How To Choose Glasses Frames Perfect For You

Our aim is to help you find the perfect pair of glasses.

It is time to update your glasses and you are not looking forward it.
If you wear glasses, there’s a good chance you’ll have had a problem with a pair at some stage.
You may have realised the lenses were not right, or the frames you bought weren’t suitable or comfortable.
Other times you may not have enjoyed the experience at the optometrists when selecting your new frames.
Not everyone enjoys shopping especially when it involves fashion or personal style and there can be a sense of pressure trying to find a pair that you like and feel comfortable and confident when you wear them.

But with a little preparation, shopping for your next set of prescription frames could be a whole lot more fun!

Perfection is challenging to achieve when it comes to choosing glasses. Not only are we looking at correcting your vision, but we also have to consider the lens technology you require, your fashion style, your day-to-day activities, and the big clanger – Your BUDGET!

Let’s start with selecting the best frames for you.

In our 25 years of running Eyes by Design, the WORST way to choose your new glasses is to walk into the optometrists and look at a wall of glasses with hundreds or thousands of frames on display. With all the different shapes, sizes, materials and colours and you have no idea of where to even start.
It can be highly overwhelming when looking at the displays and then to expect to see the perfect pair leap out at you and meet all your needs

So let us make frame shopping a whole lot easier for you.

First, think about your eyewear style before you come into the store. What is the look that you want to achieve?
Look for inspiration – For example, who do you look up to or admire?
Think of people that you see either on TV or in person such as:

• Celebrities
• Movies stars
• Sports stars
• Friends who wear glasses

Refrain from being focused on face shape to find your style – Trust us on this!

We will talk about face shape a little further down in this article. Face shape does play a part, but it is to do with the fit and comfort of your frames.
Think more about choosing frames in terms of your personality. What frame is the right personality for the look I want to portray with my new glasses?
It is exciting to see our clients realise that they can find a pair of frames that make them feel fabulous!
There is no need to stick with one brand of frames either – Eyewear is constantly evolving with better features, lighter in weight, colour combinations and even deciding that your lenses can be a part of the overall design aesthetics.
It will blow your mind when you can see some of the colour options you can choose for your lenses that will further enhance the frames that you select and enhance your vision when are in all situations. This includes artificial light and in sunlight.

More Than One Pair of Frames

Another suggestion is to consider two pairs of frames.
Think of it as you would for any purchase for your wardrobe. – You will have clothes that you love wearing on different occasions.
Bright and colourful when out socialising and more serious or conservative when at work or a business event.
You will have the same with your accessories like different handbags and shoes to match your outfit,activities or mood.

Your eyewear can be the same.

Your face is always on show, as are your frames. You may choose an understated pair for work and a more fun pair when not at work.
Even if you don’t select another frame style on your initial visit, think about having multiple pairs for different looks and occasions and you may decide an eyewear capsule is something to consider.
Remember that good quality frames will last indefinitely if they are looked after and handled correctly.
Your lenses can be changed when it is time to adjust them with your yearly eye exams.
You’ll also find that if you approach frame selection with this mindset, you will have less pressure to choose the perfect frame for every situation in your busy life and you will enjoy changing your frames to suit your mood.
We see countless people throughout the year at Eyes by Design.
We see those who initially struggled with choosing glasses to find it a lot easier when they have a different mindset about choosing their eyewear.

It is not just about style.

It’s also about functionality, and choosing the right glasses is essential from a comfort and durability perspective.
Choosing a frame, you love is fine, but it does not meet the comfort or functionality test you will regret buying them.
No one wants glasses that constantly slip off your nose or that cut in behind your ears.
This is finally where face shape comes into the frame selection!
We look at face shape when we select the frame size for your face.

Finding the right size of glasses can depend on the face shape.

Generally, rounder frames will suit a smaller face. 
Squarer frames will work better with larger faces.
But this is just a guide, and we also have to look at bridge styles.

A moulded bridge

These cannot be adjusted, so it must fit!
With a plastic bridge, you have to look for the frame following your nose’s shape and that there are no gaps. By avoiding gaps, you will be covering the whole surface area of the nose, spreading the weight more evenly, which will make the frame more comfortable long term and help keep it in place and stop it from
slipping.
An exception to the rule with acetate bridges is what we call the keyhole bridge; they have a gap at the top, which is deliberate. These can apply more pressure to the side of the nose and less to the top; some people prefer that fit.

Metal bridges with nose pads.

Yes, nose pads have pros and cons, but you know that they can be adjusted, so they will always fit you perfectly and can be adjusted over time if you do need them moved or the pads replaced if they are looking a little worn.

 
The Shake Test

The classic head shake test is a great way to test the size of your glasses. This has become the industry standard over time.
We will ask you to shake your head and make sure the frames don't move on their own, and if they don’t, the chances are they the right fit for you!
We will also be looking at ensuring there is no pressure on the temples, mainly above your ear and, of course, behind the ear, and we can make adjustments so that they fit without the pressure.
If your ear is especially sensitive or you have a hearing aid, look at the frames with a straight fit.
These will touch the back of the ear. This part of the head is called the mastoid, and it is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, so having frames that don’t touch or don’t grip the back of the ear can sometimes be a lot more comfortable.

When we guide our clients through the process of selecting the best frames for them with their personality and style as the leading priority, we remove the stress and pressure of trying to fit everything into one pair.
Have you seen some of the eyewear brands we stock at Eyes by Design?

We truly have you covered, from chic European with Yalea or Nina Ricci.
We are loving Yalea’s current spokesperson with the incredible Cyndi Crawford showing off their range.
For Oriental opulence look at Coco Song or CCS – They are the most beautiful frames in the world.
And we have some funky Australian brands such as Bill Bass, Sceats and the small but growing Jukparra who highlights indigenous artists.

Book an eye test if it is time to review your prescription, or you may notice blurriness or headaches when concentrating.
We can’t wait to help you select your next favourite pair of glasses!
Eyes By Design
Kincumber Village
Shop 6/39 Avoca Dr, Kincumber NSW 2251
(02)  4369 8169