The frustration of uneven glasses often leads to discomfort, headaches, and the constant need to push frames back into place. Fortunately, many minor misalignments can be corrected safely at home, saving a trip to the optician. The process involves identifying the specific point of the bend and applying a material-appropriate adjustment technique. Understanding the difference between plastic and metal frames is the first step toward a successful repair.
Identifying the Source of the Unevenness
Before attempting any adjustment, determine precisely where the frame is bent. A simple diagnostic method is the “flat surface test,” where you place the glasses upside down on a level table. If one earpiece (temple) lifts off the surface, the frame is twisted, and the higher temple needs to be bent down to match the other side.
The “mirror test” involves looking straight ahead to see if one lens sits higher than the other on your face. This visual check helps pinpoint if the issue is a vertical misalignment at the bridge or a twist in the frame front. The main areas for adjustment are the bridge, the hinges, and the earpieces that curve behind the ear. Identifying the correct adjustment point is necessary for a successful repair.
Step-by-Step for Plastic Frames
Plastic frames, typically made from cellulose acetate, require gentle heat to become pliable enough for adjustment. Attempting to bend cold plastic will likely cause the frame to snap or crack. The goal is to soften the material just enough to allow for controlled movement.
A safe method involves using a hairdryer on a low setting or submerging the specific area in warm, not boiling, water for 30 to 60 seconds. The water should be warm to the touch, around 140 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Care must be taken to keep the lenses out of the heat source to protect any coatings. Once the plastic is warm and flexible, gently bend the earpiece in the opposite direction of the misalignment.
If the frame sits crookedly, focus the heat on the temple arm near the hinge or the bend behind the ear. If the left lens is too high, gently bend the left earpiece downward, or the right earpiece upward, depending on the twist source. Hold the frame in the corrected position until the plastic cools and hardens, setting the new shape. This process may require several small, incremental adjustments rather than one large bend.
Step-by-Step for Metal Frames
Metal frames, often made of materials like titanium or stainless steel, are generally more pliable and do not require heat for minor adjustments. The technique relies on small, controlled pressure. For home repair, use rubber-tipped pliers or standard pliers with a cloth wrapped around the jaws to protect the frame’s finish.
If the frame is crooked, adjustment is typically made at the hinge or the temple arm. Use the protected pliers to grip the metal firmly and apply slight pressure to bend the arm up or down to level the frame. The most common adjustment point is the nose pads, which are attached by adjustable arms. To raise the glasses, gently squeeze the nose pad arms closer together; to lower them, carefully widen the arms.
Adjustments to metal frames must be made with minimal force, as the material is less forgiving than softened plastic and can snap if over-stressed. Make a tiny adjustment, check the fit, and repeat the process until the frame is level and comfortable. Focusing on the nose pads can often resolve a crooked fit without bending the main frame structure.
Knowing When to Stop
While many minor adjustments are manageable at home, there are limits to do-it-yourself repair. If the frame is severely bent, has a broken hinge, or a stripped screw, seek professional help. Attempting to force a major correction can compromise the structural integrity of the frame, potentially making it irreparable.
Frames made of specialized materials, such as memory metal or high-end alloys, often require specific tools and expertise that an optician possesses. If the adjustment involves the lens itself or affects the optical center, a professional should intervene to prevent vision distortion and eye strain. Knowing when to stop ensures a small problem does not become a costly replacement.