If you’ve never bought glasses before, it’s normal to wonder about certain features, particularly the frames. You want to wear something that’s stylish and practical, but you also want it to stand the test of time. If you don’t have a background in optometry or fashion, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
At Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team can help you choose the eyeglass frames that best match your needs.
Because this is one of the most common questions we get, we’ve outlined four things to consider as you hunt for the right pair of glasses. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of each one.
When it comes to selecting eyeglasses, you’ve got countless options, but we recommend focusing on the following four frame-related features:
Everyone has a unique personality and way they see the world. Similarly, we all have different face shapes. Some are rounder and softer, while others are more angular, featuring sharp cheekbones and/or more noticeable jawlines.
You may not consider these features important, but they can significantly impact how your eyeglasses look. In fact, certain frame styles can complement your features and help create aesthetic balance.
While there’s no strict set of rules, there are helpful guidelines to consider. For example:
These are just suggestions. Your personal style and comfort are our top priorities. That said, the right frame shape can highlight your best features, ensuring you look and feel stylish.
Eyeglass frames are made from various materials, including plastic, metal, titanium, and acetate. These materials vary in price, durability, and appearance, but they’re all comfortable and relatively lightweight.
When selecting the right material for you, it’s important to consider your lifestyle. For example, when do you plan to wear your glasses most? If you lead a relatively relaxed lifestyle and spend most of your time in front of a computer, almost any material will do. But if you play sports or travel frequently, you’ll want frames that can stand up to your activity level.
Glasses are a lot like clothes in that you want to feel good when wearing them. If the frames are too tight, they can pinch the area behind your ears or the bridge of your nose and cause headaches or skin irritation. That’s why it’s important to consider each feature, including the nose pads, frame width, and temple length.
This takes some extra effort (and these features can’t be adequately tested online), so we recommend scheduling a professional adjustment after your next eye exam. This small step can help ensure your glasses are so comfortable you barely even know they’re there.
Glasses are an extension of you and your personality, so you want to feel confident and stylish when wearing them. You don’t necessarily need to keep up with the latest trends, but it’s important to choose a frame style that feels right to you.
Modern frames come in hundreds of patterns and colors. Some styles have stood the test of time, while others are more modern and fashion-forward. When deciding, think about the clothes you typically wear — your go-to prints, colors, and overall vibe. Ideally, your glasses should complement, not clash with, your look.
Ready to choose your next set of eyeglasses? Call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.