Just like a tailored suit or a great pair of shoes, a pair of glasses should be correctly fitted to the wearer. A well fitted frame is not just more comfortable, it is more flattering and more effective at helping you see better. A well chosen frame optimises the lenses that are fitted into your frame, making them thinner, lighter and more aesthetically pleasing. That is why having an Eyetek Optometrist trained dispensing assistant to help you in your frame choice is crucial. Here’s quick guide into our world and to getting the right fit.
Frame sizing
A frame size is typically noted as: lens width / bridge width / temple (arm) length - in millimetres.
For example: 51-18-130. This is usually found on the inside of the temple/arm of the frame. Occasionally on the inside of the bridge of the nose.
The key is finding a size that corresponds to the overall width of your face, while being mindful of the lens width versus the space between them (bridge width).
Sizing should be treated on a case-by-case basis, as it depends on your face proportions (small/narrow face or large/wide face) and also the style of eyewear being selected.
For example:
The average adult frame size is around 51/17 140
A large adult frame size is around 60/18 150
A petite size is around 44/15 130
The height or depth of your lens should also be proportionate to the length of your face.
Frames that are too short on a longer face will make the face appear overlong. If your face is long and thin, go for frames with more height/depth. Try square or round frames.
Deep frames on a shorter face will make the face appear overwhelmed by the frames. If your face is short and wide, go for frames with less height. Try rectangular or oval frames.
Much like with shoes and clothing, eyewear manufacturers largely focus on designing frames for the most common facial size. Because of this, some patients with wider or petite faces are overlooked and limited with regards to frame choice. When it comes to smaller sizes for more variety and the optimal fit, youth ranges are a completely acceptable place to look. Globally, petite collections are becoming more and more popular with manufacturers as the need is being recognised. If you’re unable to find the size you need in our showroom, we are more than happy to source frames that will work for you!
The keys to proper eyewear fit:
1. The width of the frame should match the width of your face. When looking head on, the glasses should not hang wider than your face (frame is too wide) and we should not be able to see the sides of the temples (frame is too narrow).
2. We should be able to see your eyebrows above the frames. At least half of them, preferably a little more than half.
3. Each eye should be directly in the centre of the lens, from left to right.
4. The weight of your frames should be balanced evenly across the bridge of your nose or equally distributed on the frame’s nose pads. They shouldn’t leave a mark or dig into your nose.
5. The temples should be adjusted to fit around your ears. Your dispensing assistant will advise if the temple length is correct. Final adjustments are done when you collect your glasses and the fit is perfected by our lab technician.
6. The overall frame should be located roughly in the middle of your face. It should provide a nice balance between the top of the face and the bottom of the face.
Colour considerations
A frame should compliment your natural colouring – your skin, hair, and the colours you wear most often. This of course is not a strict rule. Bright colours make a statement and can be a reflection of your personality! Light skin tends to fall within one of two colour bases – blue (cool) or yellow (warm). If you have a warm skin tone, steer clear of a red frame and go for a cooling blue instead. If you are more fair in complexion, a lighter shade frame will suit your face – try pastels, wire or even a transparent frame. For dark skin and hair you can be more free with your choices and wear a more dramatic colour without it overwhelming your face.
Your dispensing assistant will advise which tones are best for you.
Final note
Lastly, if you’re in the market for a new pair of specs, pop into Eyetek and speak to a professional. Bring a friend who’s opinion you trust. Don’t buy a style just because it looks great on someone else, chances are their face shape is different. The proper fit for YOUR face is key.