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When glasses start to slip down your nose, pinching the bridge of your nose, or your hinges are loose, it is time to adjust your glasses. Adjusting the small components of prescription eyeglasses can be tricky and requires precision. But can you adjust your glasses at home safely?
It is better to go to an optician to have your glasses adjusted or fixed to not cause more damage to the lenses. Opticians can tighten screws or change the fit of the glasses with ease. If the need arises to adjust your glasses at home, here are some tips to ensure you are successful.
Common Issues That Warrant Adjustment
- Loose hinges: The hinges that help your temple arms bend towards the lenses can become loose as you wear them each day. Using a small screwdriver to tighten the small screws will help them fit correctly on the sides of your head. Eyeglass repair kits often come with a screwdriver small enough to make these adjustments.
- Crooked frames: Putting glasses in your bag, in a pocket, or getting stepped on can cause the frames to bend. Use gentle force to bend the frame back to the straight position. You can also hold the frames by the bridge to make small adjustments. If you can not get your frames to sit evenly on your face on your own, contact your optician.
- Slipping glasses: You will need to adjust the temple arms either outward or inward if your glasses are slipping. Ensure the arms are not too tight or loose on your head for optimal comfort.
- Nose pad discomfort: Your nose pads help to keep your glasses straight on your face when looking down or moving your face. If the nose pads are irritating your skin or are too tight, they may need adjusting. Squeeze them together or push them apart to make room for your nose. There are also attachments or stick-on silicone pads that can make them more comfortable.
- Misaligned lenses: If one lens is higher than the other hold the frame firmly and bend at the bridge to make the lenses align. Misaligned lenses can become a problem for your vision. If one eye is completely covered by the prescription lens and the other isn’t, your brain may have to work harder to compensate for the unclear vision. This can cause headaches and frustration.
- Frame warping: Older glasses can become distorted or warped over time. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to heat your frames or arms to bend them back into place.
- Temple arm length: If one temple arm is longer than the other, bending them at the hinge can make them more even. Be sure to use light pressure so as to not break your glasses.
Tools Needed To Adjust Your Glasses At Home
Some household items and tools can be used to adjust your glasses at home. When small problems occur, these tools are enough to get your glasses back in good condition. When larger problems occur, an optician should be the one to mend or adjust your eyeglasses.
A microfiber cloth is a good item to have on hand when you wear glasses. This can be used to clean your lenses without scratching them and remove dirt or dust. You can also use this cloth to hold the glasses while you adjust your glasses at home so you avoid smudges on the lenses.
A small special screwdriver will also be needed to tighten the screws in your frames. Many small parts in your glasses can be hard to grasp without smaller tools. Pliers can also help you adjust hinges, nosepieces, and arms. Your fingers may be too big to work with these tiny pieces properly.
Use Extreme Caution
If you are going to adjust your glasses at home, you need to be very careful to prevent further damage or breaking your glasses. If you have doubts about your ability to adjust any part of your eyeglasses, it would be better to consult a professional. Never adjust your glasses when you are in a rush and be sure to use extreme caution while adjusting. If your vision is poor, have a friend or family member with better vision help you adjust the small parts.
Seek Professional Help When Necessary
Going to an eye care professional will prevent you from needing to adjust your glasses at home. They will have magnifiers that make adjusting the small parts much easier. Opticians will use professional tools to ensure glasses are repaired without additional damage. Wolcott Optical is an eye care professional that can help give you better-fitting glasses in no time. Whether you need completely new frames or just some new parts, our team can help you love your eyewear again.
