Plastic and metal frames are very different in construction, and the parts that hold them together therefore differ. A plastic frame has three parts – the front and two sides. A tiny screw holds the sides in place. Sometimes there’s a separate trim piece, so the side is attached to the trim, and this is attached to the front. All of these parts require screws to keep them in place. A metal frame has more bits – a screw holds the rim together, and there might be more screws to hold the nose pads on.

Of course without your glasses on you can’t even see the screws, and it’s not until one works loose that you even know they’re there! You’ll find yourself in queue of traffic with one lens in your lap, or a lone side tucked behind your ear, and not even know that the screw has vanished! As manufacturers we use screws in case you damage a part of the frame. Some old frames used rivets, but it’s more useful to be able to remove and replace damaged parts, and for this you need a screw fixing.

So what can you do to hold it all together?! Well firstly, keep an eye on the screws. Borrow or keep a pair of specs handy to check the screws once in a while, and make sure they’re not working loose. You can buy tiny screwdrivers, but if attempting to use one yourself hold the frame carefully and don’t let it slip – you could scratch your lenses. An optician can repair your glasses by replacing the screws, or if they’re from an online optician mail them to see if you can return your specs for repair. A drop of optical locking glue can make things a little more secure if the problem persists.