the most cost effective solution, and very easy to tint.  With plastic lenses, you will generally have thicker or heavier lenses than using Polycarbonate (“Poly”).  Plastic is easy to scratch, crack or shatter.   Plastic lenses can’t be used with drill mounted or semi-rimless frames.  Children under the age of 18 cannot be prescribed plastic lenses.

Polycarbonate (Poly) 

Polycarbonate or “poly” for short is very impact resistant.  Poly lenses are thinner, lighter and more durable than plastic lenses.  Unlike plastic, poly lenses are able to be used for drill mounted or semi-rimless frames.  With these additional pro’s in poly’s favor, there is additional cost.  While we put anti-scratch on all of our poly lenses, they can be easily scratched.  Poly does have lower clarity than it’s glass or plastic cousins.  Poly, while it can be tinted, does not take tint very well.

High Index

If you have a high prescription, High Index is the way to go.  We can get the thinnest lens with High-Index lenses.  Ever had that “soda bottle” look? Say goodbye to it with high index lenses.  Many times, people use high index lenses on vanity glasses.  High index lenses are lighter and thinner than plastic, but heavier than poly.  Because it takes a lot of work to make these lenses thinner, High Index lenses are usually the most expensive lenses.  We add anti-scratch and anti-reflective coating to all high index lenses due to the amount of reflection that can occur with high index lenses.

Glass

Glass has the highest clarity and greatest optical quality due to it’s high ABBE value.  With no coatings it is very scratch resistant.  Glass is very heavy.  If you’re not used to it, it may not be for you.  Glass is NOT impact resistant and can chip or shatter when dropped.  This is not a good material if you have an active lifestyle that may put your glasses in danger of being dropped.  Glass also takes a long time to manufacture, sometimes over 30 days.

We know!  That’s a lot of information to take in.  If you'd like to read more about our lens materials, check out this page.  If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us via phone, email or chat.  Contact Us Now!