Eyeglasses are not cheap. If your eyeglasses are broken or damaged, it may be worthwhile to try to have them repaired before you invest in a new pair. If the frame is broken or bent, or if the lenses are cracked, you will likely need to take the glasses to an optician for repair. However, if only minor repairs are needed, you may be able to fix your glasses at home.

When to repair or replace eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are prone to getting scratched and damaged. Opticians can always repair cracked lenses and bent frames; however, if the frames are inexpensive it may be worthwhile to just buy a new pair.

It's normal to have light scratches on eyeglass lenses. When the scratches begin to interfere with vision, the lenses should be repaired or replaced immediately. The same goes for damaged frames. If the frame no longer sits properly on the nose or ears, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

One thing to keep in mind is that your prescription may need to be updated even if your glasses are not damaged. If you find that your vision is becoming blurry and it has been awhile since your last eye exam, it may be time to get a new prescription and a new pair of lenses.

Repairing eyeglass lenses

Scratches on eyeglass lenses are unavoidable. Light scratches can usually be polished out with an eyeglasses repair kit. If your lenses are deeply scratched, you will need to visit your optician to have the lenses replaced. When you break down the cost of eyeglasses, it is usually much cheaper to replace damaged lenses than to purchase a new pair of glasses.

Repairing eyeglass frames

Eyeglass frames can become damaged from accidents or just normal wear and tear. One of the most common problems is a loose screw. Eyeglass repair kits include replacement screws along with small tools to help you tighten loose screws. These kits may also include glue that can be used to repair broken hinges on frames and loose earpieces.

There is a limit to how much damage can be repaired with an eyeglass repair kit sold at grocery stores. If an eyeglass frame is bent, cracked, or broken, it will be necessary to bring the frame to an optician for repair or to purchase a new pair of eyeglasses.