What to do if your glasses break: emergency guide

Glasses are indispensable daily companions for millions of people: they help us see better, work, drive, read, and live with more independence. But what happens when, suddenly, they break?

A broken frame, a detached lens, a missing screw — small accidents that can turn into big problems. In this article, we guide you step by step on what to do in case of an emergency, how to manage the damage temporarily, and when it's time to turn to a specialized optical center like ILOP.

Common types of damage and what to do immediately.

Broken or loose temple.

If a temple comes loose or breaks, avoid continuing to use the "unbalanced" glasses. Place the glasses in a hard case and, if possible, use a spare pair or contact lenses until the repair.

Missing screw

The screws of the hinges can come loose with daily use. If you have a repair kit (some cases include one), you can temporarily reinsert it. Alternatively, keep the screw in a small bag and take the glasses to ILOP as soon as possible.

Detached or scratched lens

A lens that detaches may indicate an issue with the mounting or wear of the frame. Do not try to force it back in. If it is significantly scratched, the only real solution will be replacement.

Broken frame (bridge or temples)

Metal frames can sometimes be welded, while plastic ones require more complex solutions. In both cases, it is not recommended to use household glues.

Distorted glasses (from heat or drops)

If the glasses are crooked or no longer sit correctly on your face, they could distort your vision. ILOP technicians can realign them precisely.

In all these situations, the best advice is: don't risk a permanent DIY repair. Our ILOP optical centers can assess whether to intervene on the damage or if it's better to replace the frame or the lenses.