Eyeglasses are a daily essential, so when they break or show signs of wear, it can be frustrating. Luckily, most common issues can be fixed at home with a few simple tools and techniques. This guide walks you through the steps to repair your spectacles, saving you time and money while maintaining clear vision.
Before we dive into repairs, let’s first talk about proper care. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prolong the life of your eyewear and reduce the likelihood of needing repairs. To care for your glasses:
Proper care makes a huge difference in the longevity of your eyewear, helping you avoid frequent repairs. You can also read our eyewear maintenance guide to learn more.
Scratches on your lenses can happen to anyone, but there are some ways to minimise the damage and prevent them from affecting your vision. While deep scratches can’t be fully repaired without replacing the lenses, there are a few methods you can try for light to moderate scratching. Here’s what you can do:
Toothpaste Method:
Non-abrasive toothpaste can be used to buff out small surface scratches. The mild abrasive in the toothpaste helps to polish the lens without causing further damage.
Steps:
Baking Soda Paste:
How it works: Similar to the toothpaste method, baking soda can create a paste that works as a gentle abrasive. This is another way to polish out light scratches.
Steps:
Glass Repair Kit:
How it works: Some glasses repair kits are available that can be used to fill in scratches and make them less noticeable. These kits generally include a polishing compound and a microfiber cloth.
Steps:
When your metal frame becomes loose or starts to bend, it can be frustrating, but it’s a relatively easy fix with a few tools. Here’s how to handle it:
Why it happens: Over time, the screws in the hinges of your glasses can loosen, causing your frames to feel wobbly or shift out of alignment. This is one of the most common issues with metal frames.
How to fix it:
Use a small screwdriver designed for eyewear to tighten the screws on the hinges. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause the screw to strip or damage the frame.
Pro tip: Adjusting the nose pads can make a huge difference in how your glasses fit and feel. Make sure they sit evenly on both sides of your nose for balanced comfort.
Why it happens: Metal frames can bend over time from accidental drops or wear.
How to fix it:
Pro tip: If you’re unsure about making adjustments, it’s best to take your glasses to an optician to avoid causing more damage.
Plastic frames can be stylish and lightweight, but they can also be prone to cracking or breaking, especially at the temples or around the nose pads. Fortunately, there are several ways to repair plastic frames at home.
Glue is one of the most common and easiest ways to fix broken or cracked plastic frames temporarily. While it is not a permanent solution, it can quickly restore functionality until you can take your glasses to a professional for a more permanent fix.
Whether you have a small crack or break in the plastic or metal frames, a few drops of clear super glue can hold things together long enough to wear your glasses temporarily.
Steps:
Clean the Area: Ensure both sides of the crack or break are free of dirt, oils, and debris. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the area carefully.
For Loose Screws:
Super glue can also work for keeping screws in place temporarily, but you should be careful not to use too much glue, as it can seep into the hinge mechanism and cause further issues.
Pro tip: When fixing screws, make sure to replace them with proper screws as soon as possible. Super glue can be effective for a quick fix, but it's not a long-term solution.
For Larger Breaks, Consider Plastic Welding
For larger cracks or breaks, use a plastic welding kit, which will melt the plastic and fuse the broken parts back together. This technique provides a stronger bond than super glue and can last longer.
Having a repair kit on hand can make it easier to address minor issues as they arise. A good kit will include the following:
Eyeglass Screwdriver
A small precision screwdriver is essential for tightening screws or making adjustments to the hinges.
Super Glue
A small tube of clear super glue for quick fixes of cracks or small breaks.
Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is necessary for cleaning your glasses both before and after repairs.
Replacement Screws
Keep a set of replacement screws on hand in case any screws loosen or fall out.
While home repairs can certainly help keep your eyewear in good condition, preventing major damage starts with choosing high-quality, durable frames. When shopping for new glasses, consider frames made from durable materials like titanium, acetate, or stainless steel. These materials are less likely to break under everyday use.
We offer eyewear that combines both style and durability. Our collection includes lightweight yet sturdy frames that can withstand the rigours of daily wear. Whether you prefer metal or acetate, our frames are designed with longevity in mind.
