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Glasses are essential to your daily life, whether you’re at work, relaxing at home, or out and about. But what happens when your eye glasses unexpectedly break? Without a backup plan, a damaged or lost pair of glasses can leave you feeling frustrated, unable to see clearly, and uncertain about how to move forward. In this blog, we’ll provide practical tips and advice to help you be prepared when your eye glasses break. 

Have a Backup Pair Ready

One of the simplest ways to avoid being left without vision correction is to have a backup pair of glasses. Whether it’s an older pair that still serves you well or a secondary pair designed for a different situation (e.g., reading glasses), having a backup can save the day when your primary pair breaks. Some of the benifts of having a back up pair include:

• Always Have Clear Vision: A backup pair ensures you can still see clearly while waiting for a replacement.

• No Disruption to Your Daily Routine: You won’t have to change your plans or struggle through daily tasks without vision correction.

• Ideal for Situations with a Lot of Screen Time: If you spend a lot of time on the computer or using digital devices, consider a pair of blue-light blocking glasses as your backup.

Know Where to Find Temporary Vision Solutions

If you don’t have a backup pair, there are temporary vision solutions that can help bridge the gap until you can get new glasses. Some temporary solutions include:

• Over-the-Counter Reading Glasses: Available at most drugstores, these can provide basic vision correction if you’re primarily nearsighted or farsighted.

• Contact Lenses: If you wear contacts, you might be able to switch to them temporarily.

• Magnifying Glass: Useful for tasks like reading or using a computer in the absence of glasses.

• Smartphone or Tablet Glasses Apps: There are apps that can help enlarge text or adjust screen brightness for clearer viewing.

Schedule an Emergency Eye Exam

If your glasses break, scheduling an emergency eye exam can help you determine whether your prescription has changed or if a replacement pair is necessary. Eyecare professionals can provide an updated prescription and recommend the best new lenses and frames for your needs. Some reason to schedule an eye exam include:

• Changes in Your Vision: A sudden break can highlight an underlying vision problem that needs to be addressed.

• Eye Health Assessment: Your eye doctor can check for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration that might affect your vision.

• Prescription Updates: If your current prescription isn’t quite right, an eye exam will ensure you get lenses that provide clearer vision.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Before heading to the optometrist or purchasing a new pair of glasses, it’s important to understand what your insurance covers. Many vision insurance plans offer discounts or reimbursements for glasses replacements. Some steps to take include:

• Review Your Vision Insurance Policy: Check your plan’s coverage for eye exams, lens replacements, and frame purchases.

• Contact Your Provider: Call your insurance company or check online to find out what your benefits are and how much you’ll be able to spend.

• Ask About Discounts or Special Offers: Some plans offer discounts on lenses or frames if you need a replacement urgently.

Find out more about insurance coverage in our Insurance Help Center.

Think About Temporary Lens Repairs

While waiting for a replacement pair of glasses, you might consider having your lenses temporarily repaired. Optical shops often offer quick fixes like replacing screws, tightening frames, or adding adhesive strips to keep lenses in place.

• Super Glue or Clear Tape: If you’re in a pinch, some temporary fixes can be done with household items like super glue or clear tape.

• Professional Repairs: Visit us to have your frames assessed and repaired as needed by our highly-skilled opticians (and amazing repair wizards).

Replace Your Broken Glasses Promptly

Once your new pair of glasses arrives, replacing your broken ones promptly is important. Not only will you regain clear vision, but you’ll also ensure that your eyes are fully protected. Benefits of promptly replacing glasses:

• Enhanced Vision Clarity: A new pair of glasses will help you see with sharper, clearer vision.

• Better Comfort: Modern frames and lenses can be designed for superior comfort and support.

• Prevention of Eye Strain: Wearing updated glasses can reduce eye strain and discomfort from prolonged use of screens or reading.

Read our informative article on Repairing vs. Replacing Eyeglasses.

Consider Lenses with Special Features



When getting a new pair of glasses, consider lenses with special features that can enhance your vision and eye comfort:

• Anti-Reflective Coating: Reduces glare from screens and lights, making vision clearer and more comfortable.

• Blue Light Protection: Protects against digital eye strain caused by prolonged screen use.

• UV Protection: Prevents harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes, even when you’re indoors. Learn more about UV Protection here.

The Takeaway

A broken pair of glasses can be an unexpected disruption, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can minimize the impact and make sure you have clear, comfortable vision as soon as possible. Having a backup pair, understanding your insurance coverage, exploring online and local shopping options, and thinking about lens features can all help you be ready if your glasses break.

At Urban Optiks, we’re here to help you find the right eyewear that fits your vision needs and lifestyle. Schedule an eye exam today or visit our store to explore the latest styles and lens options. Clear vision shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be accessible and effortless!