How to Clean & Repair Your Eyeglasses & Lenses

Broken glasses: Repair methods and cost

If you wear glasses, you know how important they are for your daily life.

However, accidents can happen, and sometimes your glasses can break. Whether it's a cracked lens, a broken frame, or a loose screw, broken glasses can be a frustrating and costly problem.

But before you toss your damaged eyewear and start shopping for a new pair, it's important to know that there are several repair methods available that can save you time and money.

In this article, we'll explore the various repair options for broken glasses, as well as the cost associated with each method, so that you can make an informed decision about how to fix your eyewear.

Repairing glasses frames professionally

When you have a favorite pair of glasses, breaking them can be a frustrating experience. However, it's not always necessary to replace your frames entirely. Instead, you can opt for repairing your glasses frames professionally.

Professional repairs can save you money and allow you to keep wearing your favorite pair of glasses. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of repairing glasses frames professionally and the repair methods available.

We'll also go over the cost of these repairs, so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed when your glasses are damaged.

Can Gorilla Glue Fix Broken Glasses?

While Gorilla Glue can be a quick and easy fix for many things, it is not recommended for fixing broken glasses.

Gorilla Glue is designed for strong bonding of wood, metal, ceramics, and many plastics, but not for eyeglasses. The strong bonding of the glue can cause the frame to become brittle and may cause further damage to the glasses.

In addition, Gorilla Glue dries with a foamy texture that can be unsightly and difficult to remove. For best results, it is recommended to take your broken glasses to a professional optician or eyewear repair shop to ensure that the glasses are fixed safely and effectively.

What To Do if Your Frames Break

If your eyeglass frames break, there are several things you can do to address the situation. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Assess the damage: Check if the damage is fixable or if you need to buy new frames. If the frames are only slightly bent, you may be able to fix them yourself. However, if the break is severe or the frames are too old and worn out, it may be time for a replacement.

2. Consider warranty or insurance: If your glasses are still under warranty, check with the manufacturer to see if the damage is covered. If you have insurance, review your policy to see if eyeglass repair is included.

3. Visit a professional: If you're unsure how to fix the damage or don't have the necessary tools, take your glasses to an eyeglass repair professional. They have the expertise to repair your glasses and ensure they're properly aligned.

4. DIY repair: If you want to attempt the repair yourself, use a repair kit or a small screwdriver to adjust the screws and replace any missing parts. However, be careful not to cause further damage.

5. Consider replacing the frames: If the frames are too old, too damaged, or too worn out, it may be time for a replacement. Look for a style that suits your face shape, personal preference, and budget.

Broken glasses can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. By following these steps, you can assess the damage, weigh your options, and decide on the best course of action to get your glasses fixed or replaced.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands is necessary when repairing and cleaning your eyeglasses because hands carry oils, dirt, and bacteria that can easily transfer to the lenses and frames of your glasses.

These substances can damage the lens coatings, cause smudges and scratches, and even lead to eye infections. By washing your hands before handling your glasses, you can remove any dirt and oils that may have accumulated on your skin, helping to keep your glasses clean and safe.

It is also important to avoid using any harsh chemicals or solvents when cleaning your glasses, as these can damage the frames or lenses. Instead, use a mild soap and warm water to clean your glasses, and dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your glasses clean, clear, and free from damage, ensuring that you can always see the world around you in the best possible way.

Repairing plastic glasses frames yourself

Repairing plastic glasses frames can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and some patience, it can be done.

Before attempting any repairs, it is important to identify the source of the problem. Some common issues with plastic frames include broken arms, cracked or snapped frames, and loose or missing screws.

To repair broken arms or snapped frames, a two-part epoxy can be used. First, clean the area to be repaired with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Then, mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply a small amount to the broken area. Hold the pieces together for several minutes until the epoxy sets.

For loose or missing screws, a small screwdriver and replacement screws can be used to make the repair. First, remove any remaining pieces of the old screw and clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Then, insert the new screw into the hole and tighten it with the screwdriver.

It is important to note that while repairing your own glasses frames can save you money, it may not be as strong or durable as a professional repair. Additionally, attempting to repair frames with intricate designs or patterns may cause further damage.

Repairing scratched lenses yourself

It is not recommended to attempt to repair scratched lenses yourself as this can potentially cause more damage.

However, there are a few methods that may help to temporarily reduce the appearance of scratches. One method is to apply a small amount of toothpaste to the lenses and gently rub it in using a soft cloth, then rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Another method is to apply a small amount of vehicle wax to the lenses, using a soft cloth to gently rub it in, then buffing with a microfiber cloth.

It is important to note that these methods are not guaranteed to work and may cause further damage to the lenses, so it is best to take your glasses to a professional optician for repair or replacement.

Additionally, it is important to avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals when cleaning your lenses, and to always store your glasses in a protective case when not in use.

Saliva doesn't clean lenses

You are correct that saliva is not an effective cleaning solution for eyeglass lenses. While saliva may help to moisten a lens and remove a small amount of dirt or smudging, it can also leave behind additional residue and bacteria from your mouth. This can lead to further smudging, streaking, and even potential infections or other health risks.

It is best to clean your eyeglass lenses using an appropriate cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches or other damage to the lenses. Avoid using paper towels or other rough materials that could scratch or damage the surface of the lenses.

Lather up the eyeglass lenses

"Lathering up" the eyeglass lenses typically refers to applying a small amount of dish soap or specialized eyeglass cleaner to the lenses, then using your fingers to gently create a lather over the surface of the lenses. This can help to remove any dirt or oils that may have accumulated on the lenses.

After lathering, the lenses should be rinsed thoroughly with warm water and dried with a clean, soft cloth. This process can be effective for cleaning eyeglass lenses, but it is important to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the lenses.

Repairing hinges and nose pads professionally

Hinges and nose pads are crucial components of eyeglasses that allow them to fit comfortably on your face and open and close smoothly. Over time, these parts can become loose, worn, or damaged, which can make your glasses uncomfortable to wear and affect their performance. In some cases, it may be possible to repair hinges and nose pads yourself, but it's often best to have them professionally repaired to ensure that they are fixed correctly and don't cause further damage to your glasses.

When you take your glasses to a professional for hinge or nose pad repair, they will typically examine your glasses to identify the problem and determine the best course of action. In some cases, they may be able to tighten or adjust the existing hinges or replace the nose pads with new ones. For more serious problems, they may need to replace the entire hinge or nose pad assembly.

Professional repair services can be found at many optical stores or eyeglass repair shops. The cost of repairing hinges and nose pads can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the repair, but it's usually less expensive than buying a new pair of glasses.

Additionally, having your glasses professionally repaired can help extend their lifespan and keep them in good condition for longer.

What Causes Stress Cracks in Eyeglasses?

Stress cracks in eyeglasses can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common is wear and tear from everyday use, which can cause small fractures in the material over time. Exposure to extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature can also cause stress cracks, as can dropping or banging the glasses. Tightening screws too much or using the wrong screws can also cause stress cracks.

Additionally, some types of materials used in eyeglasses frames are more prone to stress cracks than others. It's important to take good care of your glasses to prevent stress cracks, but if they do occur, it's possible to repair them in some cases.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Glasses?

The cost to fix glasses can vary depending on the type of repair needed and where you go to have it done. If you have a warranty or insurance plan that covers repairs, it may be free or cost only a small fee.

For non-warranty repairs, the cost can range from around $20 for minor repairs like replacing nose pads or screws to $100 or more for major repairs like replacing frames or lenses. Some opticians and eyewear retailers may offer free or low-cost repairs as a service to their customers.

It's important to note that the cost of repairing your glasses may not always be worth it, especially if the glasses are old or outdated. In these cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new pair of glasses rather than invest in repairing the old ones.

What Comes in a Glasses Repair Kit?

Glasses repair kits typically include several tools and parts that can be used to fix common issues with eyeglasses. Here are some of the items that may be included in a glasses repair kit:

1. Micro screwdriver: This is used to tighten or loosen the screws that hold the frames together.

2. Nose pad replacement screws: These small screws are used to attach replacement nose pads to the glasses.

3. Nose pads: These small pads fit onto the bridge of the glasses and help to distribute the weight of the frames.

4. Cleaning cloth: This is used to clean the lenses and remove fingerprints and smudges.

5. Magnifying glass: This can help you see small parts more clearly when you are making repairs.

6. Tweezers: These can be used to handle small parts and screws.

7. Replacement screws: These can be used to replace lost or damaged screws.

8. Replacement temples: These can be used to replace the arms of the glasses if they become damaged or broken.

The exact contents of a glasses repair kit may vary depending on the brand and model, but most kits will include the basic tools and parts needed to make common repairs.

Is It OK to Clean Glasses with Rubbing Alcohol?

While rubbing alcohol may be effective at cleaning glasses, it's not recommended to use it on eyeglasses as it can damage the lenses and coatings. Alcohol can strip away protective coatings, and repeated use can cause scratches and haze on the surface of the lenses.

Instead, it's best to use a gentle soap and warm water or a cleaning solution specifically designed for eyeglasses. Microfiber cloths or lens cleaning wipes can also be used to clean glasses without causing damage.