Can I Adjust My Own Glasses At Home?

Ask the Optician

Can I adjust my own glasses at home?

Your optical questions answered by

Joel C. Wolf, Licensed Optician and Owner of Village Opticians

The simple answer is no. Most patients ask this questions because they feel that they can save time by adjusting their glasses at home or they feel they can save travel expenses by not making a trip to their local optician. However this is a bad idea for a number of reasons.

The first reason why adjusting your own glasses is a bad idea is because the optician who adjusts the glasses is highly skilled and trained to know where on the frame an adjustment is needed and how much of an adjustment is required. The optician also has the experience to determine if the frame can hold an adjustment or if a new frame is required.

The second reason is that the optical is equipped with the proper tools and instruments needed in order to make a suitable adjustment. Instead of resorting to glue, which most at home do, opticians have the proper adhesives that won't ruin or craze a lens. They also have specific tools that are designed for frame types that won't scratch or ruin a frame. Most plastic frames require heat to adjust and therefore an optician would know the correct amount of heat to apply and the proper instrument to use before making the adjustment.

A third reason why patients should not adjust their own glasses is because of the inconvenience of it. If a patient attempts to adjust their glasses at home and breaks them, then it becomes a hassle in the long run. It is at this point that a patient would have to try and find a ride to the optical or somehow figure out how to hold the glasses together with tape. To avoid all of this, it would be much easier to bring the glasses in for an adjustment instead of being stuck in an emergency situation. Therefore, it is best to get your glasses adjusted by your local optician than to do it yourself.

I hope I've provided you with some new knowledge to share over dinner! Feel free to stop by to discuss any questions about your vision or eyeglasses you might have.