DIY Fixes
Better Fit
Know Your Limits
How to Adjust Your Glasses at Home

Simple, low-risk adjustments you can make yourself, and the ones better left to gentle heat or a professional.

Safe DIY Adjustments
1
Adjusting Nose Pads

For metal nose pads, use your fingers to gently pinch them slightly inward or outward. Make small movements and test frequently rather than one large bend.

2
Adjusting Temple Curve

For plastic frames, warm the arm briefly with a hair dryer on low heat until slightly pliable, then gently reshape the curve behind the ear. Let it cool before wearing.

3
Tightening Loose Screws

Use a small eyeglass screwdriver (often included with cases, or inexpensive to buy) to snug hinge screws that have loosened over time.

4
Straightening a Crooked Frame

Check if the frame sits level on a flat surface. Small asymmetries can sometimes be corrected with gentle, even pressure on the higher side.

When to See a Professional Instead

Some adjustments carry more risk of damage than they're worth to attempt yourself, especially on frames with delicate hinges or thin acetate prone to cracking.

Skip the DIY approach for: significantly bent metal frames, cracked or stressed acetate, and misaligned lenses. These usually require specialized tools and are worth a quick professional adjustment rather than risking further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to adjust glasses at home? +
For most basic adjustments: your hands, a hair dryer for plastic frames, and a small precision screwdriver for loose screws.
Can I use boiling water to soften plastic frames? +
This is commonly suggested but risky -- boiling water can warp or discolor some acetate frames. A hair dryer on low heat held a few inches away is a gentler, more controlled option.
How do I know if my glasses need an adjustment versus a different size? +
If one specific issue (sliding, pinching, uneven sit) shows up consistently, it's often an adjustment issue. If the whole frame feels too tight or too loose overall, it's more likely a sizing issue -- see our frame size guide.
Will adjusting my glasses void any warranty? +
Minor self-adjustments like nose pad tweaks are generally fine. If you're unsure, reach out to us before attempting anything more involved.
More Helpful Guides
A great fit shouldn't take much work

Shop frames built to fit from Narrow to Extrawide, starting at $49, so you need fewer adjustments in the first place.