How to Adjust and Care for Your Valley Eyewear Sunglasses

Quick answer

Adjust your sunglasses gently by hand, tighten hinge screws with a precision screwdriver, and clean lenses with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth. Store them in a case when not in use. These habits keep the fit comfortable and extend the life of your frames.

Why adjustment and care matter for your Valley Eyewear

Sunglasses take daily abuse: they slide down your nose, get tossed in bags, and collect sunscreen and sweat. Over time, hinges loosen, frames warp, and lenses get scratched. A few minutes of maintenance every week or two prevents most of that damage. It also keeps the frame sitting correctly so the lenses actually block glare where you need it. Valley Eyewear frames use quality materials and hardware, but they still need basic care to stay comfortable and look good.

Gather the right tools before you start

You do not need a workbench. A small precision screwdriver (Phillips or flathead to match your hinge screws), a microfiber cloth, lukewarm water, and mild dish soap cover almost everything. A soft toothbrush helps clean around hinge joints. Avoid paper towels, tissue, or your shirt tail for lens cleaning—they can grind dust into the coating. If you wear your sunglasses for sport or in saltwater, add a lens-safe spray or pre-moistened wipes designed for eyewear.

How to check and adjust the fit

Put the sunglasses on and look straight ahead. The frame should sit comfortably on your nose without pinching, and the temples should touch the sides of your head lightly—not press hard. If the frame slides down, the temples may need a gentle inward bend at the hinge area. If it feels tight behind your ears, bend them outward slightly. Always bend plastic or acetate frames slowly with two hands, using even pressure. Metal frames can be adjusted more precisely, but go a little at a time. Never force a frame; if it feels brittle or you hear creaking, stop and have a professional optician adjust it.

Tighten hinges and replace worn screws

Loose hinges are the most common complaint. Hold the frame steady and use your precision screwdriver to turn the hinge screw clockwise until it feels snug. Do not overtighten—you can strip the threads or crack the hinge. If a screw keeps backing out, a tiny drop of clear nail polish on the threads can help it stay put. Check both hinges and the nose bridge screws if your model has them. If a screw is missing or the hinge feels stripped, contact Valley Eyewear support or a local optician for a replacement rather than forcing a larger screw.

Clean lenses without damaging coatings

Rinse the lenses under lukewarm water first to float away dust and grit. Then add a drop of mild dish soap to your fingertips and gently rub both sides of each lens. Rinse again and shake off excess water. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth using light circular motions. Avoid hot water, household glass cleaners, ammonia, alcohol, or paper products—they can break down anti-reflective or mirror coatings. If you are in a hurry, breathe on the lens and use a microfiber cloth, but never wipe a dry, dusty lens.

Daily habits that extend sunglasses lifespan

Store your sunglasses in a hard case when you are not wearing them. If you set them down, place them upside down on the temples so the lenses do not touch the surface. Keep them out of the glovebox in summer—extreme heat can warp acetate frames. When you take them off, use both hands to avoid stretching the hinges. If you wear them for swimming or heavy sweating, rinse them with fresh water afterward to remove salt and chlorine. These small routines add up to years of extra wear.

Your step-by-step adjustment and care routine

1. Inspect the frame: Check for loose screws, cracks, or bent temples. Look at the hinges and nose bridge. If you see damage beyond a loose screw, do not try to fix it yourself. Checkpoint: any deep cracks or stripped screws mean it is time for professional help.
2. Clean the frame and lenses: Rinse with lukewarm water, use a drop of mild soap, and dry with a microfiber cloth. Pay attention to the hinge area where sweat and sunscreen build up. Common mistake: using hot water or paper towels, which can damage coatings.
3. Tighten hinge screws: Use a precision screwdriver that fits the screw head. Turn clockwise until snug. Do not force it. If a screw keeps loosening, add a tiny dab of clear nail polish to the threads. Checkpoint: the hinge should feel firm but still open and close smoothly.
4. Adjust the fit: Put the sunglasses on and check the temples and nose bridge. Bend temples gently with two hands if they are too tight or too loose. Work in small increments. Common mistake: bending one side at a time, which twists the frame.
5. Store properly: Place the sunglasses in a hard case when not in use. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or a hot car. If you set them down, rest them upside down on the temples. Checkpoint: a case takes two seconds and prevents most accidental damage.

Valley Eyewear frames built for daily wear

• Solomon: Solomon features an 8mm thick, flat-face design with an iconic nose bridge, metal highlights, and bevelled details. The thicker acetate and metal accents give this frame a sturdy feel, but the nose bridge area still benefits from gentle adjustment to keep it sitting comfortably.
• Prisoner II: Prisoner II is an upsized classic silhouette with OBE hinges as standard. OBE hinges are known for durability, but they still need occasional tightening to prevent loosening over time.
• Brigada: Brigada is a cat eye frame crafted from Japanese acetate. Japanese acetate is durable but can soften with heat, so store these frames in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them in a hot car.