Your eyeglasses have to fit right to help you see your best. Pennsylvania optometrist Dr. Paul Naftali notes that there is a delicate balance in finding what feels, looks and works best with a pair of glasses. It is possible to combine function and style when you choose the best fitting frame for your prescription glasses.
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
Eyeglass prescription
1. Get a copy of your current eyeglass prescription from your eye doctor if you don’t have it. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission dictates that your eye doctor has to give you a copy of your prescription to allow for “portability,” or the ability for you to purchase your glasses anywhere you choose. If you do not have a written copy of your prescription, you can request your eye doctor fax a copy of your prescription to the optical retail place where you ordered your glasses.
2. Select a frame that fits your face. The best fitting frames fit across the width of your face comfortably, not too tight and extending not too far. All About Vision suggests finding a frame that protrudes just a little past the edge of your face. Frames come in many sizes and vary with shape. Frames are sized in millimeters and measurements are not universal, like shoe sizes. Each frame is fit individually and should be tried on for comfort rather than trying to find an exact size or number.
3. Be sure the frame rests comfortably on your nose. The bridge of the frame, the part in the middle between the lenses that rests on your nose, should feel snug but not so tight that it pinches. Bridge size is also measured in millimeters and varies from frame to frame. Some eyeglasses have adjustable nosepads that can be moved to change the fit.
4. The temples — the part of the frame that fits over your ears — must be long enough to hold your glasses comfortably. Temples are measured in millimeters and vary between 120 and 150 millimeters in 5 millimeter increments. A proper fitting temple curves over your ear, and the end of it rests just above your earlobe. Most frames can be ordered with different temple lengths.
5. Choose the best color to complement your skin tone and features. Look for colors similar to the colors you choose for your clothing. Select a frame that enhances the color of your eyes. Brown frames look nice on blue eyes. Lavender and blues complement brown eyes. Tortoise shell frames (a brown, mottled coloring) looks good on most people.
Frames are available in metal and plastic. Metal is a very durable material but plastic is available in many more colors. Choose a metal frame in the same color as your jewelry preference, gold with gold or silver with silver.
6. Find the best frame shape for your face. Frames should contrast the shape of your face. If your face is round, look for a frame with square features. Frames with angles make round faces look longer and thinner.
Choose a frame with round or oval features for an rectangle or angular face. To soften a square or angular face, wear a frame with a circular or oval-shaped lens.