Tight-fitting glasses can cause significant discomfort, leading to headaches and constant pressure on the sides of the head. When eyewear does not fit correctly, it compromises both physical comfort and the visual performance of the lenses. A proper frame fit ensures that the lenses are positioned optimally, allowing for clear and relaxed vision. Recognizing that your glasses are too tight is the first step toward correcting the issue and restoring comfort.
Sources of Pressure on the Temples
The primary cause of pressure is a structural mismatch between the frame and the wearer’s facial width. This often means the frame’s overall width, measured from hinge to hinge, is too narrow for the head. When the frame is too small, the temple arms are forced to open wider than intended, creating a constant squeezing force.
Pressure can also originate from the temple arms themselves, which may be too short or have an aggressive curve where they hook behind the ear. If the arms are too short, the curved tip presses prematurely into the mastoid process, the bony area behind the ear. This improper contact point then transmits pressure forward onto the temporal bone, resulting in tightness.
The material of the frame can contribute to the problem; for instance, plastic frames can sometimes shrink slightly or deform over time, especially when exposed to heat. This subtle change in the material’s structure can gradually increase the tension on the temples. Symptoms such as indentations left on the skin after removing the glasses or the onset of mild tension headaches confirm that the fit is exerting excessive pressure.
DIY Techniques for Loosening Frames
Minor adjustments to loosen a tight fit can often be performed safely at home, depending on the frame material. Plastic or acetate frames require heat to become pliable; the temple arms should be warmed using a stream of warm water or a low-heat hairdryer for 30 to 60 seconds. Avoid getting the lenses directly in contact with the heat source or water to prevent damage to any coatings.
Once the plastic is warm and slightly flexible, gently apply outward pressure at the point where the temple arm begins to curve toward the ear. Make small, incremental bends and try the glasses on after each adjustment to gauge the new fit. This gradual approach is necessary because forcing the plastic too quickly or too far can cause the frame to snap or warp permanently.
For metal frames, which are generally more malleable, adjustments can be made with gentle pressure applied by hand. Hold the frame firmly by the lens area and carefully push the temple arms slightly outward near the hinge. Metal frames do not require heat, but they are susceptible to being over-bent or weakened at the joints, so movements should be minimal and slow.
When to Consult an Optician
While at-home methods can address minor discomfort, professional intervention is necessary when DIY adjustments fail or the tightness is severe. An optician possesses specialized tools and training to make precise adjustments that maintain the structural integrity of the frame. They can accurately assess the frame’s measurements against your facial anatomy to ensure the fit is balanced and correct.
If chronic physical symptoms develop, a visit to a professional is necessary. Persistent headaches, nerve-related pain radiating from the temples, or ongoing skin irritation behind the ears indicate a serious fitting issue that requires expert attention. These symptoms suggest the pressure is affecting underlying nerves or blood flow.
A professional fitting also addresses the root cause of the tightness, not just the symptom. The optician can verify frame dimensions such as the temple length and the overall width, ensuring the size is appropriate for your head. If the existing frame is fundamentally the wrong size, the optician can recommend a more suitable frame that prevents future pressure points, offering a long-term solution to uncomfortable eyewear.