How to Align Eyeglass Frames

With all the jostling and bumps eyeglasses take from daily wear, it can be difficult to keep them aligned. Unbalanced eyeglasses tend to sit crooked on your face. One side always appears a little higher than the other. When you set them on a flat surface, you can really notice the misalignment. One temple (the sidepiece of the eyeglasses) will not even touch the surface; the temple tip will be slightly raised. Sometimes the misaligned eyeglasses are caused by the nosepiece not being adjusted properly. Whatever the reason, you can align your eyeglass frames yourself with a few instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Small screwdriver (flathead or Phillips)
• Bowl
• Water
• Hand towel

Show More

Instructions

Metal Eyeglass Frames

• 1

  Set the glasses on a flat surface. The side that does not rest flat against the surface is the side that needs to be adjusted. If both sides rest evenly on the surface, proceed to Step 3.

• 2

  Adjust the screw in the temple by turning it clockwise. If the screw has a (+) on the head, you̵7;ll need a Phillips screwdriver. If it has a (-) on the head, you̵7;ll need a flathead screwdriver. Do not over-tighten.

• 3

  Put the glasses on your face to see if they are straight. If not, adjust the nosepiece. Bend them in very gently so that they will fit tighter and not slide down on your nose. If the glasses sit higher on the left side, bend the left nosepiece down a bit. If they sit lower on the left side, bend the left piece up a bit. Repeat this process for the right nosepiece.

Plastic Eyeglass Frames

• 4

  Soak the eyeglasses in warm water for 30 minutes to soften the frames and make them pliable.

• 5

  Dry the glasses with a hand towel.

• 6

  Set the glasses on a flat surface to see which side needs to be adjusted.

• 7

  Align the temple that did not sit flat on the surface by bending it in the direction it needs to go to balance out the glasses. Press gently but forcefully against the frame.

• 8

  Place the glasses on your face to see if they are aligned. Adjust the nosepiece if there is one by following the directions in Section 1, Step 3.