How to Identify Your Sunglasses
Not sure which frame type or size you need for replacement lenses? This guide helps you identify your sunglasses and find the exact size to order.
What You Need to order replacement lenses
Cracked, chipped or scratched lens on your sunglasses? Does it look like you took a belt sander to them? (We won’t judge you if you did, although we would be a bit curious). Did your dog mistake your Wayfarers for her favorite chew toy? (We won’t judge her if she did, either). Whatever happened, now you need to order replacement lenses for your sunglasses, which means you need to know which size to order.
Turns out you’ve been wearing the info you need this whole time. That string of numbers and letters on the inside of the temple isn’t a cheat code for Minecraft. It’s something much more boring but much more useful: product info about the frames and lens. Let's take a look.
1. Frame name
The frame name can be found by looking for a name or logo on the inside temple of the frames. Some names may contain "XS" or "XL" which is very important when looking for your new lenses. These variants will all require a different size and shape and cannot be mixed.
Example: Frame name of Ray-Ban sunglasses
2. Frame model
Some frames may have a frame model in addition to or instead of a frame name. These are usually listed as a combination of letters and numbers and typically look something like this:
Maui Jim Nalani MJ295
Oakley Flak 2.0 009295
Ray-Ban Justin RB4165
Example: Frame model of Ray-Ban sunglasses
3. Lens size
The next thing to look for is a little square with two numbers on either side of the lens. This is the hard data, the digits, the specs for your specs. The first number is the lens size, also called the eye size. This is the width of the lens at its widest point and is usually between 40-62mm.
If your sunglasses are older or the numbers are worn off, you might need to measure the lens size yourself. To do this accurately:
Pop out the lens and measure straight across from edge to edge.
Avoid measuring while the lens is in the frame. This can cut off a few millimeters.
Make sure your measuring tape is straight, not angled, to avoid adding extra length.
Example: Lens size of Ray-Ban sunglasses
4. Lens category
If you're only focused on getting replacement lenses, skip to the last number printed on the temple: a number between 0 and 3, followed by a P or N. This indicates the lens tint category. Category 0 is the lightest—ideal for low-light or nighttime wear. Category 3 is the darkest, perfect for bright sunlight. The letter indicates whether the lenses are Polarized or Non-polarized.
Example: Lens category of Ray-Ban sunglasses
How to read Other Numbers on Your Sunglasses
What about those numbers we skipped? Those all provide information about the frames and not the lenses. Since we brought them up, we’re not gonna leave you hanging.
5. Bridge size
This is the small number that appears between the lens sizes, often shown like this: 52□18. The bridge size (in this case, 18mm) refers to the width of the area that sits on your nose. It helps ensure your frames fit comfortably and securely.
6. Temple length
Temple length is the three-digit number at the end of the arm, usually between 130–160mm. That’s the distance from the hinge to the part that hooks behind your ear. Nothing to do with lenses, but if you break a temple, you’ll want to know this.
7. Color Code
And finally, some brands will throw in a four-digit color code for the frame. This normally shows up between the model name of the frame and before the lens size.
How to Decode Sunglass Frame Numbers and Lens Information
So, going from left to right, you'll see the two-letter manufacturer code, the model number and name, maybe a color code, the all-important lens size, a little square, the (less important, for now) bridge size, the temple length, and finally, the lens tint category and whether it's polarized or not.
Now that you've got all the info, send it our way so we can get to work on your replacement lenses.
No, really. We don't just grab lenses off a warehouse shelf or hand your order off to some fulfillment center. Our in-house optical technicians custom-edge every lens using impact-resistant polycarbonate.
Even a small chip can affect how you see the world. As annoying as it might be to replace a lens over a tiny flaw, it's still better than having that chip jump into your line of sight while you're driving or watching a sunrise.
It's time to get some new lenses!
