Millions of people wear eyeglasses or sunglasses for long hours every day, whether for work, driving, or using screens. But many don't realize that choosing an unsuitable frame can cause mechanical pressure on sensitive areas of the face, such as the nasal cavity and under the eyes, leading to pain, redness, or discomfort.
In this Five Seasons eyewear guide, we explain the reasons for eyeglasses putting pressure on the nose and under the eyes, the signs that indicate the frame is unsuitable, and how to choose a comfortable frame that distributes weight healthily without affecting your appearance or vision.
What is the mechanical pressure of eyeglasses?
Mechanical pressure is the continuous force exerted by eyeglass frames on specific areas of the face, particularly the bridge and sides of the nose, and below the eyes. This pressure may not be noticeable at first, but it accumulates over time with prolonged wearing of eyeglasses.
Signs that the glasses frame is unsuitable
- Signs or redness visible on the nose after removing glasses
- Pain or sensitivity when touching the nose
- Feeling of heaviness or tightness under the eye
- Frequent headaches hours after wearing
- Glasses slipping or needing constant adjustment
Why does pressure on the nose commonly occur?
The nose is the primary point of contact for most tires, so any error in size or weight leads to pressure being concentrated in this area. Heavy or narrow tires significantly exacerbate the problem.
Your choice of eyeglasses should not be based solely on appearance, but also on comfort and weight distribution.
Can glasses increase the appearance of puffiness under the eyes?
In some cases, an ill-fitting frame can worsen the appearance of under-eye puffiness, especially if it puts pressure on the area below the eye and interferes with natural fluid drainage. This is not a direct cause, but it is a contributing factor with prolonged use.
How do you choose a comfortable frame that doesn't cause pressure?
1. Choose a lightweight option
Lightweight frames significantly reduce pressure, especially for those who wear glasses all day. Silhouette and Porsche Design are well-known brands for their lightweight frames.
2. Pay attention to the shape of the frame.
Some shapes distribute weight better than others. You can browse through different eyeglass frame styles to choose the one that best suits your face.
We also recommend reading our guide: How to choose the right eyeglass frame .
3. Nose pads are an essential factor
Frames with adjustable nose pads help distribute pressure better, especially for those with nasal allergies.
4. Choose the correct size
The frame shouldn't be too tight or too loose. Whether you're looking for men's or women's eyeglasses , the correct fit makes a big difference in comfort.
Does the type of glasses affect blood pressure?
Yes, heavy sunglasses or those with thick frames can increase pressure when worn for extended periods. When driving, for example, it's best to choose comfortable, lightweight glasses.
Check out the guide: The best night and day driving glasses .
The brand's role in comfort and frame quality
Global brands pay attention to weight balance and material quality, such as: Ray-Ban , Montblanc , Fendi , Prada , and Emporio Armani .
You can also explore the most famous international brands of eyeglasses .
When do you need to visit a specialist to adjust the frame?
- If the pain or headache persists
- When permanent red marks appear
- If the glasses are uncomfortable despite their quality
In this case, it is recommended to visit the nearest Five Seasons branch to have the frame professionally adjusted.
Summary
The pressure of glasses on the nose and under the eyes is not normal and should be tolerated. A suitable frame, lightweight design, and the correct fit are essential for long-term eye and facial comfort. Choosing the right glasses protects your health and provides a comfortable wearing experience all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the signs that the prescription glasses size is incorrect?
The most prominent signs include: redness or visible lines on the nose after removing the glasses, headache or eye strain after a short period, the glasses constantly slipping, pressure on the sides of the head or behind the ear, the frame touching the cheeks when smiling, or the feeling that the vision is “unstable” even though the lenses are correct.
How can I reduce the pressure caused by my glasses on my nose?
Relieve pressure by: ensuring the correct frame size, choosing a lighter frame, adjusting the temples for better weight distribution, and cleaning/replacing nose pads if present. You can temporarily take short breaks from wearing your glasses, but the best solution is to have them fitted by a professional.
How do I know if my glasses are properly adjusted?
Properly fitted glasses sit securely without pressure, do not slip with movement, have the lens centered in front of the eyes, do not touch the cheeks, and the arms do not press against the ears. If you need to "lift" your glasses every minute or they feel heavy quickly, they likely need adjusting.
What is the effect of glasses on the nose?
An ill-fitting frame can cause redness, pressure marks, and pain upon touch, and may lead to skin irritation in the bridge area. This effect is amplified with heavy or narrow frames, or with wearing glasses for extended periods without adjustment.
How do I know if my glasses need to be changed?
Consider changing your glasses if: they become uncomfortable despite frequent adjustments, signs of chronic pressure appear on the nose, the frame becomes loose or broken, the lenses are scratched and affect vision, or your face shape/needs change (such as increased screen use or driving).
What if my eyeglasses are wrong?
If your glasses are the wrong size, you may experience headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or difficulty adjusting them after a few days. The first step is to determine if the problem is with the size/adjustment or the lens prescription (SPH/CYL/PD). If the symptoms persist for more than a week or are severe, consult a professional for a quick examination and correction of the underlying cause.
How can we prevent glasses from pressing on the nose?
To reduce pressure: Choose a lightweight frame, ensure the bridge width is suitable for your nose, distribute the weight by adjusting the arms so that your ears bear some of the weight, and choose flexible nose pads (if available). The most important thing is getting the right fit from the start, then having a professional adjustment if needed.
How to properly adjust the nose pads on glasses?
Adjusting the nose pads involves moving them closer together or further apart so that the glasses sit securely without pressure, and that they are at the same height so the lenses are level with your eyes. It is recommended to have the adjustment done by a professional to avoid breaking the metal temples or tilting the frame.
Can glasses be adjusted without nose pads?
Yes. For plastic frames (without nose pads), adjustment is done by a professional using simple and safe heating to reshape the bridge area and adjust the temples behind the ears to secure the glasses and reduce pressure on the nose. Attempts at home to heat the frames are not recommended as they may distort the frame.
Where should your glasses rest on your nose?
Ideally, the glasses should rest comfortably and stably on the bridge of the nose, without being too low (causing them to slip and press against the tip of the nose) or too high (pressing against and touching the eyebrow/lower eye). The base should be stable and painless, with the lenses centered directly in front of the eyes.
Does an incorrect eyeglass prescription weaken eyesight?
Vision is often not permanently "weakening," but it can cause eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision as the eye constantly tries to compensate. If this continues for a long time, it can increase discomfort and affect daily comfort, so it's best to correct the prescription or adjust the lens size promptly.
How often should I adjust my glasses?
There's no fixed number, but generally speaking: any time you feel slippage, pressure, or tilting in the tire. Many people need a minor adjustment every few weeks to months depending on usage, the nature of the tire, and daily habits (frequent removal, wearing it on the head, etc.).