Lenses are cut to fit specific frames within a 5/100 of a millimeter of accuracy. If the frames you are looking to put new lenses are not “trending” then you could be trying to fit a square into a round hole. The process that takes place to achieve this feat can put wear and tear on your frames as well. That means that even if your frames were worn only a handful of times, for whatever reason, they will likely degrade faster than the cheapest new pair.

RAYBAN 0RX5228 - PURPLE/MULTICOLOR EYEGLASSES

Initially, there does not really seem to be a downside. You can have new lenses installed for ten to twenty bucks plus the cost of lenses which saves anywhere from twenty to two hundred dollars. The thing that you may miss is that your frames are not under warranty. This includes for the time it takes to install new lenses. Now, this is not including a pair of glasses purchased from a retailer within the first year of purchase. Warranties follow the frames and not the lenses.

VIVID 864 EYEGLASSES

Lenses can be the lesser cost when purchasing glasses if you have a straightforward prescription. If you purchase them with your frame purchase they will likely last longer than if you were to purchase them later. Your frames will be new and the frames cut to fit those frames. Because this is the first time these frames will be used, they will hug the lenses perfectly and you should not have any problems with them popping out or being loose. Once you have switched lenses, the integrity of the frames has been weakened.

PROGEAR OPT-1133 EYEGLASSES

So to actually answer the question of whether or not there is a downside, it depends on your perspective. How are these glasses going to be used? For everyday use, it could be a problem. If these are your bedtime readers, it could save you a bundle. If you are changing your lens type altogether, it is not a wise move. It is an odds game either way.