Fitting & Adjusting Your Glasses
Before buying your glasses we highly recommend you take a look at our frame fitting guide, if you follow the steps your glasses should fit you perfectly when they arrive. But, if you do need to adjust them slightly, or you want to adjust an existing pair of glasses to make them more comfortable, you are in the right place!
However, fitting your glasses correctly is more than just comfort and convenience. Poorly fitted glasses can lead to headaches, eye strain, and disturbances in your vision.
Getting To Know Your Glasses
Before making any adjustments, you should begin by getting to know your glasses. There are five main parts of your glasses that you will be able to adjust, these are:
- Nose pads
- Temple corner
- Temple end piece
- Temple bend
- Lenses (if these need changing we can help with a new pair of glasses or a reglaze!)
The Glasses Fitting Checklist
Follow these steps to quickly identify which part of your frame needs adjusting, remember, all adjustments should be gentle to avoid over stressing your frames!
Are Your Glasses Too High/Low?
The height of your glasses is often related to the positioning of the nose pad, it can be adjusted in minutes. Generally, making your nose pad wider will lower the position of your glasses, and narrower will make them higher - more about nose pad alterations.
Are Your Glasses Too Loose/Tight?
Adjusting the frame of your glasses to make them tighter or looser is important to make sure your glasses fit your head shape properly. To do this you will need to adjust the temples of your frames - inwards will make them tighter, and outwards will make them looser. Soaking acetate glasses in hot water can help to soften the acetate and make them easier to mould. Find out more about adjusting your glasses temples.
Is Your Prescription Correct?
Your glasses prescription is by far the most important consideration for your glasses. And it is sometimes surprising how quickly your prescription can change. If you are under 40 you should have your eyes tested every 2 years, and if you're over 40 you should have them tested annually. If you need to update your glasses to your new prescription you can have them reglazed by us or find new frames that you love.
How Should Glasses Fit?
Glasses should fit comfortably and securely on your face without causing discomfort or leaving marks. The frames should sit evenly on the bridge of your nose without slipping down or pinching, allowing your eyes to be centred in the lenses.
The arms of the glasses should extend straight back to your ears without pressing too tightly on the sides of your head, and the earpieces should rest comfortably over your ears, ideally just touching the skin without causing pressure. The glasses should also not move when you tilt your head or nod, to give you a stable fit that supports optimal vision correction.
What Determines the Fit Of Your Glasses?
Frame Width
“Frame width” refers to the entire width of the frame from temple to temple. Correct frame width ensures that the glasses sit comfortably on your face without pinching or sliding. A well-fitting frame width aligns with the broadest part of your face, providing a balanced appearance and optimal comfort. If the frame is too wide, it may constantly slip down your nose; if too narrow, it can cause uncomfortable pressure on the sides of your head. Selecting the correct frame width is essential.
Frame Measurements
Frame measurements are typically printed on the inside of one of the temple arms of your glasses. The fit of your glasses is also determined by precise frame measurements, including the lens width, bridge width, and temple length.
- The lens width is the width of one lens, influencing how well the frame fits each eye.
- The bridge width is the shortest distance between the two lenses, impacting how the glasses rest on your nose.
- The temple length measures the arms of the glasses, measured from the hinge to the tip, affecting how they fit around your ears.
Face Shape
The structure and shape of your face can also influence how your glasses fit. You should try on new frames rather than using hand-me-downs because no two people have the same eyebrows, cheekbones, or ears.
Pupillary Distance
Pupillary distance (PD) is the measurement between the centres of your pupils, and it plays a crucial role in the fit and functionality of your glasses. This measurement ensures that the optical centre of each lens aligns with your pupils, which is essential for optimal vision correction and comfort. Incorrect PD can lead to eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision because the lenses won’t properly align with your eyes. Learn more about your PD, and how to measure it.
Making Adjustments To Your Frames
Adjusting Your Nose Pads
Making adjustments to the nose pad of your glasses is essential for achieving the perfect fit and comfort. By delicately manipulating the nose pads, you can customise the height at which your glasses rest on your face. If you bend the nose pads inward, you'll elevate the glasses, effectively lifting them higher on your nose bridge. Equally, bending them outward will lower the position, ensuring they sit lower and more comfortably.
This simple tweak not only enhances your visual clarity but also optimises the overall feel of your eyewear for a tailored and comfortable wearing experience.
Fitting Your Glasses
When it comes to achieving the perfect fit for your glasses, the possibilities for customisation are virtually endless. Nearly every aspect of your glasses can be meticulously adjusted to ensure optimal comfort and functionality. From the nose pads and temple arms to the frame's width and lens positioning, these customisable options allow you to fine-tune your glasses to suit your unique preferences and facial features.
To explore the full spectrum of adjustment possibilities, we invite you to watch our informative video, where we cover how you can make personalised glasses adjustments, helping you discover the ideal fit that not only enhances your vision but also complements your individual style and comfort preferences.
How To Choose A Frame That Fits
When choosing your new pair of frames you can use measurements from your current glasses to get the right fit. Our instructional video provides valuable insights into the key measurements you should provide when choosing your new frames.
By understanding vital factors such as the frame's width, temple length, and bridge size, you can confidently choose a frame option that not only aligns with your style but also provides a great fit, enhancing both your visual clarity and overall comfort. Watch our video for some of the most important measurements you can take to make sure you're getting the perfect frames for you.
If you have bought frames from us and you are not completely satisfied, don't hesitate to get in touch with us to speak to one of our team about how we can help you. We offer thousands of glasses styles and designs at affordable prices, check them out below.
