Sometimes nose pads can be uncomfortable, leading the wearer to desire a new pair of glasses. Some types of glasses don’t have nose pads at all, which can be advantageous in some scenarios.
The nose pads on your glasses can be removed with ease. Some are held in place with screws, while others are snapped in and out of place. You can test the feasibility of wearing your glasses without nose pads before committing to saddle bridge frames, which are designed to rest on the nose.
In the sections below, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of wearing glasses without nose pads. You’ll also find a set of instructions for how to replace the nose pads on an existing pair of glasses, a repair that you may even be able to do at home.
Do I Need Nose Pads On My Glasses?
The short answer is no, you do not need nose pads on your glasses. However, some types of eyeglasses are better suited for the removal of nose pads than others, as will be discussed in more detail later on.
The nose pads on glasses serve many purposes:
- Comfort: Nose pads are made out of silicone, PVC, or polycarbonate.
- Security: The nose pad keeps the frame squarely against the nose and prevents the glasses from getting crooked.
- Adjustability: Nose pads are easy to adjust if need be.
In some cases, nose pads are simply not feasible. Some wearers are allergic to the materials most commonly used in eyeglass nose pads. Others find that the nose pads are not comfortable. Nose pads are relatively easy to remove, so you may try your glasses on without the nose pads before purchasing new glasses without pads. A simple replacement of the nose pads may help as well.
Can You Remove Or Replace Nose Pads?
There is no reason to suffer if your glasses don’t fit comfortably anymore! This is a repair that can be made with a visit to your local shop. You may even be able to replace the nose pads on your own, in a process described below.
Here is how to replace the nose pads on your glasses:
- Take Measurements: Measure the nose pad across its longest part; nose pad sizes are typically expressed in millimeters (mm).
- Purchase Replacements: Nose pads come in various shapes and sizes: D-shaped, oval, rectangle, and teardrop.
- Consider Materials: Nose pads are constructed from either rubber, foam, plastic, glass, ceramic, or silicone.
- Removing nose pads: Some nose pads are snapped into place, while others are held into place with screws.
Are There Glasses Without Nose Pads?
Some glasses come without nose pads. These are called saddle bridge eyeglasses since the frame of the glasses is shaped like a horse’s saddle. The weight of the frame is spread evenly across the top and sides of the nose. There are several scenarios in which it may be advantageous to purchase these types of glasses.
What Are The Pros & Cons Of Glasses Without Nose Pads?
If you are conflicted over which type of glasses to buy, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of these types of glasses.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good for children | Less opportunity for adjustments after purchase |
| It may be better for distinct nose shapes. | It may not suit your nose shape. |
| You won’t ever have to repair the nose pads. | May slide out of place during times of physical activity. |
If you are buying eyeglasses for a child, you are encouraged to consider eyeglasses without nose pads. This is because the nose pads can bend out of alignment if handled roughly. Since children grow quickly, you’ll likely find yourself replacing their glasses frequently anyways.
It may turn out that the saddle bridge eyeglasses are better for your nose shape, particularly if you have an aquiline nose. It’s important to reiterate that you should make sure that glasses fit comfortably before committing to a specific pair.
Final Thoughts
You can remove the nose pads from your glasses to see what it feels like to wear glasses without nose pads. These will be held into place by either screws or a snap-in groove. If your frames keep on slipping down your nose, you might consider either swapping the nose pads for a more comfortable alternative or purchasing saddle bridge frames.
The pros of glasses with nose pads are that they are easier to adjust than saddle ridge glasses, and it’s not overly expensive to replace nose pads later on if you have to do so. It’s best to seek advice from a professional optician, who will let you try out a wide variety of glasses.
