Symptoms
- Glasses sit lower on one side
- One arm sticks out at a different angle
- Lenses look tilted when you look in a mirror
- Glasses pinch behind one ear more than the other
Likely causes
- CommonFrame was sat on or stepped onThis is the single most common cause of frame misalignment.
- PossibleOne hinge is looser or stiffer than the otherUneven hinge tension makes the arms sit at different angles.
- PossibleTemple arm bent from being stored face-downResting glasses lens-down stresses the arms over time.
- Less commonFrame material fatigued from repeated adjustmentMetal frames can weaken after many bends over the years.
What to do
- Put the glasses on and look in a mirror to identify exactly which side sits wrong.
- For metal frames, gently bend the arm at the hinge back toward level, making small adjustments and checking fit repeatedly.
- For plastic frames, warm the bend area slightly with a hair dryer on low (never an open flame) to make the plastic pliable before adjusting.
- Work slowly with small movements; overcorrecting can bend it too far the other way or crack plastic.
- Check that both lenses sit level and both ear pieces rest evenly behind the ears.
- If bending doesn't fully fix it or the frame feels weak, stop and have it professionally adjusted rather than risking a break.
Tools and parts
- Hair dryer (for plastic frames)
- Small pliers with soft jaw pads
When to call a pro
Opticians adjust frames for free in most cases and have heat tools that reduce the risk of cracking plastic frames.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.