If this is your first time shopping for glasses, it can be downright confusing looking at all the different spectacle frames available at an optical practice. The good news is that your optician and trained optical assistants will be able to help you confine your options so you can get the pair that suits you best.

It is also important to discuss your lifestyle with your eyecare provider as it can also affect the choice you need to make. There are now plastic and metal frames and a variety of lenses as well. Informing them how much you are willing to spend can also help you identify the best frames and lenses for your needs.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Metal Frames

The metal frames tend to be easier to adjust and are more flexible compared to plastic frames, not to mention that they are also lighter and slimmer. 

When it comes to metal frames, titanium is considered as the lightest material. You can also find frames made of nickel alloy or stainless steel.

Flexible metal frames were also developed for the past few years. Even though metal frames have more limited color choices, the selection continues to grow day by day.

The common downside is that there are people who develop allergies to metal and this makes plastic spectacle frames a better option for them. As long as you are aware of the specific type of metal that you are allergic to, it will be easier for you to choose a frame made from another metal composition. 

Don’t forget that you are never alone when it comes to choosing your specs. You can always ask the assistance of a registered optician to help you with your decision-making.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Plastic Frames

Unlike metal frames, plastic frames have the tendency to be a bit thicker that may work well when it comes to hiding the edge of the lenses, especially if you happen to be very short-sighted. You can find plastic frames in an extensive variety of colors.

Plastic frames are also a safer option for sports. In particular polycarbonate frames are used in safety glasses due to their robustness.

Once again, consult your optician to get some assistance. 

Strengths and Weaknesses of Rimless Frames

Many people find rimless frames attractive because these don’t hide the face and appear light as well. These frames are not as robust as those specs with metal or plastic frames. However, these are not ideal for those people who have active lifestyles or young children who might twist or grab the frames.

These frames often come with higher price tags and are not suitable for all prescriptions. In spite of this, a lot of people love and appreciate the appearance of rimless eyeglasses.

Which Frames will Suit Your face?

It is not easy to choose the right pair of spectacle frame for you. Basically, there are three main things you need to consider. 

First of all, see to it that your chosen frame is the correct size. The center of your pupil must be approximately in the middle of the lens. You have to be careful when it comes to choosing oversized frames that may stick beyond your face’s sides since you might end up getting an eyewear that is unnecessarily heavy. If your face is smaller, make sure that you also choose a smaller frame.

Second is that you also need to know and consider the shape of your face. You might want to choose a frame shape that will contrast your face shape. For instance, if your face is round, you can opt for rectangular spectacle frames. On the other hand, someone who has a square face will love the softening effect of oval frames. 

Finally, be sure to go for frame colors that will complement your hair and skin tone. If your eyebrows and hair are dark, you can settle for darker frames. Gold tones suit people with warm skin tones while gunmetal or silver frames may look better on cooler skin tones.

Frame Shapes Suitable for Different Face Shapes

Looking in the mirror can make you determine if you have an oval, square, rectangular, or round face.  

People who have oval faces can consider themselves lucky because different shapes of frames can suit them.

A rectangular fame appears thin and long and you can best balance it with deeper oval frames.

Narrow oval frames can help soften the strong jaw and forehead of people with a square shape. 

Rectangular spec frames are most suitable for people with a round face as these can make the face appear longer.

If your face is longer or larger, you can take advantage of bold colors, thicker rims, and decorative features on your specs.  On the other hand, if your face is small, it is best to go for a simpler light and slim frame that won’t overwhelm your face. 

All in all, the good rule of thumb here is to choose a frame that has the same width as the widest part of your face.

What Makes a Spectacle Frame the Perfect Fit for Your Face?

The pupil must be in the lens’ horizontal center. Spectacle frames must be level with your eyebrows and eyes. You can ask your optician if the frame requires adjustment for it to be level. The frame’s width must match your face’s width. The sides of the specs must also run along the side of the face without necessarily cutting in. 

The moment they reach your ears, the sides must curve downwards. They might end up pushing down the frame on your nose if the sides will curve too soon. 

In the case of plastic frames, there must be no gap between the nose bride and the frame’s bridge. In general, metal frames feature adjustable nose pads for them to sit parallel to the nose’s sides. The frames’ lower edge must never touch the cheeks to avoid irritation or rubbing. 

Use this information as your guide when shopping for the right spectacle frames for you.

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