Easy Guide: How to Change Oakley Sutro & Sutro S Lenses

Swapping lenses on your Oakley Sutro or Sutro S sunglasses doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you need to adapt to different light conditions, replace a damaged lens, or are interested in sports eyewear with prescription solutions, this guide makes it easy. Ken from Banana Sport Optics walks you through the simple 2-step lens removal and 3-step lens installation process for these popular Oakley models.

Worried about breaking them? Don't be! Oakley's O-Matter frame material is known for its stress resistance and flexibility, and the Plutonite™ lenses (a high-quality polycarbonate) are also surprisingly resilient. While gentle handling is always best, these materials are designed for durability.

Demonstration of the flexible O-Matter frame material on Oakley Sutro sunglasses.


Showing the flexibility of an Oakley Sutro Plutonite lens.

Which Oakley Sutro Models Does This Guide Cover?

Crucial Note: This lens replacement guide is specifically for the standard Oakley Sutro (style code OO9406) and the smaller Oakley Sutro S (style code OO9462). These models feature a full frame that includes a piece along the bottom edge of the lens.

Close up showing the bottom frame piece characteristic of Oakley Sutro and Sutro S models.

If you own an Oakley Sutro Lite, Sutro Lite Sweep, or other rimless/semi-rimless Sutro variations, the process is different. Please refer to our separate guide for those models:

Learn about prescription inserts for Oakley Sutro Lite, Lite Sweep and Lite S.

How to Remove Oakley Sutro / Sutro S Lenses (2 Steps)

Ready to remove the old lens? Follow these two simple steps:

  1. Pop out the first side near the nose bridge: Turn your Sutro glasses upside down. Place your index finger on the inner surface of the lens near the nose area. Position your thumb on the outer frame near the nose for support. Gently push the lens outward with your index finger until the inner edge releases from the frame's groove.
    Step 1: Finger placement inside lens, thumb outside frame near nose for Oakley Sutro lens removal.


    Step 1: Pushing the Oakley Sutro lens out from the inside near the nose bridge.
  2. Pop out the second side near the nose bridge: Repeat the exact same motion on the opposite side of the nose bridge. Index finger inside, thumb outside, push gently outward. The lens should now be completely free from the Oakley frame.
    Step 2: Repeating the lens removal process on the other side of the Oakley Sutro nose bridge.
    Oakley Sutro lens completely detached from the frame after removal.

Lens removal complete!

Need Prescription Sports Eyewear or Oakley Inserts?

Before installing the new lens, consider your vision needs. At Banana Sport Optics, we specialize in high-performance prescription inserts for sports glasses. We offer custom-made prescription inserts for Oakley Sutro and Sutro S that clip behind your original shield. Single vision, progressive, high RX and astigmatism: all supported.

Oakley Sutro prescription insert clipped behind the original shield — Banana Optics

Whether you need enhanced vision for cycling, running, or other activities, explore our prescription solutions. We offer worldwide shipping and a 30-day returns guarantee.

How to Install Oakley Sutro / Sutro S Lenses (3 Steps)

Installing your new Oakley replacement lens is a quick 3-step process:

  1. Seat the top edge of the lens: Hold the frame upside down. Align the new lens and carefully slide its top edge completely into the groove running along the upper part of the frame (brow line). Make sure it's evenly seated from one side to the other.
    Step 1: Sliding the top edge of the new Oakley Sutro lens into the frame groove.
  2. Clip in the center nose area: Place your thumb on the outer surface of the lens, directly over the nose bridge section. Apply firm, steady pressure downwards. You should feel or hear the lens click securely into the frame groove around the nose area.
    Step 2: Placing thumb on the center of the Oakley Sutro lens for installation.
  3. Clip in the bottom edges: Maintain light pressure on the center nose area. Now, secure the bottom edge of the lens into the lower frame groove. Work methodically around the four key points: outer edge, inner edge (near nose), the other inner edge, then the other outer edge. Use your fingers to push each section firmly into the groove until it clicks or feels fully seated.
    Step 3: Diagram showing the four points along the bottom edge of the Oakley Sutro lens to clip in.
    Step 3: Using fingers to push a bottom section of the Sutro lens into the frame groove.

Your new Oakley Sutro lens is now installed!

Final view of Oakley Sutro sunglasses with the replacement lens correctly installed.

Oakley Sutro Prescription Inserts — Keep Your Frame, Add Your RX

If you need prescription vision in your Oakley Sutro or Sutro family frames, a prescription insert is the cleanest solution. The insert clips behind the original shield. Your frame, tint and field of view stay exactly as they are. Custom made to your prescription in approximately 2 weeks.

We build prescription inserts for all Sutro family frames:

Single vision, progressive, high RX and astigmatism: all supported. Get a free consultation if you are unsure whether your prescription works.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get prescription lenses directly in my Oakley Sutro or Sutro S?

Due to the large shield design of the Sutro and Sutro S, fitting direct prescription lenses is not feasible. However, prescription inserts for Oakley Sutro are an excellent alternative. The insert is a custom-made lens carrier that clips behind the main shield, giving you clear prescription vision without modifying the frame.

What are prescription inserts for sports eyewear?

Prescription inserts (also called rx inserts or prescription clips) are custom-made lens carriers built to your exact prescription. They attach inside compatible sports eyewear frames like the Oakley Sutro, giving you the benefit of your prescription with the coverage and style of your sports sunglasses. Single vision, progressive, high RX and astigmatism are all supported.

How long does it take to receive a prescription insert?

Prescription inserts are custom made to your values and delivered in approximately 2 weeks. This applies to all markets including Germany, Switzerland, UK, US, and France. 30-day returns included.

Questions About Your Oakley Sutro or Prescription Needs?

We hope this guide helped you confidently replace your Oakley Sutro lens. For questions about lens tints, frame fits, Oakley prescription inserts, or finding the best sports eyewear with prescription for your needs, contact us via chat or email.

Choosing a new tint as well? Our Oakley Prizm lens reference shows every Prizm tint from the front and through the lens, with measured light transmission, so you can compare up to three side by side before you buy.

Thanks for reading!

Which lens should go in?

Swapping lenses is the easy part. Choosing between them is why we built Banana Research: every Oakley Prizm tint bought, measured, and photographed through on seven real scenes.

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