Identify the Problem First

  • Loose screw: Glasses feel wobbly at the hinge, or one lens has shifted position
  • Missing screw: A hinge is completely floppy — needs a replacement screw
  • Bent arm (temple): Glasses sit unevenly or hurt one ear
  • Loose nose pads: Glasses slide down the nose constantly
  • Stretched plastic frame: Glasses are too wide and fall off easily

Fix 1: Tighten a Loose Screw

  1. 1

    Get a glasses repair kit

    A small eyeglass screwdriver set costs $3–8 from a chemist, Kmart or online. It includes tiny flathead and Phillips screwdrivers that fit the miniature screws in glasses frames. You can also use a very small regular flathead screwdriver carefully.

  2. 2

    Locate and tighten the screw

    Hinges have tiny screws on the side. Lay the glasses on a flat surface and tighten the loose screw clockwise. Do not overtighten — finger-tight plus a slight turn is enough. Overtightening can crack the frame or strip the screw head.

  3. 3

    Apply a tiny amount of clear nail polish to prevent it loosening again

    Once tightened, a small drop of clear nail polish on the screw head acts as thread-lock. Let it dry before wearing.

Fix 2: Adjust Loose Nose Pads (Metal Frames)

Metal frame nose pads are adjustable. Use your thumbs or the flat back of a spoon to gently press the pads inward toward each other — this increases the grip on your nose. Make small adjustments and test frequently.

Fix 3: Reshape Stretched Plastic Frames

  1. 4

    Warm the frame over steam or warm water

    Hold the glasses over a bowl of steaming water or under warm running water for 20–30 seconds. Plastic frames soften slightly when warm, making them shapeable without cracking.

  2. 5

    Gently squeeze the temples inward

    While warm, gently press the arms (temples) inward to narrow the frame width. Hold for 10–15 seconds while the plastic cools and sets. Test the fit. Repeat if needed.

When to see an opticianLoose screws and minor adjustments are easy DIY. But if a screw is missing, a hinge is broken, a lens has popped out of a plastic frame, or your prescription lenses are misaligned, take them to an optician. Most opticians adjust frames for free or a few dollars — it takes 5 minutes and they have professional tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glasses repair kits include assorted replacement screws — try matching one to the size. Alternatively, take the glasses to any optician or pharmacy with an optical section — they have an assortment of screws and will replace it for free or a couple of dollars. As a very temporary fix, a wooden toothpick slid through the hinge hole can hold the arm in place.
Once or twice a year is a good habit. Any optician (not just where you bought the glasses) will adjust frames for free. Regular adjustment keeps the frames fitting properly, reduces the chance of screws working loose, and is easier than letting glasses get badly bent out of shape.