How do I find the perfect pair of glasses?
Have you ever been at the eye doctor’s office looking for new glasses and been completely overwhelmed by the options? Is it hard for you to decide what frame suits your face best? Here are a few tips to help simplify the frame selection process.
Tip 1: Find the correct size.
Size is so important. Try on as many frames as necessary to ensure you are wearing a properly fitting frame. Do your eyes center in the middle of the lens? If a frame is too small you may notice it squeezing your head too tight, but if it is too big you might notice it slipping down your nose. Sometimes this can be a matter of adjustment. However, pay special attention when selecting a plastic frame to the way it sits on your nose. A metal frame will typically have nose pads and can be adjusted to sit on your nose or “bridge”, but a plastic frame does not have nose pads and therefore should sit comfortably without gapping. Another important fit factor is the length of the temples or part of your glasses that go behind your ears. They should be long enough to go all the way behind your ears, but not so long that they hang down below your ear lobes. (I am exaggerating here, but you get the idea.)
Tip 2: Try on lots of frames!
Sometimes a frame sitting on the shelf might look amazing, but when you put it on your face it isn’t at all what you imagined. The best way to figure out your style is to try on a variety of shapes and colors until you find what suits you best. Consider your face shape when making your selection. Square frames generally suit a round face and round frames usually suit a squarer face. People with oval faces can typically pull off either shape. Oversized frames are best for larger faces while smaller frames are better suited for a smaller face. Color is another important consideration. Does the color of the frame suit your skin tone? If you are struggling to see how you look while trying on, try taking selfies on your phone and comparing different styles side by side.
Tip 3: Does the frame fit your lifestyle?
Do you wear your glasses all the time? Or do you wear your glasses only at the computer or maybe just for driving? If you only wear glasses on a part time basis you may have different needs than if you wear them all the time. A pair you wear all the time you may want to be more neutral to coordinate with more looks. A part-time pair could be a fun color or print because it isn’t worn at all times. Also, because part-time pairs are usually off and on more frequently, a sturdier frame should be used. It would be wise to avoid rimless and semi-rimless styles. Another question to ask: nose pads or no nose pads? Most metal frames have adjustable nose pads and most plastic frames do not. Some people love nose pads and some do not. Try on both kinds to see what better suits your needs.
By using these tips you will end up with a frame you love and are excited to wear!
P.S.- A good optician can help steer you in the right direction in terms of how your prescription lenses might look in a new frame. For example, a thicker lens or high prescription lens typically looks better in a heavier frame that disguises the lens edge. Come in today to Sharonville Evendale Eyecare and ask for Aly or Kristen to find the perfect pair today!