Glasses Repair: How to Fix Broken Glasses

Published on October 13th, 2023

Updated on October 8th, 2024

Glasses should be repaired by a professional to ensure that they are properly handled. Glasses repair may involve correcting bent frames, broken nose bridges, broken hinges and scratched lenses. However, the type of repair needed can differ depending on whether the frames are metal or plastic. Metal eyeglasses repair normally requires expertise and certain equipment in order to bend the materials accordingly. However, to fix glasses made from plastic, you may be capable of correcting some issues at home.

Can Glasses be Repaired?

Yes and no, glasses can likely be repaired if the issues are minor and depend on the nature of the issue. Broken glasses may be repaired if the issues involved are separated arms from missing screws, loose arms or misaligned nose pads. However, if the arm or hinges are broken, this cannot be fixed and will require a replacement, this also applies to metal frames. Broken glasses lenses cannot be fixed and will also require a replacement.

Why Do Glasses Break?

Glasses can break due to various factors such as rough handling, incorrect storage, being mishandled by children or pets and accidentally standing or sitting on them.

What Parts of Glasses Commonly Break Down?

The parts of glasses that commonly break down are the frame and bridge as they can easily be bent out of shape. The more fragile parts of glasses that are vulnerable to breakage need more care, therefore, it is strongly recommended by optometrists to handle your glasses with more caution. You can take care of your glasses by taking them off with both hands to prevent stretching or bending the frames and storing them in their case when you are not using them.

How To Fix Glasses' Nose Pads and Hinges?

To fix glasses’ nose pads and hinges, it is recommended to take your glasses to the optometrist for professional repairs. It may only be possible to fix nose pads and hinges if they are missing screws or are loose and require tightening. If nose pads or hinges have broken off, it may be best to go back to your optometrist as they will need to replace your glasses. It is important to note that attempting to fix your glasses with glue will void your warranty as part of Oscar Wylee’s policy.

An optical dispenser repairing nose pads on a pair of glasses.

How To Repair Scratched or Broken Glasses’ Lenses

To repair scratched or broken glasses lenses, it is best to take your glasses to the optometrist for professional lens replacement. Scratched or broken glasses lenses cannot be fixed at home, therefore, it is strongly advised to have an optometrist or optical dispenser assess their condition and they may likely replace the lenses.

Is it a Good Idea to Put Old Glasses Lenses in New Frames?

No, it is not a good idea to put old glasses lenses in new frames as your old glasses lenses may not fit in your new frames. Old glasses may require an updated or new prescription, therefore, the optometrist will need to assess your old glasses first. However, it is possible to insert old glasses in new frames if they are the same as your old frames.

How To Fix Different Broken Glasses Frames?

Fixing different broken glasses’ frames will require an optical dispenser’s assessment of the damage to determine whether repairs are possible or if replacement is needed. However, a replacement will be likely for most cases of broken glasses frames to ensure your glasses are optimal for use. The ways to fix different broken glasses’ frames are listed below.

Plastic Frames: Plastic frames may be easier to fix depending on the damage caused. Tape may be a temporary solution that can keep the glasses frames together before taking it back to the optometrist.
Metal Frames: Metal frames generally require an expert and certain tools to fix any damages. Therefore, it is best to take metal frames to the optometrist if they are broken as they will need to be replaced.
Rimless Glasses: Rimless glasses do not have a frame, therefore, it may be more suitable to bring them to your optometrist for repairs.

An illustration of tape being used as a temporary fix on a pair of broken glasses frames.

How Much Does Repair For an Average Pair of Glasses Cost?

The cost for repairs for an average pair of glasses can range between different prices depending on the material of the frames and the nature of the repair process that is required. At Oscar Wylee, we offer repairs or replacements for problems experienced with vision during everyday use for claims made within 30 days of delivery or receipt of purchase.

Do Eye Doctors Repair Glasses?

No, eye doctors do not repair glasses, they are qualified for treating, diagnosing and managing eye diseases and conditions. Eye doctors are trained to perform eye surgeries and are typically who the optometrist or medical professional will refer patients to. In Australia eye doctors are known as ophthalmologists and while optometrists are not considered eye doctors in Australia, they are also qualified and skilled to conduct repairs for glasses.

How Long Does it Take to Repair Glasses?

It may take between a few hours to several days to repair glasses, however, this can vary between places. At Oscar Wylee, it can take up to 2 weeks for a replacement to arrive if it is necessary.

What is the Effect of Broken Glasses on the Eyes and in Health?

The effects of broken glasses on the eyes and for eye health revolve around unclear vision and an inconvenience in daily life. Broken glasses may cause slightly distorted or unclear vision and discomfort, depending on the condition of the broken glasses. Broken glasses may not affect your ability to see or the physical condition of your eyes but rather how you see when wearing them. Broken glasses may sit uncomfortably on the face due to broken or loose arms or a broken frame. Broken or scratched lenses may bring on distorted or unclear vision if the scratches are severe, therefore, it is important to take damaged lenses to an optometrist for assessment and a possible replacement.

When to Replace Glasses?

It may be recommended to replace your glasses every two or three years, which is around the same length of time you should have your eyes tested. Therefore it may be suitable to stay up to date with your regular eye tests in order to have your glasses prescription updated or replaced as advised by the optometrist.

What are Ways to Prevent Eyeglasses From Breaking?

The ways to prevent eyeglasses from breaking are to always use the glasses case for storage, consider memory metal frames, handle glasses during workouts with care, stay away from extreme temperatures, check where your glasses are before you sit, remove glasses gently from both frame sides, avoid using glasses in your hair as an accessory and avoid keeping glasses alone in pockets or bags. These habits will help ensure you are handling your glasses properly and with care. The ways to prevent eyeglasses from breaking are listed below.

Always use the glasses case for storage: Always use the case when not using your glasses to protect them from damage.
Consider memory metal frames: Consider memory metal frames as their material enables them to revert back to their original shape if they are accidentally bent.
Handle glasses during workouts with care: Handle glasses during workouts with care by either opting for contact lenses or using a strap to prevent them from falling off.
Stay away from extreme temperatures: Stay away from extreme temperatures as it could result in changes to the form of your glasses frame, arms and lenses.
Check where your glasses are before you sit: Check where your glasses are before you sit as it is very common and likely for your glasses to end up in the places you frequently sit and to avoid accidental damage from sitting on the glasses.
Remove glasses gently from both frame sides: Remove glasses gently from both frame sides to prevent bending them out of shape or breaking the arms.
Avoid using glasses in your hair as an accessory: Avoid using glasses in your hair as an accessory to prevent stretching the arms and the risk of them falling off your head.
Avoid keeping glasses alone in pockets or bags: Avoid keeping glasses alone in pockets or bags without their case as they can be prone to minor scratches and scuffing.

1. Always use the glasses case for storage

Always use the case to keep your glasses in proper storage and protected from any damage such as scuffs and scratches or accidentally sitting on them. Using the case provided with your glasses will help ensure that even if they do fall, the case can prevent any breakage from the impact.

2. Consider memory metal frames

Consider memory metal frames as they are made out of a titanium alloy that results in more frame flexibility, which enables them to return to their original shape when they are severely bent. Memory metal frames may be a suitable option for those who are prone to dropping or mishandling their glasses. It is important to note that Oscar Wylee does not offer metal frames of this kind, however, our metal frames have assured durability to wear and corrosion.

3. Handle glasses during workouts with care

Handle workouts with care by opting for contact lenses instead of wearing your glasses or using straps to keep the glasses secure on your head. You can handle glasses with more care during workouts by ensuring they fit you correctly. They should be able to rest on your nose without feeling any pressure or tightness and they should not be able to move or slip around when you are moving.

4. Stay away from extreme temperatures

Stay away from extreme temperatures as your glasses may be damaged from extreme heat or freezing temperatures. Extreme temperatures can cause warping especially on plastic frames and lenses and alter their shape. It may be best to keep them in their case in your bag or pocket if they can fit and avoid leaving them in your car especially during hot temperatures.

5. Check where your glasses are before you sit

Check where your glasses are before you sit to prevent breaking your glasses, as the risk of your glasses ending up on a chair or couch is likely. Practicing the habit of returning your glasses to their case after each use can be helpful in preventing being sat on.

6. Remove glasses gently from both frame sides

Remove glasses gently from both frame sides to prevent them from misaligning or accidentally breaking off the arms. Using both hands to remove your glasses ensures you are taking your glasses off in a straight position without too much resistance on the arms.

7. Avoid using glasses in your hair as an accessory

Avoid using glasses in your hair as an accessory as pushing them onto your head may cause them to stretch as the top of your head has a larger surface area than your face. Avoid leaving your glasses in your hair as they could easily fall off and break.

8. Avoid keeping glasses alone in pockets or bags

Avoid keeping glasses alone in pockets or bags as they may get scratched or damaged without their case. Keep your glasses in their provided case when you are not using them and are storing them in your pocket or bag. The provided case can assist with preventing potential minor but frustrating damages.

Read Glasses Repair: How to Fix Broken Glasses in other Oscar Wylee regions and their languages.