According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 30% of the global population, or about 2.2 billion people, have myopia, also known as nearsightedness. The prevalence of myopia varies in different regions and age groups, but overall, myopia has become a global public health issue. The prevalence of myopia has increased in the past few decades, possibly due to modern lifestyles, widespread use of digital devices, and environmental factors. Since many people rely on glasses to improve their vision, understanding how to put lenses back into glasses when they fall out can be very helpful.

Causes of Lenses Falling Out of Frames

When lenses fall out of glasses frames, it not only causes vision problems but can also disrupt daily life. Lens fallout can happen to anyone, and the reasons vary. It’s important to understand the common causes of lens fallout and how to prevent.

• Incorrect fitting: The lens is not fitted correctly into the grooves of the frame, causing it to loosen and eventually fall out.
• Frame damage: The frame may be damaged or deformed and may not be effective in keeping the lenses securely in the grooves.
• Lens material: Some lens materials may be slippery, making them difficult to fit securely in the grooves and prone to falling out.
• Overuse: Prolonged use of glasses may lead to loosening of the frame and deformation of the grooves, which may cause the lenses to fall off.
• External impact: Accidental collision or fall may lead to deformation or breakage of the frame, which in turn may lead to lens detachment.

How to Put Lenses Back in Plastic Frames?

If one or both of your lenses fall out of the frame due to accidental drops or other external impacts, you can put them back in place yourself. While we recommend that you seek help from a dispensing optician for this type of repair, there are steps you can take to try to fix different frame types at home:

1. Preparation: Prepare a clean, soft cloth, as well as dislodged lenses and eyeglass frames.
2. Cleaning: Wipe the lenses and frames with the cloth to make sure they are clean and dust free.
3. Positioning the lenses: Slowly place one corner of the lens into the groove of the glasses frame. Then, gently press the other corner of the lens until the lens is fully seated.
4. Adjustment: If the lens does not fit perfectly, you can use your fingertips to gently adjust the position of the lens until it is fully seated in the groove.
5. Checking: Check that the lens is securely fixed in the groove. You can gently shake the glasses to make sure the lens does not come loose.

Reasons for Replacing Lenses or Frames

If there is no damage to the lenses or frames, the lenses can be put back into plastic frame in the above way, but there are several reasons why you may need or want new lenses in your existing glasses or replace your glasses.

• Scratched Lenses – Scratches on glasses lenses can cause blurred vision and make it difficult to see clearly.
• Damaged Lenses – Broken lenses may no longer fit properly in the frame.
• Prescription Change – If your vision has changed, you may need new lenses with updated prescriptions.
• Frame Damage – Frames that are damaged or deformed may not securely hold the original lenses.
• Cost – Replacing lenses only or frames only may be more cost-effective than buying a completely new pair of glasses.

It’s important to note that if the lenses are intact but you need to replace the frame, the lenses are already cut to fit the original frame. Therefore, you can only replace them with the same frame to avoid mismatching. In this case, it is still advisable to replace the entire glasses with a new pair.

Why You Shouldn’t Pop Lenses Out of Glasses?

If you want to know how to pop lenses from glasses, it’s best not to attempt it. Improper methods of popping lenses out at home can actually be dangerous. Furthermore, frequent pop of lenses can cause them to become loose, leading to continued falling out even after reinstallation.

You shouldn’t pop lenses out of glasses because doing so can damage the lenses, the frame, or both. The lenses are typically secured in the frame with a delicate adhesive or by being snapped into place. Popping them out forcefully can cause the lenses to crack, chip, or become misshapen, rendering them unusable. Additionally, popping lenses out can also damage the frame, especially if it’s a plastic frame that may crack or break under pressure. Even if you think you know how to safely pop out lenses from glasses, the disassembly process is more complicated than it seems and varies depending on the type of frame you have.

Remember, if you think you need to pop lenses from the frame to replace them, it’s best to seek help from your nearest eyeglass store rather than attempting it yourself.

When to See an Optometrist

While some minor frame adjustments can be done at home, in some cases it’s best to seek professional help:

• Glasses legs (arms) are too tight or too wide and need to be adjusted.
• Your glasses make you dizzy when you wear them and need to be adjusted.
• The nose pads are giving you discomfort and need to be adjusted or replaced.
• The lenses do not fit correctly in the frame, even after trying to snap them back into place.

When adjusting your glasses at home, be sure to handle them carefully and avoid using too much force. Remember, you can always ask your optician for help if you need it.