Are your glasses sliding down your nose, or not sitting snug behind your ears? Perhaps the hinge is loose, or the screw for the hinge is missing altogether.
The good news is that there are a lot of easy fixes to be done at home, without a visit to an optician. And depending on the problem, a lot of these fixes can be done without any specialized tools.
We’re going to talk about all the potential ways your glasses can become loose and how to fix loose glasses at home.
All the Different Ways Glasses Can Be “Loose”
Loose hinge screws
If the arms of your glasses feel wobbly, the hinge screws might be loose. It’s normal for this to gradually happen over time, especially if you always take your glasses off with one hand.
To fix it, you’ll have to tighten the screws. Since the screws in eyeglasses are tiny, you need a precision screwdriver. You’ll usually need a 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm flathead or a #00 Phillips head. They can be found in toolkits for electronics or glasses repair kits (these usually include extra screws, too).
- Hold the frame steady so the screw lines up straight and doesn’t go in at an angle.
- Insert the screwdriver straight into the screw head so it won’t damage the thread.
- Slowly turn the screw clockwise until it feels secure.
- Stop as soon as you feel resistance; don’t overtighten.
Bonus lifehack for when you lose a screw:
If the screw is actually missing, you’ll either need to see an optician or get one from a glasses repair kit.
Until then, a bit of DIY will do. One option is to thread a thin piece of wire through the hinge and twist the ends together. Or, push a toothpick through and snap off the excess to make a tiny dowel.
Some resourceful DIYers have shared their hacks online, which include using: paperclips, dental floss, fishing wire, thumbtacks, and a twist tie from a loaf of bread.
Not exactly glamorous, but hey, it works!
Arms aren’t gripping behind your ears
If your glasses keep sliding down your nose, the arms (also called temples) might have lost their curve. This curve at the end of the arms is what hooks your glasses behind your ears.
To get that curve back, there are some techniques you can use for both plastic and metal frames. And you don’t need any special tools.
For plastic frames:
- Run the tip of the arm under warm (not boiling) water for 20 to 30 seconds to soften the plastic.
- With one hand, firmly hold the mid-section of the arm for support.
- Use the other hand to slowly bend the tip inward to increase the curve.
- Hold the tip in place for a few seconds to set the new curve.
- Repeat this process for the other arm if needed, making sure they both match.
For metal frames:
- Hold the arm near the middle for support.
- Use your other hand to guide the tip inward.
- Go slow, and make adjustments in small increments.
- Check the fit after each adjustment so you know when to stop.
- Repeat for the other arm if needed, keeping both sides even.
It’s best to take your time and make several small adjustments to get the fit perfect. Don’t be slapdash about it, as you might end up over-bending the arms. If you’re not careful and apply too much pressure, you could even end up snapping the frames or breaking the hinges.
Glasses sitting crooked
If one side of your glasses is sitting higher than the other, it means the frame is out of alignment.
You can fix it by adjusting the arms:
- Put your glasses on a flat table.
- Identify the side that’s sitting higher.
- Very gently, and bit by bit, bend that arm downward at the hinge.
- Keep re-checking the alignment on the table and on your face.
For plastic frames, you can heat the area with warm water first to reduce the risk of cracking.
Nose pads too wide or uneven
The eyeglass nose pads dictate how the frames rest on your nose, and it’s common for them to move out of position over time.
This one’s a very easy fix to do with your fingers.
- Push the pads slightly inward to tighten the fit.
- Gently pull them apart if they feel too tight on your nose.
- Do them one at a time if the frame sits on your face unevenly.
- Keep checking the fit after each small adjustment.
The metal arms that hold the pads are designed to easily bend so they can be customized for each wearer. So be careful with the amount of pressure you apply to each nose.
Buildup on nose pads and frame
Oils from your skin, dirt, and makeup can all build up on your glasses and nose pads over time. This makes them slippery and may be the reason they’re sliding down your face.
Giving them a good clean can improve their fit.
- Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water.
- Add a small drop of mild soap and gently rub the frame and nose pads.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Most people remember to clean their lenses daily because smudges are a visible reminder, but it’s easy to neglect the actual frames. It’s recommended to give your frames a quick wash every day, or at least twice a week. Also, use wipes, such as Zeiss lens wipes, for quick cleans throughout the day.
When to Get Professional Help
Some problems are better left to the professionals. If the frame feels fragile, you can’t seem to get the fit right, or you feel like you’re in over your head, see an optician.
Most optical stores can fix minor issues within a few minutes and often at very little cost. In some cases, they’ll even do it free of charge.
If you find that you’re not able to fix the glasses, don’t fret. You could also use this as an opportunity to pick up a new pair of stylish glasses from retailers like EZContacts. You’ll find thousands of affordable frames there in tons of different styles.
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