Eyeglasses
Ray-Ban RB3386 Lens Replacement
This guide shows how to replace the lenses of Ray-Ban RB3386 sunglasses. The RB3386 is a large aviator-style frame with a metal front: each lens sits in a closed metal rim that is held shut by a tiny screw at the outer corner, in the block next to the hinge of the temple arm. You loosen that screw so the rim opens slightly, swap the lens and close the rim again. No heat is needed, and heat should not be used on this frame. Before you start, read the code printed on the inside of the temple arm, for example "RB3386 001 63□14 135". RB3386 is the model, 001 the frame colour, 63 the lens width in millimetres (the number in front of the □ symbol), 14 the bridge and 135 the temple length. The RB3386 is made in two lens sizes, 63 and 67 mm, and they are not interchangeable. If you cannot read the code, measure the lens from side to side at its widest point: that measurement in millimetres is the lens size. Replacement lenses for this frame exist as original Ray-Ban lenses, which carry the Ray-Ban logo on the right lens and an "RB" engraving on the left, and as compatible (non-original) lenses from independent manufacturers, which have no logo. You can check the lens options for this model, in sizes 63 and 67, here: Ray-Ban RB3386 replacement lenses . Video of the whole procedure.
Tools
- Precision screwdriver
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
- 1
Loosen the rim screw
- Rest the glasses on a soft, light-coloured cloth, so that a lens or the tiny screw is not damaged or lost if it drops.
- Hold the front firmly and locate the small screw at the outer corner of the rim, in the block next to the hinge of the temple arm.
- With a precision screwdriver, turn the screw anticlockwise until the metal rim opens enough to release the lens. If the screw comes out completely, keep it on the cloth.
- Work on one side at a time: the other lens shows you the correct orientation.
- 2
Remove the old lens
- Gently spread the two ends of the rim apart with your fingers, only a millimetre or two, and push the old lens out of the rim.
- Wipe the groove of the rim with the microfiber cloth to remove dust.
- Check that the new lens is for the correct side: the curved side faces outwards and the shape must match the rim. On original lenses, the Ray-Ban logo goes on the right lens as worn. Compatible lenses have no logo, so go by the shape.
- The rim is thin metal: do not open it more than needed and do not bend the bridge or the hinge. Do not use heat on this frame.
- 3
Fit the new lens
- Seat the edge of the new lens in the groove of the rim, starting on the nose side and working round towards the screw block.
- Press the lens gently with your thumbs until the edge is inside the groove all the way round.
- Press the two ends of the rim together with your fingers so that the holes of the screw block line up.
- If the rim will not close, do not force it: check that the lens is the right side, the right way round and the right size (63 or 67 mm).
- 4
Tighten the screw and check
- Start the screw by hand so that the thread catches straight, then tighten it gently with the precision screwdriver until the rim is closed.
- Do not overtighten: the thread in the screw block is small and strips easily.
- Wiggle the lens with your fingers: it must not move or rotate in the rim.
- Repeat steps 1 to 4 on the other side, remove any protective stickers and clean both lenses with the microfiber cloth.
To put it back together
Replace one lens at a time: the other lens serves as a reference for the correct side and orientation. If the lens still rotates with the screw fully tightened, check the lens size on the temple again: 63 mm and 67 mm lenses are not interchangeable. If the rim screw is lost or its thread is stripped, replace it with a matching eyewear screw rather than using glue.