When eyeglasses suffer damage, the immediate question is whether a complete replacement is necessary or if a repair is possible. Many types of breaks or wear can be successfully fixed, but the viability of a repair depends on the specific component damaged and the severity of the incident. Understanding which issues are easily resolved and which require a full replacement is the first step in restoring vision correction.
Assessing the Damage: Repairable vs. Replacement
The decision to repair or replace hinges on a careful assessment of the damage to both the frame and the lenses. Minor damage, such as a loose hinge screw or slight misalignment, is almost always repairable by a professional. Metal frames are more amenable to being bent back into shape than plastic or acetate frames, which can become brittle when stressed.
Frame damage involving a clean break, particularly at the bridge or hinge, may still be professionally repairable despite being structurally compromised. Lens damage presents a more definitive boundary for repair. While surface scratches outside the center of vision might be minimized, deep gouges or chips in the line of sight cannot be safely repaired.
A lens is optically precise, and attempting to buff out a deep scratch risks distorting the corrective curve, negatively impacting vision. If the damage affects the structural integrity of the frame, or if lenses are cracked or deeply scratched, replacement is typically the safest option for maintaining clear vision.
Professional Repair Services
When damage is too complex for a simple home remedy, professional services offer the specialized knowledge and tools required for durable repairs. Local opticians and optometrists are often the first resource, handling minor adjustments, replacing missing screws, or ordering new components like temple arms or nose pads. Many optical shops perform these small adjustments at no charge, even if the glasses were purchased elsewhere.
For severe breaks in metal frames, specialized mail-in repair services utilize advanced techniques like laser welding to fuse the broken pieces back together. Laser welding creates a strong, precise bond, which is particularly useful for materials like titanium that are difficult to repair with traditional soldering.
Some eyewear manufacturers also offer dedicated repair programs, especially for higher-end or designer frames, which may be covered under a product warranty. These services ensure that genuine replacement parts are used, maintaining the original integrity and appearance of the glasses.
Temporary and Do-It-Yourself Fixes
For immediate, temporary relief until a professional repair can be made, several do-it-yourself fixes can restore basic functionality. A loose or missing hinge screw can be temporarily replaced by threading a piece of a paperclip or a wooden toothpick through the hinge barrels, clipping off the excess material to hold the arm in place.
For a clean break in a plastic frame, a small amount of household super glue can be used, but extreme caution is necessary to avoid smearing the adhesive on the lenses. Clear adhesive tape can also be wrapped around a broken bridge or hinge to provide a sturdy, short-term hold.
These home repairs are only stopgap measures and should not be considered long-term solutions. The glue bond is rarely permanent, and certain adhesives can degrade the plastic or coatings on the frames and lenses. Attempting a complex DIY repair, such as bending a severely distorted metal frame, can easily worsen the damage and potentially make a professional repair impossible later on.
Cost and Decision Factors
The final determination involves a cost-benefit analysis comparing the price of the repair to the cost of a new pair. If the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement price, opting for new glasses is generally the more economical choice. Minor repairs like screw replacement are typically low-cost, but complex repairs involving laser welding can range from $50 to over $150.
The age of the current prescription is a significant factor, as replacement provides an opportunity to update lenses if the wearer’s vision has changed. If the prescription is more than two years old, replacement is advisable for optimal vision correction. High-end frames made from materials like titanium or specialized acetate are worth the investment of a professional repair.
A careful review of insurance coverage and any product warranties is also recommended. Many vision insurance plans offer a replacement benefit for damaged glasses, which may make purchasing a new pair more affordable than an out-of-pocket repair.