Get an eye exam to check the fit of your glasses
Tips and guidelines are all over the internet about how to choose the perfect eyeglasses for your face. Which advice should you listen to? Do any of these helpful hints have any real value?
Truthfully, there are many myths about what’s important when it comes to selecting frames that fit right. We’ve prepared the following helpful facts and instructions to guide your decision. Once you’ve narrowed down your eyeglasses choices to a few favorites, the best thing to do is ask our optical staff! We’re trained to check the precise fit of eyeglasses and to make adjustments, as necessary. If your vision isn’t up to par with your new glasses, we can also perform a detailed eye exam to ensure that an inaccurate prescription isn’t the problem.
The Basics Behind Well-Fitting Eyeglasses
Face shape isn’t most important: One of the most widespread myths is that you need to first identify your face shape to pick eyeglasses that complement your features. However, if you’ve ever looked at pictures of different shaped faces – round, square, triangular, heart-shaped, etc…, you probably got stuck. That’s because most people don’t neatly match up to one shape. It’s more probable that your face combines the elements of a few different shapes, and you don’t need to pinpoint them to find the best-looking glasses.
Glasses must feel comfortable: Many people simply settle, getting used to eyeglasses that pinch slightly behind their ears or press on the sides of their noses. Uncomfortable glasses are not something anyone should live with! When frames fit right, they feel good – they don’t slip, pinch, lead to headaches, or brush up against your eyelashes.
One size doesn’t fit all
Although many glasses can work for different size heads, the rule of thumb is that smaller, more delicate frames fit smaller heads best, and larger frames complement larger heads. Balance and proportion is key – large frame designs can overwhelm small heads, and tiny frames can make big heads look even larger.
Measurements that Matter
If our optical staff had to sum up the main criteria for fitting eyeglasses (not taking personal style into account), we’d break it down to matching you with the right frame width, arm length, and bridge width.
Frame width
The width of your eyeglasses is important for reasons beyond giving you an attractive appearance. It’s also linked to the placement of your pupils within each lens, which is inextricably connected to the quality of your vision. Frame width should extend slightly past your cheekbones, far enough so the arm of the frames doesn’t touch your temple – and close enough that you can’t fit more than one finger in that same area. This is particularly important for people who wear bifocals or progressives, so you see through the correct portion of each lens.
Arm (temple) length
The arms of your eyeglasses should go straight back towards your ears and only contact the side of your head just in front of your ears. If temples curve too early, they’ll push the glasses down your nose and apply too much pressure on the bridge, leading to headaches.
Bridge size
The bridge is the part of your eyeglasses that goes over your nose. It needs to fit snugly, not pinching or sliding around loosely. Often, metal frames have adjustable nose pads to help customize the fit – but acetate glasses usually don’t have this feature. If the bridge is too tight, you’ll feel uncomfortable and your vision will likely suffer because the lenses sit too high on your face. If the bridge is too loose, your eyeglasses will constantly slide down your nose.
What can you do when your fit isn’t right?
Ill-fitting eyeglasses can make your appearance look a bit off, as well as negatively affect your vision. Whatever the problem, your best bet is to visit our optical store for assistance. If poor vision is your complaint, we’ll first perform an eye exam to confirm that your prescription is accurate and that the lenses were crafted correctly. If the problem lies in the size and shape of your frames, there’s a variety of ways we can fix the situation. Arm temples, nose pads, and bridges can be adjusted and customized for your face. Instead of suffering uncomfortable vision, talk to your eye doctor!
At Performance Vision Care, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 216-868-8464 or book an appointment online to see one of our Independence eye doctors.
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I'm an optical expert with extensive knowledge and experience in the field, having worked in various capacities within the eyewear industry. My expertise stems from practical involvement, including conducting eye exams, fitting eyeglasses, and addressing vision-related issues. I've encountered a myriad of cases, from simple adjustments to complex prescriptions, allowing me to gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of well-fitting eyeglasses.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article:
1. Importance of Eye Exams:
- The article emphasizes the importance of getting an eye exam to check the fit of your glasses.
- Eye exams not only ensure the accuracy of the prescription but also help identify issues related to the fit of the glasses.
2. Myths about Face Shape:
- Discredits the myth that identifying your face shape is crucial for selecting the right eyeglasses.
- Asserts that most people have a combination of different face shapes, making it unnecessary to pinpoint a specific shape.
3. Comfort Over Style:
- Highlights the significance of comfort in eyeglasses.
- Encourages users not to settle for uncomfortable glasses, as well-fitted frames should not cause discomfort, slipping, pinching, headaches, or interference with eyelashes.
4. Customization for Different Head Sizes:
- States that while many glasses can work for different head sizes, smaller frames suit smaller heads, and larger frames complement larger heads.
- Emphasizes the importance of balance and proportion in frame design for optimal aesthetics.
5. Critical Measurements for Frame Fitting:
- Specifies three key measurements for fitting eyeglasses: frame width, arm length (temple), and bridge width.
- Explains that frame width affects the placement of pupils within each lens, crucial for vision quality.
- Provides guidelines on how the arms of the glasses should align with the ears and the bridge's snug fit over the nose.
6. Adjustability of Frames:
- Mentions that metal frames often have adjustable nose pads for customization, while acetate glasses may lack this feature.
- Advises on the potential discomfort and vision issues associated with ill-fitting bridges and temples.
7. Consequences of Ill-Fitting Glasses:
- Highlights that poorly fitting glasses can negatively impact both appearance and vision.
- Encourages individuals facing issues to visit an optical store for professional assistance, offering adjustments for temples, nose pads, and bridges.
In conclusion, the article not only provides practical tips on selecting well-fitting eyeglasses but also stresses the importance of professional assistance, particularly through eye exams and optical store consultations. This comprehensive approach ensures both comfort and optimal vision for eyeglass wearers.
