5 signs that your spectacles don't fit

If you’re constantly pushing up your spectacles on your nose or holding the frame in place when you bend over, it is time to have your spectacles adjusted.

If you’re constantly pushing up your spectacles on your nose or holding the frame in place when you bend over, it is time to have your spectacles adjusted.

If your spectacles are beyond repair, your optometrist can help you select a new frame that will fit properly. Try the frame on and have an optometrist make the necessary adjustments to fit your face perfectly.

Spectacles are not one-size-fits-all. We all have different shaped faces, different sized heads, and different spacing between our eyes. Even the space between your eyes and ears differs. If your spectacles don’t fit, get them adjusted or replaced.

Here are 5 signs your spectacles don’t fit:

1. YOU OFTEN ADJUST THE SPECTACLES ON YOUR NOSE

In the summertime, your spectacles will naturally slide down your nose. Blame this slippage on a combination of sweat and gravity.

If you find that your spectacles regularly slide down your nose, even when you’re not perspiring, it’s a sign that your spectacles have perhaps stretched out or don’t fit your face.

2. YOUR SPECTACLES FALL OFF WHEN YOU BEND OVER

If you play sports, your spectacles are likely to fly off your face, no matter how well they fit.

If you’re in a yoga class, your spectacles will almost certainly fall off when you take half-moon or downward dog positions.

Your spectacles also are unlikely to stay on your face when you dance, play soccer or repeatedly bend over to load the dishwasher or washing machine.

If you’re just bending over to get something out of your bag or to pick something up from the floor and your spectacles fall off, that’s a clear sign your frames are too large for your face or need to be adjusted.

3. YOUR SPECTACLES LEAVE TENDER, RED MARKS ON YOUR NOSE

Your spectacles shouldn’t press into your face at any point. If your spectacles are leaving red indentations on your nose, then your frame is too small or the nose pads are skew or worn out. 

Small indentations are normal, but tender, sore, red spots are not.

4. YOU HAVE MARKS ON YOUR TEMPLES FROM TOO TIGHT SPECTACLES

Your spectacles were the right size for your face once, but the size of your head can change over time. Weight gain or weight loss can play a role in how well your spectacles fit.  If you have deep, red indentations on the sides of your face when you take off your spectacles, you probably need a larger frame. Your new spectacles may just need further adjustment to improve the fit.  

5.  YOUR EYES FEEL STRAINED

Your new spectacles might not be as comfortable as your previous spectacles.  Or at the end of the day, your eyes are just tired.  A valid reason might be that there is a slight difference in the way your old and new frame fits.  Making a change between a plastic frame and a metal frame or changing to a bigger or smaller frame.  Even spectacles that are slightly skew can cause eye strain.

 

WHAT TO DO: Take your spectacles, old or new to an expert optometrist near you.  They can assess the fit and give expert advice as to whether your frame needs adjustment, new nose pads, or whether you need a new frame altogether.  Sometimes the frame is just skew or a new pair of nose pads can make all the difference in the world.  A perfect fit is the ultimate goal when wearing spectacles.  What is a perfect fit?  Your spectacles should stay in place when you’re standing and touching your shoes, and should not press into your temples or the back of your ears.

Source: EssilorSA