Titanium eyeglasses are a popular choice because they offer an exceptional combination of light weight and remarkable durability. The material’s high strength-to-weight ratio allows for thin, discreet frames that barely rest on the face. While titanium frames are built to last, they still occasionally require minor adjustments to maintain a secure and comfortable fit. Adjusting them safely requires understanding the unique metallurgy of the material, which differs significantly from standard plastic or metal frames.
Understanding the Properties of Titanium Frames
Titanium is valued in eyewear for its corrosion resistance, hypoallergenic nature, and low density, making frames roughly 40 percent lighter than those made of standard steel. However, titanium frames are not all the same, and their adjustability depends on their precise composition. Frames made of pure titanium (around 99% purity) are strong and rigid, meaning they resist bending but can be difficult to adjust once a shape is set.
Many titanium frames, particularly those marketed as “memory titanium” or “beta-titanium,” are alloys mixed with other metals like vanadium or nickel. These titanium alloys are designed to be more elastic and flexible, allowing them to bend and spring back to their original shape. This memory feature makes them resilient to daily wear but also means they actively resist being permanently reshaped. DIY adjustments should be performed with caution, often requiring specialized, nylon-jawed optical pliers to apply force precisely without scratching the frame’s finish.
Adjusting the Nose Pads
Adjusting the nose pads is the most common and safest DIY fix, addressing issues like slipping glasses or a frame that sits too high or too low. The goal is to change the angle or width of the pad arms, the small metal pieces connecting the pads to the frame. For minor tweaks, you can use your fingers, but for more significant movement, gently using small, rubber-tipped pliers offers greater control.
If your glasses are sliding down your nose, the nose pads need to be brought closer together. Hold the frame firmly and carefully squeeze the pad arms inward in tiny increments, moving both sides evenly. Conversely, if the glasses sit too high or pinch the bridge, widen the fit by moving the pad arms slightly apart.
Always make small, deliberate movements, testing the fit after each adjustment to ensure the pads rest flush against the sides of your nose. Support the frame near the lens to prevent stress on the frame front while applying pressure to the pad arms. Small changes to the nose pad position can dramatically alter the height and angle of the entire frame.
Correcting Temple Arm Alignment
Adjusting the temple arms, which extend over the ears, is a delicate procedure requiring extra care to avoid damaging the hinges or the frame front. If the glasses feel too loose or the frame is crooked, the curve behind the ear may need reshaping. Place the glasses on a flat surface to confirm if both temple arms meet the surface at the same height, indicating level alignment.
When adjusting the temple arm, isolate the movement by grasping the arm near the hinge with one hand to stabilize the frame. Use your other hand to gently bend the arm in the desired direction, focusing pressure only on the curve itself. To tighten the fit and prevent slipping, slightly increase the downward curve of the temple tip.
If the temple arm causes pressure behind your ear, slightly decrease the curve or bend the arm outward for a looser fit. Because titanium is rigid, apply steady, firm pressure, but stop immediately if you feel excessive resistance, as forcing the metal can lead to a fracture. Titanium generally does not require heat application for minor adjustments, and applying heat improperly can damage specialized coatings.
Knowing When Professional Adjustment is Needed
While minor nose pad and temple adjustments can be performed at home, titanium frames are expensive and delicate, requiring an optician’s expertise for certain issues. Any significant misalignment of the main frame front should be handled by a professional. Attempting to forcefully straighten a severely bent frame front can lead to metal fatigue or a complete break at the bridge or end-pieces.
If the frame feels “sprung” or fails to hold any adjustment, the material has been stressed beyond its elastic limit and needs professional attention. Issues related to hinges, such as loose screws or a broken weld, are complex repairs that should never be attempted at home. An optician has the specialized equipment and knowledge to safely manipulate the titanium without compromising the frame’s structural integrity.