Why glasses hurt your nose

Are your glasses literally a pain? 

If the frames of your glasses leave you with pressure points, nose numbness, or discomfort, they may not be the best option for your vision correction.  

Pain on the bridge of your nose from glasses is not normal and may be caused by: 

• Poor fit. If your frames don't fit your face, they won’t sit well on the bridge of your nose. The wrong bridge style for the contour of your nose is a recipe for uncomfortable wear. 

• Heavy frames. More weight means more pressure on touchpoints, especially if you wear glasses all day. 

• Misaligned nose pads. Pads that are unevenly placed can dig into the skin around your nose and create discomfort. 

• Hard or irritating pad materials. Some bridge or pad materials may not be right for you and could possibly irritate your skin. 

• Prolonged wear. Wearing glasses for extended periods of time can lead to fatigue and nose discomfort, especially if you aren't used to wearing glasses or have new frames you’re not used to yet. 

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The Framery at 1-800 Contacts

Get premium eyeglasses frames starting at $79

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Why does my nose feel numb after wearing glasses? 

Numbness may be caused by either the pads or the bridge of your eyeglass frames pressing too hard against your nose and reducing circulation. Have you noticed that sleeping on your side can apply too much pressure on your arm and cause that uncomfortable pins-and-needles feeling? The nose pads of your glasses may impact circulation in the same way. 

Reasons for discomfort may include: 

• The nose pads are set too close together, so they pinch your nose.  

• Your frames are too heavy. 

• The pads on the bridge have shifted out of position, and they aren't properly supporting the frames. 

How can I stop glasses from hurting my nose? 

While vision care is not ideally a DIY situation, nose bridge discomfort may be something you can fix at home. Many issues can be resolved with simple adjustments to a few components of your glasses. That said, it’s important to be gentle and take your time. Broken glasses are worse than no glasses at all. 

If your glasses are weighing you down and your nose carries the burden, these tips might help: 

• Adjust the nose pads: On metal frames, you may be able to gently bend the pads outward. This reduces pressures for a more comfortable fit. Whatever you do, don’t try not to bend them back and forth constantly. Rapid back-and-forth motion may weaken the metal and cause the pad holder to snap.  

• Add silicone pad covers: If you're wearing glasses with solid plastic or metal pieces that sit directly on your nose bridge, try adding a little bit of padding. Silicone pads with self-stick backing are easy to apply and may quickly provide the cushioning you need. 

• Try a lighter frame: If adjustments don't work, you may have frames that are just too heavy for your nose. You may want to consider ordering lighter frames. 

• Take a break: Sometimes your nose just needs a rest. For example, if you’ve been working late, or studying all day, it can help to take off your glasses and rest your eyes for a few minutes. Pro tip: Don’t forget to set a phone timer for around 10 minutes, just in case your quick break into a surprise nap. 

What are the most comfortable types of nose pads? 

Most people consider silicone pads to be the most comfortable. These pads grip without grabbing or pulling at your skin, so glasses can stay in place without causing skin irritation. Silicone pads are also relatively inexpensive! Many stores sell replacement kits with silicone pads that make it easy to fix minor frame issues yourself at home. 

Other styles can include memory foam pads, hard plastic pads, and even metal pads. Memory foam conforms to your nose, creating comfort for sensitive skin. Hard plastic and metal are the most durable options, but they both create pressure points and may irritate your skin. It’s possible to secure silicone or memory foam pads to these types of frames yourself as a DIY upgrade, but if that doesn't work, you can always browse affordable, comfy glasses from The Framery with comfortable new frame options. 

When should I see an eye care professional? 

If you’re having trouble with pressure points while wearing your glasses that don’t go away with time, you may require more than a simple at-home nose pad adjustment. 

When you should consider taking your glasses to a vision care professional: 

• If you're worried your nose pads will break, and want more careful and experienced support in adjusting them. 

• Your frames are bent or misshapen, and you need a professional to apply heat to reshape them to fit your face. 

• You don't think your frames fit correctly, and need guidance on the best options for your face. 

How do I know if my glasses are the right fit for my face? 

Obviously, we all want our glasses to fit comfortably and correctly, while providing the right vision support. That said, a bit of discomfort around the bridge of the nose doesn't automatically mean you made a bad choice when purchasing glasses. Before you toss your new frames, try some of the tips included above to see if you enjoy wearing your new glasses more comfortably in daily life. 

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