Sofia Martinez
Plastic-framed sunglasses can lose their snug fit over time, requiring adjustments to feel secure on your face. This can be due to various reasons, such as heat deformation, prolonged wear, or accidental bumps and drops. Adjusting plastic frames typically involves heating them to increase flexibility before making minor adjustments. While some adjustments can be made at home, significant bends may require professional assistance to avoid breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to adjust | When the glasses are out of alignment, pinching your nose, or sliding down your nose |
| What to adjust | The arms, the temple arms, the nose pads, the earpiece, the bridge |
| Tools | Hairdryer, hot water, hands |
| How to adjust | Soak the arms in hot water, apply pressure to the arms, bend the temple arms, bend the earpiece, adjust the nose pads, heat the bridge with a hairdryer |
| When to see a professional | When adjustments don't work, when significant bends are required, when the glasses are snapping |
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What You'll Learn
Heat plastic frames before adjusting
Most plastic frames need to be heated before they can be adjusted. Some frame materials that resist adjustments include titanium, memory titanium, memory plastic, and aluminum alloy. Plastic frames are typically heated before they become flexible enough to be adjusted.
There are two types of heating elements that can be used to heat plastic frames: the "salt pan," which contains heated glass beads, and the more modern hot air blower. The salt pan heats plastic to a point where it can be reshaped or adjusted. However, glass beads can damage some modern frame materials, and overheating parts seem to be more prevalent in bead pans than in hot air blowers. Hot air blowers, or hair dryers, are a more prevalent source of heat for softening plastic frames. They are far less messy, eliminating the problem of glass beads sticking to frames.
When using heat to perform adjustments, it is best to hold the frame in the heat source until it begins to bend. Once it begins to move, remove it from the heat source and hold it in place until it cools, or run it under cold water. It is important to be cautious when using any tool that produces hot air at high temperatures.
While it is possible to adjust plastic frames at home, significant adjustments may require the help of a professional.
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Bend the arms at the hinge
Bending the arms of plastic-frame sunglasses at the hinge is a simple process. However, it is important to be cautious and avoid applying excessive force, as this can lead to breakage. Before making any adjustments, it is recommended to immerse the temple ends of the glasses in warm water for 30 to 60 seconds. This will help soften the plastic and make it more pliable. Hold the glasses with the lenses facing you and use your fingers to support the frames at the natural temple bend.
Once the plastic is softened, you can proceed to gently bend the temple arms at the hinge. If the left lens is closer to your face, gently pull the left temple arm in or push the right temple arm out. Conversely, if the right lens is closer to your face, adjust the temple arms in the opposite direction. Make sure to apply only gentle pressure and avoid using too much force.
Another approach is to focus on the area where the arm bends around your ear. By applying pressure at this point, you can adjust the fit of the glasses. Ensure that the arms are not bent too much or too little, as this can affect the overall fit. The arms should sit comfortably around your ears without rubbing against them or allowing the glasses to slip off.
It is worth noting that some plastic frames may require additional heat to become flexible enough for adjustments. This can be achieved by running the frames under hot water or using a hairdryer. However, always be cautious when applying heat to avoid damaging the frames. After making the necessary adjustments, set the new position of the frames by rinsing them with cold water.
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Adjust the temple arms
Adjusting the temple arms of plastic frame sunglasses is a common way to troubleshoot tight or loose glasses. A slight change in their position can keep glasses from sliding forward or feeling uncomfortable behind your ears.
Before making any adjustments, you will need to determine what changes need to be made. Stand in front of a mirror and position the glasses so that the middle of the lenses is over the center of your eyes. This is the optical center and the ideal location for your eyeglasses. All adjustments to your eyeglasses should be made to achieve this optimal position.
If your plastic glasses frames are sitting lower on your nose than desired, it might be that the temples are too wide. If they’re sitting too high on your nose, it could be that the temples are too narrow.
To adjust the temple arms of plastic frame sunglasses, you will need to make the plastic pliable by heating it. You can do this by either running the temple under warm water for 15 to 30 seconds or using a hairdryer. Be careful not to melt the plastic or damage the coating of the lenses.
Once the plastic is pliable, you can start making adjustments. To tighten the temple, bend the end of the temple arm downwards while grasping it at the bend. To loosen the temple, bend the end of the temple arm upwards. The temples should bend at about 45 degrees, starting just behind your ear.
It is important to note that some frame materials, such as memory plastic, resist adjustment. If you are uncertain about your glasses' frame material, it is best to consult a professional optician for adjustments.
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Use a hairdryer to reshape frames
If your plastic-framed sunglasses are out of alignment, you can use a hairdryer to reshape them. This method is also suitable for metal frames, but plastic frames typically need to be heated before they become flexible enough to adjust.
Firstly, trace your frames on a sheet of paper. This will serve as a reference for when you reshape your frames. Then, point the hairdryer at the bridge area of your frames and gently heat them up. Be careful not to overheat the frames, as too much heat can cause damage to coatings on the lenses.
Once the frames are warm, you can begin to reshape them. Use your thumbs and index fingers to gently bend the frames to match the shape you traced on the paper. Make small adjustments until you achieve a comfortable fit.
If you are unsure about adjusting your frames yourself, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional. Opticians have the experience and skills to adjust your frames properly without causing any damage.
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Bend the earpiece to tighten the fit
Plastic frames typically need to be heated before they become flexible enough to be adjusted. You can do this by running them under hot water for 30 seconds, or by using a blow dryer. Once the plastic is noticeably mouldable, you can start to bend the earpiece.
To tighten the fit, you will want to bend the earpiece inwards. This can be done by hand, and only a gentle amount of pressure is required. Bend the earpiece inwards in small increments until you reach your desired level of tightness. Make sure to adjust both earpieces at the same time, or keep track of how much you bend them so that they are equally tight. If you tighten them unequally, your glasses may feel crooked and uncomfortable.
If you are unsure of the flexibility of your frames, or if you feel too much resistance when bending, stop the adjustment to avoid breaking your glasses. It is recommended to have an optician adjust them for you in this case.
After adjusting, place the glasses on a flat surface to let them cool. Then, put them on to test the fit and make sure they are secure. You can repeat the above steps until your glasses are comfortable.
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Frequently asked questions
Adjusting plastic frame sunglasses at home is simple. First, run the arms under hot water for 30-60 seconds or use a hairdryer to heat the frames. Then, gently bend the frames until you achieve a comfortable fit.
If your sunglasses are sliding down your nose, try tightening the frames by applying gentle downward and inward pressure on the ends of the arms. If this doesn't work, consider using gripping wax or nose pads to prevent slippage.
To adjust plastic frame sunglasses that are pinching your nose, apply upward and outward pressure on the ends of the arms to achieve a wider fit. Keep trying on the sunglasses until you get a comfortable fit, as too much bending can damage the frames.
While minor adjustments can be made at home, significant bends or complex issues may require the help of a professional. If you are unsure about making adjustments yourself, it is always best to consult a specialist.
