How to Replace Nose Pads on Glasses: Screw-In, Snap-On & More

Download Article

Ophthalmologist Alexander Knezevic, MD, explains how to choose and install new eyeglass nose pads

Co-authored by Alexander Knezevic, MD and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: January 19, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

Screw-In Pads

|

Snap-On Pads

|

Slide-On Pads

|

Adhesive Pads

|

When to Replace

|

Video

|

Tips

If the nose pads on your glasses are damaged or ill-fitting, you can easily replace them yourself in just a few minutes (and for hardly any money). We’ve consulted ophthalmologist Alexander Knezevic, MD, to show you how to choose the right replacement pads and swap out screw-in, snap-on, slide-on, and adhesive pads. Plus, we’ll share how to tell when it’s time for new nose pads.

Replacing Eyeglass Nose Pads

Ophthalmologist Alexander Knezevic, MD, says to measure your original nose pads in millimeters to make sure the replacement is the same size and shape/style. Then, to replace snap-on nose pads:

Hold your glasses in one hand with the nose pads facing up.
Use a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver to pop or twist the nose pad off the mount.
Place the new pad onto the mount and press it into place.
Listen for a snap or click to know that the new pad is securely attached.

Section 1 of 5:

Changing Screw-In Style Nose Pads

Download Article

1
Purchase the correct size and style of replacement nose pads. “Nose pads come in a variety of shapes, as well as sizes,” explains Dr. Knezevic. “First, measure the nose pads you want to replace. Nose pads are measured in millimeters, and the size is determined by length. Nose pads range in size from 6 to 24 millimeters (0.24 to 0.94 in).”^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Alexander Knezevic, MD
Ophthalmologist

Expert Interview} Measure across the longest part of 1 pad with a ruler or tape measure marked with millimeters. (For D-shaped nose pads, for example, you would measure from the top of the D to the bottom of the D, rather than across.)
- “The most common nose pads are D-shaped or oval, but there are also circular, square, and teardrop-shaped nose pads,” Dr. Knezevic continues. “Examine your old nose pads and look for the same shape online, at your local drugstore, or at an optical shop.”^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alexander Knezevic, MD
  Ophthalmologist
  
  Expert Interview}
- Nose pads are also offered in a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and silicone. Consider trying silicone for comfort, even if your old nose pads are made from another material.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- You can get replacement nose pads in an eyeglass repair kit that also includes a little screwdriver, magnifying glass, cloth, and screws. If you don’t purchase a kit, you will need a jeweler’s flat-head screwdriver.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Alexander Knezevic, MD, is an ophthalmologist at the Macy Eye Center in Los Angeles, on medical staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and a clinical instructor of ophthalmology at UCLA.
2
Remove the old or damaged nose pad you wish to replace. Hold your glasses gently with one hand, nose pads facing up toward you. Locate the screw on the nose pad. Place the screwdriver gently into the groove and rotate the screwdriver to the left until the screw is loose enough to pull out. Remove the nose pad from the mount.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You can reuse the screw if you’d like, but check that the threads aren’t stripped and the head is intact.
Advertisement
3
Place the new nose pad onto the mount. Make sure you line up the hole for the screw that is on the new nose pad with the one on the mount. If you find this difficult, try using a pair of tweezers instead of your fingers to hold on to the nose pad.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For the D-shaped nose pad, there is a right and left side difference. The flat edge of the D faces away from the face.
Use either your fingers or a pair of tweezers to gently place the screw into the hole. Balance it there while you pick up the screwdriver.^{[6]
X
Research source}
5
Tighten the screw. Place the screwdriver head gently onto the groove in the screw. Exert just enough pressure to keep it in place while you turn the screwdriver to the right. Once the screw has caught, you can use more pressure to finish tightening the nose pad into place.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Do not overtighten the screw, as this can damage the nose pad or the arm that holds it in place.

Section 2 of 5:

Switching out Snap-On Nose Pads

Download Article

1
Buy replacement nose pads that match the size and style of the original. Dr. Knezevic says that “snap-on nose pads can also be referred to as push-in or click-in style nose pads.”^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Alexander Knezevic, MD
Ophthalmologist

Expert Interview} Use a tape measure or ruler marked with millimeters to measure the longest part of the pad (top-to-bottom) to ensure you’re replacing it with the correct size. Then, as Dr. Knezevic points out, remember to look for nose pads in the same shape and style as your original (D-shaped and ovals are the most common, but they may be circular, square, and teardrop-shaped, too).^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Alexander Knezevic, MD
Ophthalmologist

Expert Interview}
- You can get replacement pads in an eyeglass repair kit (available at most drug and big box stores) or from an optical shop.
- Silicone is considered the most comfortable material for nose pads. Consider trying these even if you are replacing nose pads of a different material.
Here’s how to do it, according to Dr. Knezevic: “Cradle your glasses, nose pads up, with one hand. Press the thumbnail of the same hand against the mount of the nose pad you want to remove. Place the tip of the screwdriver or butter knife between your thumbnail and the nose pad and twist your tool slightly to pop the nose pad off.”^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Alexander Knezevic, MD
Ophthalmologist

Expert Interview}
Dr. Knezevic continues: “Line the small tab on the back of the nose pad up to the hole provided on the frames. Press down gently, and you will hear a snap when the pad is secure. If your nose pads are D-shaped, make sure the flat edge faces away from the face.”^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Alexander Knezevic, MD
Ophthalmologist

Expert Interview}

Section 3 of 5:

Switching out Slide-On Pads

Download Article

1
Slide the old nose pad off the pad arm. Slide-on pads work exactly how you’d think they do—they slide right on and off the pad arm without any screws or tabs to work with. To remove the old pad, hold your glasses by the bridge and use your pointer finger to support the arm of the nose pad you’re replacing. Carefully slide the old nose pad off.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Remember to use a replacement slide-in pad that matches the size and shape of the original.
Align the small hole in the pad with the thin metal arm and gently push the pad into place.^{[13]
X
Research source} Compare it to the other nose pad to check its alignment, then try on your glasses to make sure they’re comfortable and not crooked.

Section 4 of 5:

Switching out Adhesive Nose Pads

Download Article

Peel the backing off the sticky side of the pad and press it into place on your frames. Adhesive pads are most often used for comfort and to prevent slippage on plastic (acetate) frames that don’t come with attached nose pads. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to match your frames and preferences. Applying them is simple—just peel off the back and stick them onto your frames, then try on your glasses to test the fit.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- If you have to remove an old adhesive pad, use your fingernail or a plastic scraper (no metal) to peel it off the frame.
- If there’s adhesive residue left behind by an old pad, use water with a mild soap and/or a plastic scraper to remove the residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals like acetone, which can dissolve acetate and other plastics.

Section 5 of 5:

How often should you change your glasses nose pads?

Download Article

Change your nose pads when they’re uncomfortable, dirty, or fall off. There’s no rule for how often you need to replace your nose pads; you only need to change them when they’ve become ill-fitting or uncomfortable, or have fallen off entirely. Here’s a closer look at when you should change out your nose pads:^{[15]
X
Research source}
- When one or both nose pads have fallen off.
- When the nose pads are dirty, worn out, or yellowed.
- When the nose pads cause discomfort from breakage or wear-and-tear.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you are unable to change your own nose pads, you can have them replaced at your ophthalmologist's office or your local optical shop. If you purchase your nose pad replacements there, it is usually a free service.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0