Glasses that felt fine for months suddenly dig into one cheek or press on one side of your face. It is a common problem, and it is usually a fit issue you can sort out quickly. Our guide to new spectacles that feel uncomfortable covers new pairs. This one is for glasses that have changed.
The usual causes
- The frame is out of line. Dropping, sitting on, sleeping in, or taking them off with one hand all bend a frame a little. One side then presses harder.
- The frame sits too low. The lower edge rests on your cheeks, which leaves a pressure mark and makes the glasses move when you smile.
- A worn or misplaced nose pad. One pad pressing differently tilts the frame.
- A loose screw. A hinge that has loosened lets one temple sit wrongly.
- Temples too tight or too short. They press on the skin behind and above the ears.
- A frame that is too small or too wide. See bridge size and temple length and our frame size guide.
A quick check at home
- Look from the front in a mirror. Are the lenses level, and does one side sit higher?
- Put them on a flat table, lenses up. If they rock, or one temple does not touch the table, the frame is out of line.
- Look for marks. Red patches on the nose, cheeks or behind the ears show where the pressure is.
- Check the screws and pads. Is anything loose, worn or missing?
What to do
- Do not bend them yourself. You can crack the frame or shift the lenses.
- Get them adjusted. An optician can adjust the temples and nose pads, which is often a short job.
- If the frame is bent badly or cracked, see repair versus replacement.
- If the frame is simply the wrong size, choose a better fit next time.
When it is not the glasses
If the pain continues even with a frame that fits well, or comes with headaches, redness, jaw or tooth pain, or any sudden vision change, see a doctor or an optometrist. See 5 warning signs you need an eye test.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For persistent symptoms or any sudden change in your vision, see an eye-care professional.
Glasses uncomfortable? Bring them in.
Frame adjustment is part of what we do. Bring the glasses to Deepak Optical and we will check how they sit, adjust the nose pads and temples, and tell you if something is bent or loose. We also look at frames bought from other stores.
Visit or message Deepak Optical about your glasses.
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