How to Fix Broken Glasses: Temporary Eyeglass Repairs

Easy Fixes for Common Eyeglass Problems

If you’ve been wearing glasses for a while, you’ve likely experienced a loose screw, wobbly arm, or bent frame. In many cases, you can fix these simple issues at home.

Loose or Missing Screws

The arm of your glasses may detach or become wobbly if a screw falls out or becomes too loose. If your glasses have nose pads, they're often attached by screws as well, which can also become loose or fall off. The good news is, this problem can easily be solved at home with an eyeglass repair kit. These kits often contain a glasses screwdriver and replacement screws.

When replacing or tightening a screw in your glasses, turn the screwdriver gently to avoid stripping it. Don’t let your hand slip when the screwdriver head is close to the lenses, as you may scratch your lenses. Don’t have an eyeglass repair kit? Don’t worry, try this:

• Thread a piece of sturdy dental floss or thin wire through the screw holes, then tie a knot to hold everything in place

• Try wedging a wooden toothpick into the aligned screw holes, breaking off the tip, and leaving it there temporarily

If you can't see what you're doing well enough to handle these repairs on your own or you're not adept with a tiny screwdriver, bring your glasses to your local eyecarecenter for assistance.

Bent Eyeglass Arm or Bent Frames

If one of the arms of your glasses has become bent or misshapen, you may be able to straighten it at home. Glasses with metal frames are easier to adjust than plastic because metal is more malleable, or more flexible than plastic.

• Metal Frames: Slowly and deliberately bend the metal back into place with your hands or use needle-nose pliers for gentle leverage. Avoid damaging your glasses by using pliers with plastic encased around the tips or by placing a soft cloth between the metal tips and your glasses frame.

• Plastic Frames: Gently heat the plastic to bend your frames back into shape. You can do this by running your plastic frame under hot water or applying hot air using a blow dryer. Once the plastic has warmed up, you can gently bend it back into place.

It's safer to have a professional do it, especially if your frames are plastic. Your eye doctor at the eyecarecenter should be able to fix a bent arm at little to no cost to you.

Crooked Glasses or Uneven Fit

If your glasses look crooked in the mirror or feel uneven on your face, the problem may be a bent temple arm, an off-center bridge, or uneven nose pads. Sometimes the change is subtle, but even a small fit issue can make glasses uncomfortable and affect how they sit in front of your eyes.

For minor misalignment, a careful adjustment may help. Metal frames are generally easier to fine-tune than plastic frames, while plastic frames often need heat to become flexible enough for safe adjustment. If one side sits higher than the other or your glasses keep sliding to one side, resist the urge to bend them aggressively. Quick forceful adjustments can make the problem worse or even snap the frame.

Crooked glasses can also be a sign that your nose pads need to be evened out or that a screw has loosened enough to throw off the fit. If you notice recurring slipping, pinching, or imbalance, professional adjustment is often the best answer.

When to See a Professional for Glasses Repair

For some glasses damage, it’s safer and more reliable to visit an eye care provider. In many cases, these repairs can be done on-site at no additional cost.

Broken Metal or Plastic Glasses Frames

Have your glasses become so damaged that they are breaking into pieces? Tape might be a temporary solution for this, but don’t attempt to permanently repair broken glasses on your own, as they could scratch or cut your face while wearing them.

Broken metal frames need to be welded if broken anywhere other than the hinge. It may seem easy to fix plastic frames with super glue, but this can lead to disaster if any glue gets on your lenses. This could also lead to your warranty on your eyeglasses expiring. For the best results, visit your local eyecarecenter for support.

Cracked or Scratched Lenses

There's no simple fix for cracked lenses, but there are a few “hacks” that can help while you wait for a permanent fix:

• Rubbing a pea-sized amount of non-abrasive (non-whitening) toothpaste or a paste of baking soda mixed with water into the affected lens with a microfiber cloth

• Purchasing scratch-removal solutions and follow the instructions on the package

However, these fixes may not work and can make things worse. The way your lenses are repaired is typically based on the type of lenses you have and the scratches on your lenses. It's possible that you may damage your lenses by trying to fix them yourself. This is especially true if you have a special coating or finish on your lenses, as it may require special care during the repair. To ensure your lenses remain clear, bring your glasses to your eye care provider.

What Not to Do When Repairing Broken Glasses

When your glasses break, it is understandable to want the fastest fix possible. But some common do-it-yourself tricks can make the damage worse. Super glue, household adhesives, rough tools, and aggressive bending can all turn a minor problem into a much more expensive one.

Avoid using glue near your lenses, especially if your glasses have coatings or specialty finishes. Adhesives can leave permanent residue, damage the lens surface, or interfere with how the frame fits together. You should also avoid over-tightening screws, since stripped hardware can be harder to repair than a screw that was simply loose in the first place.

It is also best not to use too much heat on plastic frames or try to force badly bent glasses back into shape. Excessive heat can warp the material, and too much pressure can crack the frame at the bridge or hinge. If your glasses are badly damaged, affecting your vision, or no longer sitting securely on your face, skip the temporary fix and bring them to your local eyecarecenter for help.

How to Determine If Your Glasses Can Be Fixed or If You Need a New Pair

Not every pair of broken glasses needs to be replaced right away, but not every issue is a safe do-it-yourself fix either. In many cases, small problems like a loose screw, a minor bend, or a missing nose pad can be repaired. More serious damage, such as a cracked lens, a broken hinge, or a frame that has snapped in two, usually requires professional repair or a replacement pair.

A good rule of thumb is to think about whether the damage affects how your glasses fit, how clearly you can see, or how secure the lenses are in the frame. If the issue is small and the glasses still sit properly on your face, a temporary at-home fix may buy you some time. If your glasses are uncomfortable, unstable, or affecting your vision, it is best to stop wearing them and have them checked by a professional.

In general, loose screws, slightly crooked frames, and worn nose pads are often repairable. Cracked lenses, severely warped frames, and breaks around the hinge or bridge are much more likely to require professional attention. When in doubt, bring your glasses to your local eyecarecenter so the team can help determine whether a repair is worth it or whether replacement is the better long-term solution.