The fastest way to replace a temple is through your original eyeglasses retailer

Call or visit the store where you bought your glasses — whether that's an optometrist's office, a chain like Warby Parker or LensCrafters, or an independent shop. They have your prescription on file and can order the exact temple that matches your frames. Most retailers stock common temples in-house or can get them within three to seven business days. You'll need to know your frame model or bring the glasses in.

Bring your glasses with you if you go in person. The staff can measure the temple length (usually printed on the inside arm) and confirm the hinge type — some frames use a standard screw hinge, others use proprietary clips or snap-on systems. If you ordered online and don't know where you bought them, check your email receipt or credit card statement.

Cost at the original retailer typically runs $30 to $80 per temple, depending on the frame brand and material. Some retailers include one free replacement temple within the first year of purchase, so ask before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Your original retailer — optometrist, chain store, or independent shop — is the most reliable source because they have your frame model on file and can match the temple exactly.
  • You need the frame model name or number, which is usually printed on the inside of the temple or on your receipt.
  • Online eyeglasses retailers like Warby Parker, EyeBuyDirect, and Zenni sell replacement temples for their own frames but rarely for other brands.
  • Generic replacement temples from Amazon or eBay work only if your frame uses a standard screw hinge and you know the exact measurements.
  • Replacement cost ranges from $20 to $80 per temple depending on the brand and whether the temple is plastic, metal, or a specialty material.

Online retailers that sell temples for their own frames

If you bought your glasses from Warby Parker, EyeBuyDirect, Zenni, or another direct-to-consumer brand, visit their website and look for a "replacement parts" or "accessories" section. Warby Parker sells replacement temples for $35 to $45 and ships them within a few days. EyeBuyDirect and Zenni both offer replacement temples for $15 to $30, though availability depends on the specific frame model.

These retailers will ask for your frame model or order number. If you don't have it, you can usually look it up by logging into your account on their website. Some brands let you order a replacement temple without proof of purchase, while others require your original order confirmation.

Do not order from a direct-to-consumer brand if you bought your frames elsewhere — their temples are designed for their own hinges and may not fit.

Independent eyeglasses repair shops

Local opticians and independent eyeglasses repair shops can often source replacement temples for frames from any brand, even if you didn't buy there. Search "eyeglasses repair near me" or "optician near me" and call ahead to ask whether they stock or can order temples for your frame brand.

These shops typically charge $25 to $60 per temple and can often complete the work the same day or within 24 hours if they have the part in stock. They may also adjust or repair the hinge at no extra cost while they're installing the new temple. Independent shops are especially useful if your frame is an older model or a specialty brand that chain retailers don't carry.

Generic replacement temples from online marketplaces

Amazon, eBay, and similar sites sell generic replacement temples in standard sizes. These work only if your frame uses a straightforward screw hinge (the most common type) and you know the temple length in millimeters. Most standard temples are 135 mm to 150 mm long.

Generic temples cost $10 to $25 per pair and come in plastic or metal. The risk is that the hinge width or screw diameter may not match your frame, leaving you with a temple that doesn't fit. Before ordering, measure your current temple from the hinge to the end, and check whether your frame uses a standard screw hinge or a proprietary clip system.

Read the product reviews carefully — look for comments from people who used the temple on the same frame brand as yours. If no one mentions your brand, the fit is uncertain.

What information you need before you buy

Gather these details before you contact a retailer or shop:

  • Frame brand and model name or number. This is usually printed on the inside of the temple or on your receipt. If you can't find it, take a photo of the inside of the frame and bring it to a shop.
  • Temple length in millimeters. Measure from the hinge to the end of the temple, or look for the measurement printed on the inside arm. Standard lengths are 135 mm, 140 mm, 145 mm, and 150 mm.
  • Hinge type. Most frames use a standard screw hinge. Some designer or specialty frames use a snap-on clip or proprietary system. If you're unsure, a shop can identify it in seconds.
  • Material preference. Temples come in plastic, metal, or a combination. Match the material of your original temple if you want the frame to look consistent.
  • Color. Temples are usually black, brown, tortoiseshell, or clear. Confirm the color of your original before ordering.

Shipping time and cost

In-person pickup at an optometrist's office or independent shop is fastest — often same-day or next-day if they have the temple in stock. Shipping from a retailer's warehouse typically takes three to seven business days for standard delivery. Expedited shipping is sometimes available for an extra $10 to $20.

Most retailers charge $5 to $15 for shipping, though some offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. If you're ordering from your original retailer, ask whether they can hold the temple at the store for pickup instead of shipping it — this saves money and gets you the part faster.

What to do if your frame model is discontinued

If your frame is old or no longer made, your original retailer may not be able to source the exact temple. In this case, an independent optician is your best option — they have access to wholesale suppliers and can sometimes find parts for discontinued models. Call several shops in your area and describe the frame; at least one may have a connection to a supplier who stocks older inventory.

If the original temple truly cannot be found, an optician can sometimes fit a generic temple from a similar frame, though this may require adjusting the hinge or drilling new screw holes. This costs more ($50 to $100) but preserves a frame you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just one temple or do I have to buy a pair?

Most retailers sell replacement temples individually, so you can buy just one. Some online marketplaces sell them in pairs only, so check the product description before ordering. If you need only one temple, an independent shop or your original retailer is the better choice.

Will a temple from a different brand fit my frames?

Rarely. Temples are designed for specific hinge widths and screw diameters, which vary by brand and even by model within a brand. A generic temple with a standard screw hinge may fit, but a temple from a different designer brand almost certainly will not. Always confirm the fit with the retailer or shop before buying.

How long does a replacement temple usually last?

A replacement temple lasts as long as the original — typically three to five years with normal wear. Plastic temples may crack or break sooner if you sit on your glasses or drop them frequently. Metal temples are more durable but can bend. The hinge itself is usually the first part to wear out, not the temple.

What if I lost my glasses and don't know the frame model?

Visit an optometrist or independent shop with any information you have — the color, shape, material, or a photo. They can often identify the brand and model by sight, especially if it's a common frame. If they can't identify it, they may be able to fit a generic temple that works with your hinge type.

Is it cheaper to buy new glasses than to replace a temple?

Usually not. A replacement temple costs $20 to $80, while a new pair of glasses starts around $100 to $150 at a budget retailer and goes much higher for designer frames. Replacing the temple is almost always the cheaper option unless your frame is damaged in multiple places or the hinge is broken.