​Sometimes when you come in to select new frames, you can feel extremely overwhelmed! Maybe it is your first pair, maybe it is your 20th... but after you have tried on a few sometimes they all start to look alike and you being to feel lost.

Have no fear! This handy article will give you an idea of what shape and size of frames will look best with your facial shape and prescription, so you will know exactly what to look for when you come in.

The Proper Frame Shape For Your Face

Basically, the rule is to pick a frame that is the opposite of your facial shape. There are several ways to figure out what your face shape is:

    * Ask someone- We are more than happy to help you!
    * Pull your hair back and then trace the outline of your face with a bar of soap in your mirror.
    * Use the jawline to guide you- This is what we generally look at when we are styling people in glasses. If there are a lot of straight lines, then you will tend to have a more rectangular face. If you only see curves or very lightly defined lines, you most likely have an oval or round face.

Round Faces

Opt for a frame with stronger angles, like many of the super trendy rectangular frames that are popular today. Also, make sure  your frames isn’'t too “deep” (the measurement from the top to the bottom of the lens, also known as the “B” measurement.). Assuming that you don’t need bifocals or progressives, we would recommend staying in the 22-32 mm range for the “B” measurement.

Oval Faces

Again, rectangular shapes are a good choice for your, but you could also try "butterfly" shapes (basically, a rectangular cat-eye frame.). Anything with outer edges (the sides closest to your ears) that angle up and out (the lens is at least a tiny bit wider at the top than at the bottom) will flatter you.

Square/Rectangular Faces

Basically, you have a strong, linear jawline. A curvier shape is best for your, but don’t feel forced to get an oval frame if you don’t want to. As long as the rectangular frame you select has no harsh corners or angles, and biases instead towards curvy top and bottom edges, it will work nicely. You can also opt for the curvier "butterfly" shapes. Whatever shape you pick, just make sure that it’s at least somewhat curvy.

All Other Face Shapes

In all reality, very few people have a clearly defined face shape. So you really just want to work with the strongest elements of your face. Folllow your jawline for overall facial shape, and then figure out which of your facial features you want to play up or down. For example, if you have a big nose, don’t pick a frame with a thick bridge (the part that connects the two lenses). If you have very arched or pointy eyebrows, don’t select a frame whose top mirrors that line. Instead, pick the opposite. Also, if you have strong or dark eyebrows, it is best not to pick thick black plastic frames, or any frame that has a very straight line across the top, or you will look like you have a "unibrow".

Lenses

The best lenses for your new eyeglasses will be selected largely based on your glasses prescription. Use the following chart as a guide (there are three numbers in your presctiption- for example: OD -2.00 (sph) -0.50 (cyl) x 040 (axis). Add the first two numbers <sph and cyl> together to use the chart. This example would be -2.50 total power):

Total Power                             Material Recommendations
+2.00 to +5.00                          Trivex or Polycarbonate
-2.00 to +2.00                           Trivex or Plastic (CR39)
-2.00 to -5.00                            Trivex or Polycarbonate
Any other prescriptions          Trivex or High Index

We strongly recommend getting a good anti-refelctive coating (also called AR or non-glare). This coating lets almost all the light pass through the lens rather than refelcting off the the outer surface (thus creating glare). Not only will this coating cut down on eyestrain and make the lenses much better to use for driving at night and computers, but you will also be able to see your eyesk not your lenses, in your pictures- especially pictures taken with flash.

If you have a prescription that is higher than +/- 4.00 (sph), we would recommend not using a rimless or semi-rimless frame. A frame that goes all the way around your lens, especially plastic frames, will be much better at hiding the thickness of your lenses.

Transitions are an option that many people love adding to their glasses. These are the kinds of lenses that are clear inside but get dark when you go into sunlight.  And while these lenses are very convienient, there are a few things you should be aware of before you actually purchase them. First of all, they do not usually get very dark inside your car, because they only react to UV light, and your windwhield tends to block UV rays out to protect your upholstery. So while they are convieint, they are not a true sunglass substitute.

Almost every eyeglass wearer would benefit from a pair of prescription sunglasses. There are two options you can select from for sunglass lenses: Polarization and Tint.  Polarized are usually the best choice, as they offer glare protection (these are the kind of lenses you can use to look in the water and see fish- they cut through reflections off of water, snow, car hoods, bumpers, and the like). Tinting is the second option, and can give  you a bit more flexibility in your color options. Polarized lenses tend to come in three colors: Brown , Grey, and G-15 (a greenish-grey color that gives you the darkness of grey with some enhanced contrast).

You can also add a mirror coating to any sunglass lens- this gives you that shiny, flashy look that is quite popular, and also makes your lenses feel darker (people won't be able to look through your lenses and see your eyes).

Final Advice

In conclusion, one of the most important things to consider when picking your frame is to select one that you are in love with. The opinions of your friends, family members, and even us  are just that- opinions. It is you that has to wear your new frames, and we want to to feel confident and satisfied with your purchase from us.

We look forward to your visit. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office: 775.787.3939.

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Article (c) 2010, by Jennifer Cochrane. All rights reserved.