Spectacle Repair vs Replacement: What Is the Better Option?

A broken arm or a loose lens does not always mean a new pair. Many common problems can be repaired, and some cannot. The real question is not "repair or replace?" in general, but what is wrong with your pair. This guide covers the usual faults, what repair may involve, and when replacement is likely to make more sense.

Common problems and how they are usually approached

• Loose or missing screws. Hinge and lens-rim screws work loose over time. Tightening or replacing a screw is often a small job, but only if the thread in the frame is still intact.
• Bent or misaligned frames. A frame that sits crooked can often be realigned. How well that works depends on the material: some metal frames are adjustable, while some plastics need careful warming, and very brittle or old frames may not tolerate it.
• Worn or uncomfortable nose pads. On frames with adjustable pads, the pads can usually be replaced or repositioned. Frames with moulded pads are different.
• Broken or loose temples. Depending on where it has broken and what the frame is made of, a temple may be repairable, replaceable, or beyond repair.
• Lenses that are scratched, loose, or have the wrong prescription. Lenses are replaced rather than repaired. See can scratched lenses be repaired? and our guide to frame replacement versus lens replacement.

When a repair may not be possible

A repair may not be practical when:

• The frame is cracked through or the material is fatigued
• The frame is a model for which spare parts are not available
• The damage is in a part that cannot be replaced separately
• The cost of the repair approaches the cost of a suitable replacement
• The frame no longer holds adjustment and keeps going out of shape

Questions that help you decide

1. Do you still like the frame? If it suits you and is comfortable, that is a reason to try to keep it.
2. Are the lenses still in good condition and the right prescription? If not, the frame may be fine but the lenses may need replacing.
3. How old is the pair, and how many times has it been repaired? A frame that keeps failing is a poor bet.
4. What is the quoted cost of the repair compared with the alternative? Ask for both before deciding.

Always get it assessed first

Because the answer depends on the damage, the material, the design and parts availability, the sensible first step is to have the spectacles looked at. Bring them in as they are, along with any broken pieces, and ask what is possible, what it would cost, and how long it is likely to take. Compare that with the replacement option, then decide.

Repairs at Deepak Opticals

Deepak Opticals offers spectacle repairs, including for frames purchased from other stores. Read more on our spectacle repair in Aligarh page.

This article is general information, not medical advice. For persistent symptoms or any sudden change in your vision, see an eye-care professional.