How to Adjust Temple Pressure on Sunglasses

Sunglasses can usually be adjusted to fit people of all sizes.

Sunglasses are helpful for protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation and for helping you see better in bright sunlight without squinting, but not all sunglasses may fit as comfortably as custom-fitted eyeglasses. When you purchase new eyeglasses, they are usually adjusted by a professional for the best fit, but you can adjust the fit of your sunglasses with a few simple steps and some tools you likely have around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

Adjust Metal Frames

1. Hold the glasses firmly with one hand and grip the area where the temple piece meets the frame.

2. Gently bend the temple piece away from the center of the frame. Make very small adjustments.

3. Repeat the same process for the other temple piece and test the fit. Continue making small adjustments equally to both sides until the temple pressure feels right.

Adjust Plastic Frames

1. Run the temple piece under hot water for several seconds. This will slightly melt and loosen the plastic and make it malleable.

2. Remove the temple piece from the hot water and gently bend it away from the center of the frame.

3. Run the piece under cold water to set it in place.

4. Repeat the process for the other side, making small adjustments equally to both sides and testing in between until the pressure feels right.

Tips & Warnings

• If the plastic tips of the metal temple piece are curved at an uncomfortable angle, follow the steps for adjusting plastic frames to reshape them.

• Do not adjust metal frames too often to avoid weakening the metal.

References

• Eyeglasses.com: Adjusting Your Eyeglasses
• GlassesCrafter.com: How to Adjust Glasses
• Pasadena Eye: FAQ - Is it Important to Wear Sunglasses

Resources

• Needle-Nose Pliers
• Eyeglass Adjustment Kits