It has been said that "life is too short to wear ugly glasses"! Glasses are more than a medical device to correct vision. They are often the first thing people notice about you, part of your identity and the image you wish to project. Glasses can enhance your best facial features, while concealing your less desirable features. More and more, glasses have become a fashion accessory, so much so that in certain age groups people wear frames with blank lenses simply to make a fashion statement. Where do we start with the seemingly impossible task of selecting spectacle frames?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRAME FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTION
Behind the aesthetics lie factors that need to be considered to ensure that the glasses serve their essential function of vision correction. For both shortsightedness and farsightedness, generally the stronger the prescription, the thicker the lenses and the more limited your frame choice may be. Your optometrist will guide you towards choosing the right lenses and frames to suit your face and your visual needs.
THE SHAPE OF YOUR FACE
While everyone's face shape is unique, there are some guiding principles that apply when determining which frames are most likely to suit you. Generally, frames that contrast with the shape of your face bring symmetry and balance to your prominent features. The size of your frames should proportionately match the size of your face.
Round faces
All the features are uniformly shaped in a round face. The cheeks and forehead are about the same width and the chin is round. Square or rectangular frames add balance to round features by making the face appear narrower and longer. Frames that sweep up at the outer edges highlight the cheeks and the eyes. Avoid round or oval glasses which make the face look rounder.
Square faces
The square face is characterised by equally broad forehead and cheeks and a strong jawline. To soften and complement your strong features, choose delicate frames that are round, oval or cat-eye shaped. Square frames with rigid lines and sharp curves will draw attention to your angular features, creating a severe look.
Oval faces
Oval faces are typically balanced and well-proportioned and are twice as long as they are wide. The versatility of this face shape allows you to choose any frames that will complement it, as long as you keep proportions in mind. Glasses that are either too big or too small will upset the natural balance and symmetry of the face.
Heart-shaped faces
Frames that balance the wide forehead and narrow chin of the heart-shaped face are the best choice. Oval and round glasses bring this face shape into balance. Delicate frames ensure softer contours and a harmonious appearance, while heavy frames that are brightly coloured or overly embellished can overwhelm the face.
Rectangular faces
Rectangular faces have features in common with square faces, but they are longer and less wide. Choose frames that provide a strong horizontal element to break up the length of the face or frames with rounded curves to soften the angularity of the face. Wider frames will balance the face, while narrow shaped glasses will highlight the height of the face so should be avoided.
Diamond faces
Diamond-shaped faces have both a narrow forehead and chin. Oval frames that are wider than the cheeks will accentuate your delicate features, while narrow frames will draw attention to your narrow features rather than enhancing them.
THE COLOUR OF THE FRAME
The wide choice of frame colours can be daunting, and it sometimes seems simpler and easier to go for a neutral colour. While colour preference is very personal, following a few basic guidelines should help in making a more exciting choice which will bring out your best features. Factors to take into account include your skin tone, eye and hair colour.
WHAT YOUR GLASSES SAY ABOUT YOU
There is an almost endless selection of frames to enhance your unique individuality. Think about your personal style, lifestyle and personality when selecting frames. Would a large frame in an eye-catching colour or with a bold print match your vibrant creative personality? Does your career require you to convey an impression of professionalism and classic elegance? With your busy lifestyle, do you need glasses that are practical and functional, but look good, too? If you spend a lot of time playing sport, you would need a frame that is comfortable and works for your everyday life.
After almost two years of feeling isolated and cut off from the world, why not choose a new frame to lift your spirits and reflect who you are? Enjoy the festive season, reconnect with family and friends. But remember to follow the COVID protocols so that you and those around you are safe and protected.