Many people prefer glasses with nose pads, which are small supports attached near the nose bridge that prop the glasses up on the nose. They can increase comfort by providing a non-slip effect, preventing the glasses from slipping down your nose. They are often used on metal glasses so that the metal frames don’t sit directly on the skin (which could irritate the skin, especially if the person is allergic to metal). They may also improve the appearance of glasses, sometimes providing a classic or vintage look. Clearly, when they’re functioning properly, nose pads can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits — but what about when they’re in need of repair? Scroll down to learn how to fix nose pads on glasses.
How to Fix Nose Pads on Glasses
Are your glasses too loose?
Have your glasses suddenly begun slipping down your nose? Your nose pads have likely shifted out of place. This is a common issue for people that wear glasses often, and even a small change can impact your comfort. Fortunately, it’s very easy to fix the issue. Simply grasp the bridge of the glasses and gently push the nose pads inward so that they feel secure and sit flat against your nose.
Are your glasses too tight?
What about glasses that pinch your nose? Simply loosen the nose pads to make the glasses more comfortable. To do this, grasp the bridge of the glasses and gently pull apart the nose pads.
Are your glasses crooked?
Adjusting your glasses’ nose pads can also be helpful if your glasses feel a little crooked. You may need to tighten or loosen just one of the nose pads. Hold your glasses up at eye level and check if the nose pads look symmetrical. If they don’t match, gently adjust until they’re in the same position and feel comfortable on your nose.
Are your nose pads dirty?
This may not be a typical “fix,” but cleaning your glasses can sometimes fix functional issues with your nose pads. When natural oils and sweat from your face build up on your glasses’ nose pads and frames, they become unhygienic and slick. This may cause your glasses to slide right off your nose! Use warm water and mild soap to clean your glasses, and apply rubbing alcohol to the nose pads. Avoid getting rubbing alcohol on the lenses.
Are your nose pads worn out?
With long-term wear, nose pads can become loose and uncomfortable, and they may break down or yellow due to contact with water, humidity, oil, and sweat. Instead of purchasing a whole new pair of glasses, you can simply replace the nose pads to make the glasses feel like new again. Typically, they will either screw or snap into the frames. If they’re screw-in nose pads, use a small screwdriver to loosen the current pair and replace them. If they’re snap-on nose pads, pry out the old pair with a flathead screwdriver or butter knife and then push the new pair into the socket. Replacement nose pads are available online.
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Finally, we have two quick tips for you! First, make small adjustments, testing the glasses on your nose after each change before you adjust them further. Sometimes a tiny adjustment is all it takes! Second, avoid tightening and loosening your glasses’ nose pads too often, as you may overwork the nose pads and wear down the metal.
Are you in need of a new pair of glasses? Stop by Heffington’s if you live in southwest Missouri. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to [email protected], or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!