Some key tools you will need: mirror, pliers, masking tape, mini screw driver (flat or phillips – it depends on your glasses!), masking tape, a non-abrasive cloth, a cup of boiling hot water and a hair dryer. Wrap the mouthpieces of the pliers with the masking tape to avoid scratching your metal or plastic frames.
It’s important to remember that any adjustments made should be small! A little goes a long way here and it’s recommended that you practice on an old pair first.
Position your eyeglasses so that the center of your eyes are in the middle of lenses (check how they look in front of a mirror). Place your prescription eyeglasses frames on a flat and level surface. If they are off balance on the table but level on your face, one of your ears might be slightly higher than the other. To adjust the temples, gently stretch the temple in the opposite direction. Example: If the temple piece is too high, lower it ever so slightly. If it’s too low, then raise it a bit.
For each type of frame there is a specific way to make adjustments.
For plastic frames: To adjust the bridge, take the hair dryer and warm the frames at the nosepiece for about 20 seconds. Once warmed, the plastic will be very pliable. Bend the frames slightly inward, if you over do it, your lenses may pop out. Be sure the frames have cooled before checking the adjustments. If the earpieces need adjusting, dip the temple pieces in the hot water. If the earpieces are pinching then pull them slightly outward. If the earpieces aren’t giving enough support then gently bend them inward. Once cooled, put the frames on and check yourself out in the mirror. If they’re not level keep adjusting them.
For metal frames: If you have adjustable nose pieces, use your fingers to set the pads wide enough to fit the desired resting place on the bridge of your nose (using your fingers and/or pliers to pinch the temple pieces). Check to see how the frames sit after every adjustment. You don’t want to over do it!
For semi-rimless and rimless frames: Don’t try to make too many adjustments to the connecting pieces, they are very delicate and you’ll risk breaking them. Make sure the screws are tight. Gently adjust the curve of the ear with the covered pliers. Check the mirror often to see if the changes you’ve made are comfortable.
Use these great tips you’ll save yourself some time and money. With a little bit of patience you’ll become a pro at adjusting your prescription eyeglasses. Remember, practice makes perfect! You should first practice on an old pair of eyeglasses frames to ensure that you have a good feel for just how much force you should use. Good Luck!
Michelle Costanza Weis is a fashion stylist – turned optical specialist. Her focus is on accessories and statement pieces – like prescription eyeglasses. She is currently working for https://www.glassesca.com/ – the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping all over the US, with the code FreeShip10.