Why glasses slip

That glasses-keep-sliding-down-your-down-nose feeling is never fun to deal with. It can be bothersome and distracting, and it may interfere with your vision. So why does it happen, and how can you prevent it?

There are several reasons why glasses slide down your nose. Some of the most common factors include:

• A screw could be loose in one of the hinges.
• Your glasses might be crooked.
• The frames may be too big or too heavy for you.
• Your glasses may have sweat or grease on them due to oily skin, exercising or cooking.
• The moisture from a humid environment has caused your frames to slip.

Just wearing and handling your glasses every day can cause them to loosen up a bit. But you may be able to reset them with a few minor adjustments. 

Top methods to secure your glasses

How do you keep glasses from slipping? It depends on why they are loose — whether it’s due to a wobbly screw, oily skin or glasses that aren’t the right size. 

Here are some tips to keep glasses from sliding:

• When choosing a new pair of glasses, make sure they are the right size for you. If you are unsure about the measurements, ask your optician for help.
• Ensure the hardware on your glasses is tightly fastened. A small screwdriver or one from a glasses repair kit is your best bet.
• Adjust the nose pads (or replace them if they are worn out).
• Wear grips (also called temple tips) on the earpieces of the frames to keep them in place.
• Try a frame with flexible arms so that you can customize them to your measurements.
• Opt for an eyeglass band that wraps around the back of your head and secures your frames. This option is great for both sports and regular wear.
• For a quick fix, wrap rubber bands or hair ties around the ends of the temples to hold them snugly behind your ears.
• Use glasses wax to hold your frames in place. Place a small amount on the bridge of your frames to prevent sliding. (This specially crafted product comes in a tube that looks like lip balm. You can find it online, in optical stores or at select pharmacies.)

Are your glasses crooked? If you’re unsure, place them on a flat surface and make sure the arms are parallel with one another. If one side is higher than the other, the frames are likely bent out of shape. If this is the case, it’s best to ask your optician to help you get them back in alignment. 

SEE RELATED: What to do if your glasses don't fit well 

Choosing the right frames for a snug fit

In many situations, glasses slide down noses when they are not a good fit. One way to stop glasses from sliding is to get a pair that is snug enough (but not too snug) in the first place. Here are some guidelines to remember when it comes to finding suitable frames:

• Your glasses should not be so snug that the lenses touch your eyelashes.
• Eyeglass frames shouldn’t rest on your cheeks (unless they are an oversized pair).
• Your eyes should align with the center of each lens.
• The frames should be comfortable.

Uncomfortable eyeglasses can interrupt your daily activities, whether you’re diligently working or just trying to relax. Frames that are too tight can cause discomfort and pinching. And it can be annoying when you have to constantly push up a pair of loose frames.

But don’t worry if your glasses aren’t a perfect fit. Simple adjustments can improve the fit of your frames. Adjusting the nose pads, tightening the hinges or wearing grips on the earpieces is sometimes all it takes.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask an optical specialist to help measure your face to find the right size glasses.

Daily habits to prevent glasses from slipping

Proper eyeglass care is key when it comes to preventing unwanted slipping. These small daily habits can go a long way in keeping your eyewear in good condition.

• Keep your glasses clean. Frames can get oily and sweaty from exercise, humidity and other wear. Cleaning your frames consistently can help prevent this.
• Try a facial cleanser designed for oily skin or another skincare product to help with excess oil production.
• Don’t sleep in your glasses. Lying down, especially on your side, can put pressure on your frames and cause them to loosen or bend.
• Make minor adjustments to the nose pads or other hardware when needed, but avoid bending the frames or making major adjustments. You can risk breaking your glasses altogether if you use too much force.
• Keep your glasses protected in a hard case when you are not using them.

If you’re still having trouble with your glasses, consult an optician for advice. It’s possible that your frames aren’t suitable for your face shape or that the material is too heavy for you. Either way, they may be able to spot a problem that you missed when assessing your glasses. 

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