Yes, you absolutely can get sunglasses fitted or adjusted.
Having a proper fit for your sunglasses is crucial for comfort, security, and optimal vision protection. Just like prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses can often be adjusted to sit correctly on your face.
Why is a Proper Fit Important for Sunglasses?
A well-fitted pair of sunglasses ensures:
- Comfort: No pinching behind the ears or slipping down the nose.
- Stability: They stay in place during activities.
- Protection: The lenses sit correctly to shield your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays and reduce glare effectively.
- Appearance: They look best when they sit properly on your face.
How to Get Your Sunglasses Fitted or Adjusted
According to information regarding eyewear fitting, "Having just the right fit is important for any pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. You can make the adjustments yourself or take your shades to an optician, depending on what you're more comfortable with." This highlights two primary options for achieving the perfect fit:
1. Self-Adjustment
For minor adjustments, you might be able to gently tweak your sunglasses yourself. This often involves carefully bending the frame arms (temples) or nose pads.
- Temple Arms: If your sunglasses feel too tight or loose behind your ears, or if they sit unevenly, you might be able to gently bend the ends of the temple arms. Plastic frames usually require warming (often with warm water) before bending, while metal frames can sometimes be adjusted carefully without heat.
- Nose Pads: If your sunglasses are slipping down your nose or pinching, adjusting the nose pads can help. Metal frames typically have adjustable nose pads that can be widened or narrowed.
Caution: Be very careful when attempting self-adjustments, as applying too much pressure or bending incorrectly can damage the frame.
2. Professional Fitting by an Optician
For more significant adjustments, complex frame materials, or if you're simply not comfortable making changes yourself, visiting an optician or eyewear professional is highly recommended.
- Expertise: Opticians have the knowledge and tools to safely adjust various frame materials and styles.
- Precise Adjustments: They can make fine-tuned adjustments to the temple arms, nose pads, and even the frame front to ensure the sunglasses sit level and comfortably.
- Damage Prevention: They can adjust your sunglasses without risking damage to the frame or lenses.
| Adjustment Type | Can Be Done By: | Best For: |
|---|---|---|
| Minor frame arm bends | You (with caution), Optician | Slight pressure behind ears, uneven sit |
| Minor nose pad bends | You (with caution), Optician | Slight slipping or pinching |
| Significant adjustments | Optician | Major fit issues, complex frames, new fit |
Getting your sunglasses fitted is a simple process that can make a significant difference in how they feel and perform. Whether you attempt minor tweaks yourself or seek professional help, achieving the right fit is key to enjoying your shades to the fullest.
