Changing the lenses in your sunglasses can be very useful to adapt to your environment. Whether in sports or everyday life, having the right lens for the weather or conditions can make all the difference. But changing lenses isn’t the same for every pair of Oakleys.
Keep reading as we help you find what type of Oakley frame you have and a step-by-step guide on how to change your lenses.
Table of Contents
What Oakley frames feature replaceable lenses?
Most Oakley frames sold today feature replaceable lenses. But based on the type of frame, how you change your lenses will differ.
We’ve broken down the 6 main types of frames below so you can quickly identify which you have.
Types of Oakley Frames
1. Full Rim Twin Lens
These are frames with two distinct lenses (compared to a shield lens), where the rim wraps all the way around the lens. Examples of these frames include the Gascan, Holbrook, Split Shot, and Gibston.
2. Semi-Rim Twin Lens
These are frames with two distinct lenses, where the rim wraps halfway around the lens, typically leaving the bottom of the lens rimless. Examples of these frames include the Flak 2.0 and Half Jacket.
3. Semi-Rim Shield Lens
These are frames with one large shield lens, where the rim wraps halfway around the lens leaving either the bottom or top rimless. Note for frames with Switchlock technology, see item #4. Examples of this frame are the Radar EV and Flight Jacket.
4. Switchlock Frames
These are frames featuring Oakley Switchlock technology, usually with some type of specific mechanism for releasing lenses such as a jaw or switch. Examples of these frames are the Fast Jacket, Radarlock, and Jawbreaker.
5. X-Metal Frames
Any frame that’s a part of the Oakley X-Metal line. Typically these frames require special tools such as screwdrivers to replace lenses (more on that later). The complete list of X-Metal frames can be found in our guide linked earlier.
6. Non-Replaceable Lens
This is a catch-all for any frame that doesn’t include replaceable lenses. Usually, these are very unique designs where the lens is integrated into the frame in some way. Examples include the Lugplate, Kato, and Kato X.
How do I change Oakley Lenses? (Step-by-Step)
Now that you’ve identified which type of frame you have, we’ll cover exactly how to change your lenses.
You can also reference the useful video from Oakley’s YouTube channel below, which shows how to change lenses for types #1-#3.
1. Full Rim Twin Lens
To change the lenses in your full-rim twin lenses, simply follow the 3 steps below:
- Start from the back of the frame and use your thumbs to push on the lens forward (Note: if you try from the front, you won’t be able to due to the impact protection backstop)
- You should hear a pop which means the lens has released
- To insert a new lens, simply reverse the process, lining up the lens groove and pushing the lens in from the front of the frame this time
2. Semi-Rim Twin Lens
Changing the lenses in your semi-rim frames will involve a bit of force but can be done following the steps below:
- Firmly grip the frame on either side of the lens, and spread the lens open to release the hooks circled below
- You’ll want to focus on the hook near the nose area first, as this is typically the larger one, but once it releases, the lens should slide right out of the frame
- To insert a new lens, start by inserting the lens using the hook near the nose area first, then firmly push the remainder of the lens into the frame
Don’t forget to check out the video above, which demonstrates this technique in action.
3. Semi-Rim Shield Lens
Changing Semi-Rim shield lenses is a bit unique compared to the other frames since the nose piece places a big part in the process. See the 3 steps below for how to change these lenses:
Note: This guidance does not apply to the Flight Jacket due to its unique system of hooks (see video above).
- From the front of the frame, push the nosepiece inwards (towards itself) until the lens releases from its groove in the nosepiece (For
- Then pull the lens out of the frame until it fully releases
- To reverse this process, start by pushing the nosepiece inward again and aligning the lens around the piece, then push the lens into the frame until it’s secure
4. Switchlock Frames
Switchlock frames are the easiest to change lenses for. These lenses all have some mechanism – usually a switch or jaw that unlocks the lens. To change lenses in a Switchlock frame, simply follow the steps below:
- Locate the “switch” or “jaw” on your frame – this is the mechanism that locks and unlocks the lens
- Release the Switchlock mechanism and remove your lens
- To insert a new lens, simply guide the lens into the grooves in the frame and lock the Switchlock mechanism
You can see Switchlock technology explained and in action in the video below:
5. X-Metal Frames
Replacing your X-Metal lenses is likely the trickiest of any Oakley sunglasses, but with the right tools, it can be easy and fast.
Each type of X-Metal Frame will require a different tool or screwdriver, which you can find in the guide below:
- Juliet, Penny, XX, X-Squared, Romeo 1.0: T6 Torx screwdriver
- Mars: Small flathead screwdriver (similar to those used for eyeglasses repair)
- Romeo 2.0: Hex wrench
Now that you have the right tool, you can replace your lenses by following the steps below:
- Unscrew the frame around the lens using the tool mentioned above (where the screw is located will vary based on the frame, but most are pretty obvious, see this guide for specific details)
- Once the frame is open, spread the orbital slightly and grip with a soft cloth around the bottom and get it out first before the top (XS is the opposite)
- To replace the lenses, insert the new lens and tighten the screw back into the frame
Note: Each x-metal frame is a little different, and you should consult specific guides for your frame.
Plus, be sure to check out our guide to repairing Oakley sunglasses for even more information!
Where to Buy Replacement Lenses?
If you’re looking to buy replacement lenses, your first stop is likely Oakley. But if you’re looking to save or your frame is discontinued, you’ll want to take a look at aftermarket suppliers. Lenses from these suppliers are often over 50% cheaper than those sold by Oakley.
For more information, plus our complete comparison of aftermarket suppliers, check out our full Oakley replacement Lens guide.
Have a question?
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