MICHAEL / Eyewear Answers & Calculators

Why do my glasses keep sliding down my nose (or pinching behind my ears)?

Direct answer:Glasses slide down when the nose bridge is more than 2 mm too wide, the temple arms extend too far before bending behind your ears, or thick front-heavy lenses pull the frame forward; pick adjustable nose-pad metal frames in the US$38.90 ZA Collection for low or narrow bridges, or match your current bridge within 1 to 2 mm in our 17-model millimetre matcher.

Use the live bridge & temple fit matcher below ↓ Shop ZA Metal & Nose-Pad Frames ($38.90) →
17-Model Millimetre Matcher

Interactive Eyeglass Frame Size Calculator (40–52 mm)

Enter the three numbers stamped inside your current temple arm (Lens × Bridge × Temple in mm) to rank all 17 MICHAEL EM frames (US$25.70) by physical fit closeness.

Diagnose the Exact Fit Mismatch in Millimetres

Slipping frames and sore ears rarely come from "bad hinges." Almost every fit issue traces back to one of four measurable geometry mismatches:

Symptom-to-millimetre fit diagnosis across MICHAEL Optical frame collections
What You FeelMechanical CauseWhat to Choose Next Time
Slides down nose every time you look downFixed acetate bridge is >2 mm wider than your nasal bridge, or temple bend sits too far back.Choose adjustable nose pads in the US$38.90 ZA Metal Collection, or stay at 22 to 24 mm bridges like EM23218 (42×24×141 mm).
Pinches sides of nose & perches too highBridge opening is too narrow for a wider nasal crest.Pick generous keyhole/saddle acetate bridges (28 to 31 mm) such as EM23107 (28 mm) or EM23103 (31 mm).
Aches behind top of ears by afternoonTemple arm is too short, pulling the curve into the back of your ear cartilage.Avoid short 135 mm arms (MB1159) if you wear 145+ mm; choose MICHAEL 8019 (148 mm flexible TR90) or 145 mm models.
Leaves red dents on nose bridgeFront-heavy standard lenses in a wide 52+ mm frame concentrate weight on two small contact spots.Step up to 1.61 (US$15) or 1.67 (US$55) lighter high-index resin in a compact 40 to 45 mm frame, or switch to featherlight TR90.

Moulded Acetate Bridges vs. Adjustable Silicone Nose Pads

  • Moulded cellulose acetate bridges (US$25.70 EM Collection): Distribute weight smoothly across a broad curve with zero metal pad arms to snag hair, provided the stamped bridge width matches a comfortable pair you already own within ±1 to 2 mm.
  • Adjustable nose-pad metal & combination frames (US$38.90 ZA Collection & select US$16.90 Everyday Picks): Essential for low bridges, narrow noses, long eyelashes that brush lenses, or progressive multifocal prescriptions where raising or lowering the frame by 2 mm tunes the reading zone.
  • Gentle ear-tip adjustment on cellulose acetate: Hand-polished cellulose acetate temples contain an internal metal core wire; a local optician can warm the back 30 mm of the temple tip and curve it cleanly behind your ear mastoid so the frame stays put without clamping your temples.

Follow-Up Questions Buyers Ask

Why does frame slipping make progressive or high-astigmatism glasses blurry?

Progressive lenses stack distance, computer and reading powers vertically within a few millimetres. If a loose bridge lets your glasses slide 3 mm down your nose, your pupils look above the distance optical center and you have to tilt your head back to reach the reading zone.

Can TR90 thermoplastic temple arms be heat-bent like cellulose acetate?

No. MICHAEL 8019 uses memory-flex TR90 thermoplastic polymer, which springs back to its moulded shape for featherlight grip rather than taking permanent heat bends. Choose cellulose acetate (16 EM models) or metal core-wire temples when you need custom ear-tip bending.

What if my new MICHAEL glasses do not fit my nose bridge when they arrive?

Try a quick nose-pad or ear-tip temple adjustment first if the frame is close. If the bridge or front width is genuinely the wrong size, every MICHAEL Optical order includes one return or exchange within 30 days of delivery.

Clinical & Regulatory References