How to Make Your Oakley Sunglasses as Good as New
If you ever had a pair of Oakley’s, you probably have a hard time wearing any other brand. What is so special about Oakley sunglasses that makes them the preferred choice for such a wide range of people – from outdoorsmen to fashionistas? Well, for one Oakley lenses filter 100% of both UVA and UVB rays which make them excellent sunglasses for protection. The brand also developed the PRIZM™ lens technology which uncovers an incredibly colorful and vibrant world that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Then, the Oakley frames are known for offering unmatched comfort thanks to the 3-point fit that reduces the pressure on the head of the wearer while still offering great stability.
And although designed to offer high functionality for sports activities, these sunglasses don’t overlook style either. Oakley’s are a real fashion statement. You can see celebrities and influencers rocking them on the streets, sets and even red carpets. Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga are just a few of the fashion icons who made public appearances wearing a pair of bold Oakley shades.
Despite their clever design, like any sunglasses, Oakleys aren’t immune to damage either. It can happen to the best of us, occasionally forgetting our shades in the car, dropping them on the ground, wearing them on top of our head and that worst-case scenario when you put them down for just a moment and you hear that awful crunch. And according to Murphy’s Law, you’ll probably break your sunglasses when you least expect it or just after the warranty expires.
Saying goodbye to your good old Oakleys is certainly a heartbreaking experience. Not only have you paid good money to own them, but you also spent hours finding the perfect pair that matches your style and face. So, what can be done here? Can you restore your Oakley sunglasses to their full glory even if the warranty has expired? Absolutely. You shouldn’t need to throw out your favourite pair just because of a loose frame or a scratched lens – here’s how you can give your Oakleys the second life that they deserve.
Replacing the Lenses
The main problem with scratches isn’t that they’re unsightly; it’s their dangerous effect on your eye health. They can make it difficult to see through the lenses and compromise both the polarity and UV protection. If you’re thinking of replacing your Oakley lenses, there’re a few things you should consider if you want to ensure an authentic feel, stellar performance, protection and durability.
The first and most important thing when choosing replacement lenses for Oakleys is that you should get them from a licensed dealer that can guarantee quality and performance. You can find a variety of Oakley sunglasses replacement lenses which are as good, if not better than the original ones.
Regarding the base material, genuine Oakley lenses are made of high-grade polycarbonate material that’s lightweight, highly impact-resistant and offer great optical clarity. However, you might also want to consider Oakley replacement lenses made of polyamide that combine the strength of polycarbonate and the optical clarity of glass. What’s more, optical polyamide is 10% lighter than polycarbonate and offers even greater durability. Also, unlike polycarbonate, polyamide is highly resistant to a range of chemicals.
Then, you should look for Oakley sunglasses replacement lenses that provide 100% protection against all UV rays. You’re probably already aware of the dangerous effect that UV light can have on your eyes, so choose wisely. Look for a label that says 100% protection against UVA & UVB or 100% protection against UV 400.
If you enjoy spending time around water or want to master freestyle snowboarding or some other winter sport, you might want to go for a polarised lens to protect your eyes from glare and reduce eye strain. Some Oakley replacement lenses incorporate leading Japanese polarisation technology that has above 99.9% efficacy in preventing distracting glare from passing through.
To get ultimate value for money, go for lenses that have an extra protective layer to protect them from impact, accidental drops and scratches. If you’re big on water sports or enjoy an active lifestyle, you can also choose replacement lenses with an oleophobic external coating that repels water and oils.
Now that you know how to choose premium quality replacement lenses, it’s time to give those loose frames a quick touch up.
Fixing the Frames
Oakley sunglasses are made to fit the average face width. However, if you often leave your shades in your car or frequently wear them on top of your head the frames can stretch and change the way your sunglasses fit. Wearing ill-fitting sunglasses that constantly slip down your nose exposes your eyes to UV rays and glare, and let’s not forget to mention how annoying it is. Since new Oakley frames can cost up to $400, restoring your old frames is certainly worth it. Luckily tightening loose frames isn’t a complicated repair and you can do it yourself. The only things you’ll need are a small screwdriver and a pair of steady hands.
The first thing you’ll need to stand in front of a mirror and put your sunglasses to check where the problem occurs. You might need to adjust the nose pads, the sunglasses arms or both. To adjust the nose pads, just gently push them together with your fingers. Be careful though, the nose pads should sit comfortably on your nose without causing any discomfort.
To tighten the frames, use the mini screwdriver to tighten the screws on each side of the frame. If your glasses still feel loose after this step, you might need to replace the screws. Most sunglass repair kits will have tools, screws and extra rubber rings included. For frames that don’t have any screws, you can try the old warm water trick. Just leave your sunglasses in warm water for a few minutes and then adjust their shape by gently pushing them inward with your hands.
But what can you do if you’re stuck with broken hinges and spare parts are nowhere to be found? Well, you can get creative like some of the users on Complaints Board did. One user solved his broken hinge problem with $2 carbon fibre rod from eBay and cut it to fit. Other found a body piercing bar in the right thickness and cut it to fit like a glove.
Of course, if you’re not filling dexterous, you can always have an optometrist tighten your frames for little cost and sometimes completely free of charge. And don’t forget, once you have the lenses and frames fixed, you’ll need to learn how to make this top sunglass brand last.
Closing Thoughts
Apart from saving time and money, by choosing to restore your Oakleys you’re also reducing your environmental impact. If more people tried fixing their sunglasses instead of throwing them away, there could be a significant difference in landfills, water pollution and air pollution caused by manufacturing emissions. If your Oakley shades have “marked safe” from the rubbish bin, you’re taking a step towards a healthier environment. Kudos!