How to Choose Eyeglasses Frames

Are you ready to discover the secrets to finding glasses or sunglasses that suit you perfectly? Wondering how to choose eyeglasses frames that match your lifestyle, your prescription, your personal taste and your budget?

Many believe that one frame style suits all face shapes—this is far from the truth. And some people think that any frame can accommodate all types of lenses, which also isn’t correct.

I’m Nandita Chowdhury, the owner and principal optometrist at Picton Eyecare. With over 15 years of experience in both corporate and independent optometry, I’ve dedicated my practice to providing personalized and professional eye care to the Wollondilly community. I understand that choosing the right glasses frames can be daunting, and my team and I are here to help you navigate this journey with ease and confidence.

At our eye care practice we are exceptionally proud of the many positive reviews we receive, often speaking praise for our optical dispensing team. So what better source of information to help us understand the many choices that go into picking the perfect pair of eyeglasses frames. I’ve asked my team to share their years of professional eyewear knowledge in this blog post. 

Visit our “About Us” page if you’d like to learn more about Melinda, Libby or Aasif.

How do we help patients decide how to choose eyeglasses frames?

It’s important to ask several questions to ensure the best fit and satisfaction.

Lifestyle Needs:

– What activities do you wear glasses for, and do you need durable frames for active use?

– Do you have any special hobbies or interests?

– How many hours a day do you spend on computer vs outdoor?

Prescription and Preferences:

– What type of lenses do you need (single vision, bifocal, progressive, anti fatigue)?

– Are there specific coatings or features you prefer?

Face Shape and Style:

– What is your face shape and any unique features (like high cheekbones)?

– Do you have a preferred style or colour for frames?

Comfort and Fit:

– Do you have preferences for frame weight, flexibility, or the need for nose pads?

– What do you like and dislike about your current glasses?

Budget and Coverage:

– Do you have a price range in mind, and do you have insurance benefits, pension card or veteran affairs card we should consider?

Here at Picton Eyecare, our optical dispensers spend time with you to ensure we find glasses and sunglasses that meet your vision needs and preferences.

Which frames are better for active settings vs professional settings vs casual settings?

Choosing frames tailored to each setting ensures comfort, style, and functionality, enhancing your appearance and confidence accordingly, whilst giving the patient optimal vision.
 
Active Settings:

– Sports Wrap Frames: Provide a secure fit for activities like running or cycling.

– Nano frames: Made with a patented Siliflex (TM) material that is hypoallergenic, non-toxic and BPA free, these frames are light, flexible and can withstand the day to day wear and tear, ideal for children.

– Nylon Frames: Lightweight, durable, and flexible. Ideal for people who do not want a lot of pressure on their nose.

– Frames with adjustable nose pads: Ensure a comfortable and secure fit during active movements.

Professional Settings:

– Classic Rectangle Frames: Timeless and sophisticated, perfect for office environments.

– Metal Frames: Sleek and minimalist, offering a professional appearance and lightweight comfort.

– Rimless Frames: Subtle and elegant, blending seamlessly with professional attire.

Casual Settings:

– Wayfarer Frames: Versatile and fashionable, suitable for everyday casual wear.

– Round Frames: Trendy and relaxed, complementing various face shapes in casual settings.

– Acetate Frames: Playful and stylish, available in diverse colours and patterns for a casual look.

Are there any frame types that are not suitable for prescription glasses or sunglasses?

Choosing appropriate frames that balance style, comfort, and functionality is crucial for effective vision correction.  

– Frames that are exaggerated wrapped have a high curve in them and may not be suitable for optical or sunglass prescription.

– Semi rimless and rimless frames are not suitable as safety glasses.

– For multifocal or bifocal lenses we need to choose frames with enough depth to accommodate all the prescription zones.

– Oversized frames can result in thicker and heavier lenses specially for high prescriptions, leading to a bulky appearance and potential vision distortion.

Which brands or glasses types are more popular with men or women? 

Ray-Ban is renowned for its iconic aviators and wayfarers, popular among both men and women. The brand combines timeless style with high-quality lenses for everyday wear.

Oakley is favoured for its sporty and performance-oriented eyewear, especially among men. Their durable and innovative designs make them a top choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

Carrera offers bold and fashionable frames, appealing to men and women with active lifestyles. Known for their sporty heritage, they blend style and function seamlessly.

Titanflex frames are celebrated for their exceptional flexibility and durability, making them a favourite among men. Their lightweight and resilient design ensures long-lasting comfort.

Oroton is a luxury brand known for its sophisticated and elegant eyewear, particularly popular with women. Their frames feature high-quality materials and timeless designs.

Kate Spade eyewear is characterized by its playful and chic designs, appealing mainly to women. The brand combines vibrant colours and patterns with a touch of elegance.

Furla frames are stylish and contemporary, favoured especially by women who appreciate Italian craftsmanship. The brand is known for its sleek and modern designs.

Carolina Herrera offers elegant and fashionable eyewear, popular among women who seek a touch of luxury. The brand combines classic designs with a modern twist.

Bill Bass eyewear features classic and versatile designs, suitable for both men and women. Their frames are known for their durability and timeless appeal.

Swarovski eyewear is adorned with their signature crystals, making them a hit among women. The brand offers glamorous and sparkling designs for those who love a bit of bling.

Le Specs frames are renowned for their stylish and innovative designs, blending fashion-forward aesthetics with high-quality materials. Known for their bold and trendy shapes, Le Specs offers a wide range of eyewear that caters to men and women who are looking to make a statement.

What special consideration are there for choosing kids glasses? 

Frame Features

– Flexibility: Frames that can be bent and twisted without breaking, making them ideal for active children who might be rough on their glasses.

– Proper Sizing: Ensure the frames are the right size for the child’s face, not too large or too small, to prevent slipping and discomfort.

Lens Features

– Durability and Safety: Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are recommended as they are less likely to break or shatter.

– UV Protection: Ensures that the child’s eyes are protected from harmful UV rays, especially for outdoor activities.

– Anti-Reflective Coating & Blue Filter: Reduces glare, which can be particularly helpful for kids who spend a lot of time using screens.

What do the numbers on eyeglass frames mean?

They refer to the dimensions and specifications of the frame, the horizontal width of the lens, the bridge and the temple length.

For example, if a frame has the numbers 52-18-140, it means:

• 52 mm lens width
• 18 mm bridge width
• 140 mm temple length

These measurements help ensure that the glasses fit your face properly and comfortably.

Do lens types and prescription levels influence how to choose eyeglasses frames?

The lens type and thickness of the lens has an influence on how to choose eyeglasses frames. For example with single vision lenses the frame choice is more flexible. However, for progressive or bifocal lens there must be sufficient height to accommodate multiple prescription zones. High prescriptions (short and long sighted) are better fitted in a smaller thicker acetate frame to hide and support the thickness of the thicker lenses. High astigmatic prescriptions are better fitted in a flatter frame to reduce peripheral distortions. 

What kind of materials are popular in eyeglass frames?

The choice of eyeglass frame material can significantly impact the style, comfort, and functionality of the glasses. Current trends show a preference for acetate frames due to their affordability and colour variety, while titanium frames remain popular for their strength, durability, and hypoallergenic qualities. At Picton Eyecare, we offer a wide range of frame materials to ensure our patients find the perfect pair of glasses to suit their lifestyle and taste.

What speciality glasses does Picton Eyecare stock?

At Picton Eyecare we offer a range of specialty glasses and lenses designed to address specific vision needs and enhance the quality of life for individuals with unique requirements. We are committed to providing advanced eyewear solutions to meet diverse vision needs. 

Our specialty lenses, such as MiyoSmart for myopia control in children and Avulux for migraine assistance, utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance visual comfort and health.

MiyoSmart lenses are a specialized ophthalmic lens designed to manage and slow the progression of myopia (shortsightedness) in children. MiyoSmart lenses utilise a D.I.M.S technology (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) which creates a treatment zone with multiple small segments of varying power, which provides myopic defocus while allowing clear vision.

Avulux lenses filter 97% of the clinically identified painful wavelengths of blue, red and amber light. The lens provides relief for migraine sufferers by reducing exposure to specific light wavelengths that can trigger or exacerbate migraines. 

Safety glasses: At Picton Eyecare we make fully certified prescription safety eyewear tested to Australian Standard. Safety frames are fitted with Phoenix 1.53 lenses that are ultra lightweight and ten times more impact resistant than standard lenses. 

Swimming goggles: We offer high-quality swimming goggles and masks designed to provide clear vision and ultimate comfort in the water. Our lenses are crafted to withstand the rigors of swimming, providing clear and comfortable under water experience. 

Children’s sports frames: We offer Nano Vista children’s sports glasses with a sports band, perfect for active kids. These frames are made from highly flexible and durable Siliflex™, ensuring they can withstand rough play and impact. The included sports band provides a secure fit, keeping the glasses in place during vigorous activities.

What makes a glasses frame “premium quality” compared to a cheaper brand?

Several factors contribute to the distinction between a “premium quality” eyeglass frame and a cheaper brand. Premium frames use superior materials such as titanium, high-grade acetate, carbon fiber, or memory metal (Flexon). These materials offer better durability, flexibility, and comfort. These frames are often lightweight and well-balanced, reducing pressure on the nose and ears. Premium brands often results in better aesthetics, enhanced comfort, and longer-lasting wear, making them a worthwhile consideration when you are thinking about how to choose eyeglasses frames.

How do skin tones influence recommendations for eyeglass frames?

Selecting a frame that complements natural features by matching skin tone will create a harmonious and stylish look, boosting the patient’s confidence in their appearance.

How does a person’s face shape influence the most suitable glasses frame?

By taking into account face shape, we can give guidance on how to choose eyeglasses frames that enhances a person’s natural features, providing both functional benefits and aesthetic appeal. For example an oval face can wear almost any frame. With a round face, a square or rectangular frame is recommended. For a square face, a round or oval frame is better.

Do hair colours and eye colours influence the choice of eyeglasses frames?

Hair colour and eye colour are important factors when considering how to choose eyeglasses frames. These elements, combined with face shape and skin tone, help create a cohesive and flattering look. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance natural features and create a look that makes the customer feel confident and stylish.

What kind of adjustments do glasses frames sometimes require?

Optical frames sometimes require various adjustments to ensure comfort, fit, and proper vision correction. Here are some common adjustments:

Nose Pads

– Tightening or Loosening: Adjusting the nose pads can improve comfort and prevent slipping.

Temple Arms

– Bending: The temple arms can be bent inward or outward to adjust the width of the frame for a better fit around the head.

– Length Adjustment: Shortening or extending the temple arms can help the frames sit properly over the ears.

Frame Alignment

– Straightening: Frames may become crooked over time and need to be realigned so they sit level on the face.

– Balancing: Ensuring both sides of the frame have equal pressure on the head and ears.

Bridge Fit

– Adjusting: The bridge width or height can sometimes be adjusted to improve fit and comfort.

Lens Positioning

 - Tilt Adjustment: The angle of the lenses (pantoscopic tilt) can be adjusted to ensure the lenses are positioned correctly in front of the eyes.

Tightening Screws

 - Secure Fit: Tightening loose screws on the hinges or around the lenses ensures that the frames remain secure and stable.

Special Needs

– Custom adjustments might be needed for individuals with unique facial features or specific medical conditions to ensure a comfortable and effective fit.

What are some tips for properly maintaining glasses? 

Proper maintenance of glasses can help extend their lifespan and ensure clear vision. The following suggestions can help keep your glasses in good condition, ensuring they provide clear vision and comfort for as long as possible.

Cleaning

– Clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.

– Use a lens cleaning solution specifically designed for eyeglasses.

– Avoid household cleaners which can damage lens coatings.

Handling

– Put on and take off your glasses using both hands to maintain the shape and alignment of the frames.

– Touching the lenses can leave smudges and fingerprints, so handle your glasses by the frames.

Storage

– Store your glasses in the case when not in use to protect them from damage.

– Keep your glasses away from extreme heat or cold, which can warp frames and damage lens coatings.

Regular Maintenance

– Periodically check and tighten loose screws on the frames.

– Visit your optometrist for regular adjustments to keep the frames properly aligned and comfortable.

Protective Measures

– Always place your glasses with the lenses facing up to prevent scratches.

– Wearing glasses on your head can misalign the frames and stretch the temples.

Lens Care

– If your lenses have an anti-reflective coating, always use lens cleaning solution and microfibre cloth to clean your lenses.

– Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals on your lenses.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the right eyeglass frames involves understanding your face shape, skin tone, and lifestyle needs to ensure both comfort and style. Matching your frames to your lens type is crucial for optimal vision correction and preventing unnecessary eye strain. Not considering these factors when thinking about how to choose eyeglasses frames can lead to inconvenience and dissatisfaction with your eyewear.

At Picton Eyecare, we offer a wide range of high-quality, fashionable frames to meet every budget and taste. If you need help with how to choose eyeglasses frames, our friendly team members are always here to assist.

Take control of your eye health and book a consultation now to find the perfect eyeglasses for your needs.

You can call us on (02) 4603 2309 or arrange an appointment using the “Book Now” button in the website menu. We are conveniently located in the heart of Picton, NSW. There is plenty of parking available at the back of our store.