Ethan Clarke
Adjusting plastic-frame eyeglasses can be done at home, but you may need to visit a professional if your glasses are particularly bent or crooked. Misalignment is the most common reason for needing to adjust eyeglasses, which can happen when glasses are dropped or bumped. Glasses can also become deformed from heat or simply from being worn for a long time. Adjustments can be made by applying outward and upward pressure to the segment where the arm connects to the hinge, or by pinching the nosepads closer together. For more significant adjustments, it is recommended to run the glasses under hot water or heat them with a hairdryer for 2-3 minutes before bending them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to adjust | When glasses feel loose, misaligned or crooked |
| Reasons for adjustment | Glasses getting older, being dropped or bumped, heat deformation, wearing the same pair for a long time |
| Where to adjust | At home or by a professional |
| Adjustment method | Bending the frames, tightening the arms, pushing the nose pads closer together |
| Additional tools | A bowl of warm water, a hair dryer |
| Tips | Never attempt to force a pair of glasses to bend, especially when the frame is cold |
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What You'll Learn
Adjusting plastic frames at home
Glasses can sometimes lose their snug fit, and with millions of people wearing glasses, misaligned frames are a common problem. Adjustments can be made at home, but you may also need to take them to a professional if they are particularly bent or crooked.
If your eyeglasses sit too low on your nose, you can adjust them by pushing the nosepads closer together with your thumb and index finger. You can also place your glasses in a bowl of warm water for 30-60 seconds to make them easier to adjust.
If your glasses keep sliding down your face, apply downward, inward pressure to the ends of the arms. This will tighten the overall fit and prevent slipping.
If your glasses are out of alignment on one side, find the arm that is lower than the other and gently bend the hinge. You can also apply pressure where the arm bends around your ear.
When dealing with extreme tightness, move gradually as plastic frames can be brittle and snap easily. Never attempt to force a pair of glasses to bend.
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Fixing misalignment
If your eyeglasses are made of memory plastic, titanium, or aluminum alloy, do not attempt to adjust them yourself, as these materials are designed to resist manipulation and can be damaged. Take them to an optical store for adjustments instead.
Before attempting any adjustments, it is important to check for loose screws, as this could be the cause of the misalignment. Most frames have screws at the temple corners, often referred to as hinges. Use an eyeglass repair kit with a small screwdriver to carefully tighten the screws. If a screw falls out or an arm detaches, do not try to fix this at home and seek professional help.
If the screws are not the issue, you can attempt to adjust the frames yourself. Place your glasses in a bowl of hot water for 30-60 seconds to soften the plastic. Remove them from the water and test the temperature with your fingertip to ensure they are not too hot. Hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you, and wrap one hand around the center of the frame to support them. Place your thumb on top and your pointer finger below the heated temple corner, and adjust the temple up or down as needed. If the side you are adjusting sits too low on your face, gently bend the temple corner down by pushing downward with your thumb and anchoring with your pointer finger. Repeat this process on the other side.
If your glasses are pinching your nose, you can use your thumbs to push the nose pads closer together until they fit snugly against your nose.
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Tightening the fit
To tighten the fit of your plastic-framed eyeglasses, you can try adjusting the temple tips and nose pads. These are usually the softer parts of your frames that can be moulded more easily.
First, check if the frames sit too high or pinch the bridge of your nose. If they do, bend the nose pads outwards. If your glasses sit too low or slide down your face, bend the nose pads inwards. Most plastic frames have built-in nose pads that can't be modified, but you can purchase anti-slip adhesive nose pads for added support.
If the temple tips are too loose, you can try heating them with warm water or a hairdryer for 30-60 seconds. Then, place the four fingers of your left hand under the temple, with your index finger resting at the natural temple bend to support the frames. Use your right hand to slowly and gently push the temple end down. You should feel it bend against your index finger. Repeat with the other temple end, ensuring that both sides look equal. Place the glasses on a flat surface to cool, then test the fit. You can always adjust them again later if they're still uneven.
Alternatively, you can try tightening the screws at the temple corners with a small screwdriver. However, if a screw falls out or an arm becomes detached, don't try to fix your glasses at home. Instead, have an optician adjust your glasses professionally.
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Adjusting nose pads
Adjusting the nose pads on your plastic-framed eyeglasses can be done at home, but it is important to be cautious and not force any adjustments. If you are unsure, it is best to consult an optician.
Firstly, check how your glasses fit by looking straight into a mirror. Observe how the nose pads are affecting the position of the glasses on your face. The top of the rim should not be above the eyebrow, and the eyes should be centred behind the lenses.
If your glasses are sitting too high on your nose, you can lower them by gently pushing the nose pads apart. If they are too low on your nose, you can raise them by gently closing the nose pads together with your thumb and forefinger. Only move each pad a millimetre at a time, trying the frames on again between each adjustment.
If your nose pads sit high up and feel tight on your nose, use your thumb or some nose pad pliers to gently move the nose pad toward the frame arm. Nose pad pliers can be purchased in a glasses repair kit or online. Only make slight adjustments at a time, as even a small change can make a big difference.
If your nose pads are uneven, your glasses will sit crooked. Hold your glasses up at eye level and check if the nose pads look symmetrical. If not, bend them into the correct position so that the pads are in the same position on each side.
You can also adjust the temple arms to improve the fit of your glasses. If your glasses are not the right height, you may need to adjust the temple arms to be wider or narrower.
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Knowing when to visit a professional
While adjusting plastic-framed eyeglasses can be done at home, there are times when it is best to visit a professional. Here are some scenarios where consulting an eye care provider is recommended:
- Sturdy or Delicate Frames: If your frames are made of sturdy materials such as titanium, or if they are particularly delicate, such as rimless or semi-rimless, it is best to leave the adjustments to a professional. They have the right tools and skills to handle these types of frames without causing damage.
- Severe Misalignment or Damage: In cases where your glasses are severely misaligned or damaged, it is advisable to seek professional help. For example, if your frames are badly bent, cracked, or have compromised integrity, an optician with specialised tools, like Louisville-style benders or a twister-wrench, can perform more extensive adjustments to correct the issue.
- Uncomfortable with DIY Methods: Some people may feel uncomfortable attempting adjustments at home, especially when it comes to using heat sources on plastic frames. In these cases, it is perfectly reasonable to take your eyeglasses to an optometrist or optician for adjustments. They will have the expertise and equipment to reshape the frames without causing further issues.
- Regular Adjustments: If you find yourself needing to adjust your glasses frequently, it may be worth visiting a professional optician for a "tune-up" every few months. They can tighten your frames, check the security of all screws, and ensure your glasses remain in optimal condition. This proactive approach can extend the life of your frames and save you from potential future issues.
- Screw Issues: While tightening loose screws can often be done at home, if a screw falls out or an arm becomes detached, it is best to consult a professional. Attempting to fix this issue at home may lead to further complications, and a trained optician will be able to securely and accurately address the problem.
- Prolonged Use and Persistent Issues: Over time, eyeglass frames may slide out of place, pinch your nose, hurt your ears, or appear crooked despite your best efforts to adjust them. If, after making multiple adjustments to the frame, nose pieces, or earpieces, your glasses still do not feel right, it may be time to consult a professional. They can assess the situation, recommend repairs or adjustments, and ensure your glasses fit comfortably again.
Remember, while simple adjustments can be made at home, there are times when a professional eye care provider's expertise is necessary to ensure the integrity of your eyeglasses and your comfort.
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