New glasses are exciting to try on and take home, but even the best-fitting pair can wear over time. There are several factors (including frame material) that can result in the glasses losing their perfect fit and causing them to either fall off your face or slide down your nose.
Fortunately, a change in the fit of your glasses does not necessarily mean you need to replace them with a new pair. Below, we’ll go over some common issues affecting glasses and how to adjust your pair to avoid getting new frames so soon.
Why a Perfect Fit Matters
Not only is it important to have a perfect fit to avoid damaging the frames and lenses, but it can also boost confidence and impact vision. The effect of glasses on self-esteem is powerful and can impact every wearer. With a stunning pair that fits perfectly, you may feel much more confident than with an ill-fitting or damaged frame – and also see better.
Plus, you put time and effort into selecting the perfect frames for your face, so why not keep them in the best condition possible?
You don’t have to settle for damaged eyewear when you can make a few alterations quickly at home or with a speedy visit to a professional’s office.
Here are several common problems that might affect your glasses and how you can adjust them. For more complex adjustments, it’s better to leave it to the professionals who can readjust your glasses for a perfect fit.
Glasses Are Crooked
If you notice your glasses are higher on one side than the other, they’re crooked. The arms likely need to be adjusted so that the frames sit properly on your face during the day.
When adjusting the frames, do it a little at a time to avoid bending them too far and breaking them. You can also use warm–not boiling–water to make them easier to adjust.
If the right arm is higher, carefully bend the left arm down at the hinge or wherever frames your face best. If the left arm is more elevated, gently bend the right arm down to where it best suits you. Doing so will help the frames even out, sitting where they should on your face.
If you accidentally overcompensate, or the glasses still don’t sit properly, visit a professional.
Glasses Pinch Nose
When glasses pinch your nose, the nose pads can leave unsightly and painful marks on the bridge. To make adjustments so that your nose doesn’t get pinched, try massaging your nose. This will alleviate discomfort and help highlight whether the glasses need to be adjusted further or if they were simply in an uncomfortable position for too long.
Glasses with thinner frames may be a good substitute for heavy frames that hurt your nose. However, adjusting the nose pads yourself is tricky, and you should make an appointment with a professional to adjust them so that you don’t harm the frames.
Glasses Are Too Loose
When your glasses frames are too loose, you’ll feel them sliding around all day, creating frustration and discomfort. Ideally, your frames should hug your temples. You’ll need to adjust the arms manually or take them to a professional to correct the fit.
Carefully apply pressure to the outer corner, between the arm, hinge, and lens, to tighten the frame’s grip on your temples. Repeat this for the other side to ensure a snug fit. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you could break the arms.
Adjusting them yourself is only an option if you have metal frames. If you have another frame type, take them to a professional to avoid damaging the frames.
Glasses Are Too Tight
When your glasses are too tight, they will squeeze your temples and create discomfort. To alleviate this pain, you can adjust your glasses manually. However, it is recommended that you take them to a professional with the tools to do so safely.
With metal frames, you’ll want to carefully apply outward pressure after securing the arm and lens with your non-dominant hand. Too much pressure could snap the arms, so exercise caution. When in doubt, take them to a professional.
This method is only designed for metal frames. It would be best if you took all others to a professional to adjust.
Glasses Slide Down Your Nose
It can be annoying to constantly push your glasses up the bridge of your nose over and over throughout the day. To correct this, if you have metal frames, use your thumbs to adjust the position of the nose pads so that the frames do not slip down your nose.
For plastic frames, soak the glasses in warm water for about a minute before attempting to apply gentle pressure on the end of the arms. Pushing them in slightly will give them a better grip beyond your ear.
Adjusting Children’s Glasses
You can adjust children’s glasses just like an adult’s; the only difference is the frames are smaller and more delicate, so exercise caution.
If your child has outgrown glasses, you may want to adjust their fit for comfort manually. However, replacing the old pair is the best action to ensure your child receives the perfect fit with eyewear.
Follow the above methods to adjust your child’s eyewear manually, and gently move their head from side to side to see if there is any unwanted movement from the glasses. If done correctly, they should be snug but not too tight.
When to Contact a Professional
If the above methods don’t work, or your frame material type is resistant to adjustments, you’ll need to contact a professional to handle the job. Rimless styles are also best handled by a professional so that you don’t snap the lenses out of place. They have the tools to adjust frames made of titanium, memory plastic, and aluminum alloy without damaging them.
Look no further than the True Eye team for help with your glasses adjustments! We’re happy to look at the damage and help you achieve the perfect fit.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today – you’ll have your frames adjusted to give you that perfect fit in no time!