Costa Lens Replacement: What You Need to Know
You can replace Costa lenses through Costa directly, through an authorized Costa retailer, or through a third-party lens lab that specializes in Costa frames. Costa will replace lenses in their own frames if you send the frames to them or visit an authorized dealer. The process takes one to three weeks if you mail them in, or a few days if you go through a local retailer. Third-party labs often work faster and may cost less, but you need to make sure your frames are compatible with their equipment.
The most straightforward route is contacting Costa's customer service or visiting a retailer that carries Costa, because they know your exact frame model and can order the correct lens shape and mounting hardware. If you choose a third-party lab, you will need to provide your prescription, the frame model number, and sometimes a photo of your frames so the lab can verify compatibility.
Key Takeaways
- Costa's direct replacement service works through their website, phone line, or authorized retailers, and typically takes one to three weeks by mail.
- You will need your frame model number, your current prescription, and information about your lens type (polarized, photochromic, or standard) to order replacements.
- Third-party lens labs can often replace Costa lenses faster and cheaper than Costa's direct service, but you must confirm your frame model is compatible before sending them in.
- Shipping your frames to a lab or Costa carries a small risk of damage, so consider insuring the package or using a service that includes insurance.
- If your frames are damaged or no longer available, you may need to purchase new Costa frames rather than replace the lenses alone.
Finding Your Frame Model Number
Your Costa frame model number is printed on the inside of one of the temples (the arm that goes over your ear). Look for a small stamp or engraving that shows a series of letters and numbers — this is what you need to provide to Costa or a lens lab. If the stamp is worn off or hard to read, take a clear photo of the inside of the temple and email it to Costa's customer service, or bring the frames to an authorized retailer who can look it up in their system.
The model number matters because it tells the lab the exact shape and size of your lenses, the type of mounting system your frames use, and whether special hardware is needed. Without it, a lab may cut lenses that do not fit properly or damage your frames trying to remove the old lenses.
Ordering Replacements Directly from Costa
Costa's website has a lens replacement section where you can enter your frame model number and select your new lens options. You will choose your prescription strength, whether you want polarized or non-polarized lenses, and any special coatings like anti-glare or photochromic (lenses that darken in sunlight). Once you place the order, Costa will email you a prepaid shipping label. You pack your frames carefully and drop them at a shipping location.
Shipping typically takes three to five business days each way, and Costa's lab usually processes the replacement in five to ten business days. The total time is usually one to three weeks. You can also call Costa's customer service line to place an order over the phone if you prefer not to use the website. If you live near an authorized Costa retailer, you can sometimes drop off your frames there and they will send them to Costa's lab for you, which can save you the cost of shipping.
Costa's direct service is most useful if your frames are still under warranty, if you want to be certain the lenses are genuine Costa products, or if your frame model is very new or very specialized. The downside is the wait time and the shipping cost, which usually runs fifteen to thirty dollars each way.
Using a Third-Party Lens Lab
Independent lens labs and optical shops can replace Costa lenses if your frame model is compatible with their equipment. Many labs advertise fast turnaround — sometimes as little as one to two business days — and often charge less than Costa's direct service. Before you send your frames to a third-party lab, email them photos of your frames and your frame model number, and ask them to confirm they can work with that model.
When you ship to a third-party lab, include your prescription, your frame model number, and a note specifying whether you want polarized or non-polarized lenses and any coatings you want. Some labs will ask you to fill out an online form instead. Make sure the lab knows you are sending Costa frames, because the mounting system is different from many other brands and the lab needs to use the right tools to avoid damaging the frame.
Third-party labs are a good choice if you need your frames back quickly, if you want to save money, or if you live far from an authorized Costa retailer. The trade-off is that you have less certainty about the quality of the lenses and the warranty coverage. Ask the lab what warranty they offer on their work before you send your frames.
Preparing Your Frames for Shipping
Pack your frames in a small padded envelope or box with bubble wrap or foam padding on all sides. Do not use newspaper or tissue paper alone — they do not protect against impact. If your frames have a case, use it, but also wrap the case in padding. Write your name and phone number on a piece of paper and include it inside the package so the lab can contact you if there is a problem.
Use a shipping method that includes tracking and signature confirmation, such as USPS Priority Mail with signature or UPS Ground. This costs a few dollars more but protects you if the package is lost or damaged in transit. Some labs and Costa offer insurance as part of their service — ask about this when you place your order. Keep your tracking number and take a photo of your frames before you ship them, in case you need to file a damage claim.
What to Do If Your Frames Are Damaged or Discontinued
If your Costa frames are damaged during the lens replacement process, contact the lab or Costa when ready with photos of the damage. Most reputable labs and Costa will cover the cost of repair or replacement if the damage was their fault. If the damage was caused by shipping, your insurance claim or the shipping carrier's liability coverage may cover it.
If your frame model has been discontinued and is no longer available, you cannot order replacement lenses through Costa's standard service. In this case, you have two options: contact Costa's customer service to ask if they have any old stock of your frame model, or purchase a new pair of Costa frames. Some people choose to keep their old frames as a backup or have them repaired by an independent optician if the damage is minor.
Cost and Timeline Comparison
| Service | Typical Cost | Typical Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Direct (Mail) | $150–$250 plus $15–$30 shipping | 1–3 weeks | Warranty coverage, may provide fit |
| Costa Authorized Retailer | $150–$250 | 3–7 days | Local service, no shipping risk |
| Third-Party Lens Lab | $80–$180 plus $10–$20 shipping | 1–3 business days | Speed and cost savings |
Costs vary depending on your prescription strength, whether you want polarized lenses, and what coatings you choose. Photochromic lenses (which darken in sunlight) and premium anti-glare coatings add fifty to one hundred dollars to the price. Ask for a quote before you commit to any service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just one lens if only one is scratched?
Yes, most labs and Costa will replace a single lens if that is all you need. This costs less than replacing both lenses and takes the same amount of time. Bring or send just the one damaged lens along with your frame model number and prescription.
What if my prescription has changed since I bought my Costa frames?
You can use your new prescription when you order replacement lenses. Just provide your current prescription instead of your old one. The lab will cut the new lenses to match your updated prescription strength.
Do I need to send the entire frame, or just the lenses?
You must send the entire frame. The lab needs the frame to remove the old lenses and install the new ones. Sending just the lenses will not work because the lab has no way to mount them.
Will third-party lenses fit my Costa frames as well as Costa lenses do?
A reputable third-party lab will cut and mount lenses that fit your Costa frames just as well as Costa's own lenses. The difference is usually in the coating quality and warranty, not the fit. Ask the lab about their warranty before you send your frames.
How long do replacement lenses usually last?
Replacement lenses last as long as your original lenses did — typically three to five years before scratches or coating wear becomes noticeable. This depends on how often you wear them and how well you care for them. Store your frames in a case and clean them with a microfiber cloth to extend the life of the lenses.