There are thousands of people across the globe who do not know how to fit their eyeglasses properly. It can be easy to pick glasses that are too large, too small, or do not frame your face well. There is a lot of incorrect information about how to size your glasses properly. To get the most from your glasses, they need to fit your face correctly.
For your eyeglasses to fit properly, they need to meet certain criteria. Your facial shape, eye spacing, and nose placement all factor into a proper eyeglasses fit. It is important that your glasses reach your ears and do not move around easily. An optometrist can fit your glasses, but you can too.
Not everyone who wears eyeglasses has constant access to an optometrist. If you are having trouble with your glasses and you find yourself without access to an eye doctor, or you are just trying to find eyeglasses quickly, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to fit your eyeglasses properly.
What Size Should Your Glasses Be?
These days there are lots of individuals looking to order their eyeglasses online. It is often much cheaper for you to buy glasses frames online than at the doctor’s office. This is especially true if you do not have vision insurance to cover your purchase. If you decide to buy frames online, you need to understand what size your glasses should be.
To make sure that your eyeglasses fit properly, take a look at these important factors below.
The Size of Your Frame
The size of your frame is based upon the size of your eyes and face. Incorrect frame sizing can distort the way your eyes look and can cause you overall discomfort. Here is a list of sizes if you are not sure which category your eyes and frame will fall into:
- Small: 40mm to 48mm
- Medium: 49mm to 54mm
- Large: 55mm to 58mm
- Extra Large: 58mm and larger
The sizing of your eyes and frame is undoubtedly one of the most crucial parts of making sure your glasses fit properly. If these measurements are not correct, you will not receive the most out of your glasses. Additionally, be sure that you are not able to see anything above, below, or on each side of your frames.
The Size of Your Nose
Another vital aspect of having glasses that fit correctly is how well they feel on the top of your nose. We all know that glasses go from one side of your face to the other, and the amount of frame that sits on your nose is important to note.
Understand that your eyeglasses do not need to press down so hard on your nose that they leave indentions where they sit. This can cause lots of discomfort. To ensure you do not have this issue, you should look for frames that have a larger distance between eyes. If the glasses are metal, you can readjust the nose padding.
The Size of Your Head
Your eyeglasses should reach all the way across your head, from one ear to the other. They should not constantly move, and you should not have to adjust them to keep them in place constantly. Your eyeglasses should not be too tight, or they will give you a headache from constantly squeezing your head and ears.
You can ensure that the size of your glasses is correct by measuring yourself from one temple to the other. After this, measure the distance of your glasses frames. Compare the sizes and see which size you will need. If you are buying them in-store, it may be helpful to bring a measuring tape with you.
Which Eyeglass Brands Will Fit You the Best?
Everyone has their own individual tastes, and different types of glasses will suit different people best. However, some brands of glasses are well known for going above and beyond by offering glasses that fit a wider range of people. Some of the following brands are known for being durable, fashionable, and working for many people.
Durable Brands
If you are looking for brands that are tough, durable, and can tolerate some stress, look into these:
- Carrera
- Smith Sunglasses
- Lacoste
- Nike
These brands may not always feature the most stylish frames, but they will do what they need to do: help you see. Each of these brands listed will offer you frames that are much harder to break than other more fragile frames.
These more durable glasses are made for people who play sports or who work high-impact, high-stress jobs. They can also benefit parents who are afraid that their children will damage their expensive glasses somehow.
Fashionable Brands
Maybe you are not someone who often finds yourself hiking, playing with kids, or chasing after a basketball. Perhaps you choose to see glasses as important fashion accessories as well as tools that help you see. If that is the case for you, the brands listed below might be right up your alley:
- Prada
- Kate Spade
- Hugo Boss
- Marc Jacobs
These brands are going to be on the higher end of the cost spectrum. As always, you will be paying a large amount of money for large brand names. If expenses are not a problem for you when it comes to your vision, these designer brands may be what you are looking for, especially if style and fashion are your main concerns.
Other Important Decisions When Choosing Eyeglasses
When searching for your perfect pair of eyeglasses, you will soon realize that the size of your glasses is not the only important thing. You will always want to pay attention to details such as the color, weight, and shape of your frames.
Check out this list of factors that can you may not have considered important before now:
- Color
- Frame shape
- Your activity level
- Where you wear glasses
You will want to make sure the color of your glasses suits you well. Find which colors suit your skin tone and hair the best, and go from there. If you are not sure what your best colors are, ask a friend! The shape of your frame is important too. Everyone looks good in something different, and one frame shape may not suit you as well as another.
If you are an active person, make sure that your glasses will not fall off. It is irritating when glasses fall off your face, but it can also damage your glasses beyond repair. Also, take a second glance to make sure that you are getting eyeglasses with the correct prescription. Everything may fit great, but that will not help if you cannot see.
If at all possible, try to make an appointment with an actual eye doctor’s office. Online services are great when necessary, but they do not replace the opinions of optometrists and eyeglasses technicians who know best and can give you a professional, hands-on fitting.
Common Problems When Fitting Your Eyeglasses
Every day there are thousands of people who are getting fitted for eyeglasses. The majority of these experiences are good. However, it is not uncommon for some people to experience issues during their glasses fittings.
You might not have considered some of the following potential problems before now, so keep these in mind before your next fitting appointment. That way, you will be prepared in case any of these issues arise, and you will know what steps to take to have them corrected.
Why Do Your Glasses Have a Glare?
Especially in the evening, a person’s glasses can begin to show glare or reflection while they are driving on the road. This usually happens because the corners of the lenses on your eyeglasses are much thicker than they actually need to be.
An easy fix to this is making sure that your eye prescription is correct. This can be determined by going to the eye doctor and having them do an eye exam. If you see glares in your vision, this can sometimes mean something more serious. The problem must be seen by a professional so an accurate determination can be made.
The Style Does Not Fit Your Face
By far, the most common problem people seem to encounter when choosing their eyeglasses is that the style they have picked out does not flatter them very well. What may look good on a shelf or on an advertising rack does not always look that great when on a person’s face.
Here are a few tips to avoid picking frame styles that are unflattering:
- Go to a professional who can give honest, educated advice.
- An in-person visit will make a big difference in how your glasses fit.
- Be aware of your face shape.
- Try glasses on in person, even if you plan to buy them online, so you can make sure they reach all the way behind each ear.
- Have someone take your precise measurements for you.
An optometrist or technician will know best. Usually, they will tell you what glasses look best on your face. They are more concerned with getting your vision corrected than making a sale, so they will not try to push you into a pair of glasses that looks terrible on you. Also, taking your own measurements is often not very accurate.
Problems with Bifocals
There is no doubt that wearing bifocals for the first time is an adjustment that you must grow accustomed to. The adjustment usually does not happen overnight, and it can often take up to one or two weeks for you to fully acclimate.
Most people start out wearing single vision lenses. The switch to bifocals does not occur until a person reaches middle age, in most cases. Changing from one prescription to two prescriptions is a big adjustment. People typically have issues when they first begin wearing bifocals, and this is completely normal and expected.
Oftentimes people will say that their bifocals are causing their vision to “jump” or seem strange. This is an actual issue known as “vision jump.” It can be fixed depending on whether you are farsighted or nearsighted. When that factor is determined, the shape of your bifocal can be changed to suit you and your eyes better.
One Pair of Glasses Will Not Match Everything
There will never be a single pair of glasses that will match with every individual outfit you own. If you are someone who enjoys fashion and matching everything possible, this will probably come as a disappointment to you. The truth is, you will have to have multiple pairs of glasses that you can swap in and out.
By having a vast collection of eyeglasses to choose from, you will never have to worry about not matching. You can increase your collection over time and soon have glasses for every occasion imaginable.
This is also an excellent way to have a backup pair of glasses in case one pair breaks. If you are interested in purchasing different styles and colors of glasses, be prepared to pay a bit of money if you prefer to go with the higher-scale brands. The best way to accumulate multiple frames is by learning your proper measurements and fit, then ordering frames online.
Glasses Are Uneven
Your eyeglasses may be uneven for a variety of reasons. Maybe they were sat on, maybe your ears are at different levels, or maybe they just came out of the box that way. Regardless, crooked glasses can be annoying and hurt your eyes after wearing them for a little while.
Luckily, you can usually fix your crooked glasses yourself. There are even small frame repair kits you can purchase. This process may be difficult, though, depending on what material your glasses are made out of.
Of course, if you have tried but are still struggling to adjust them properly, bringing them to an eye doctor’s office will allow a professional to straighten them out. It is better to leave your glasses with someone who understands how to fix them instead of hurting the glasses more with your amateur attempts.
Chronic Headaches
If you have noticed that your head has begun constantly hurting since you have started to wear your new glasses, it is important for you to know that you are not the only one experiencing this. Assuming you are not sick from a virus or disease, there can be a few different reasons why your head is aching.
- The prescription of your lenses is not correct.
- The glasses are sitting too tightly across the bridge of your nose.
- The frame of the glasses is squeezing the sides of your head because it is not large enough.
- Your glasses are too large, and you see more than you need, resulting in peripheral vision that is blurry and distorted.
Just because your head is aching does not mean that your vision will automatically get worse. If anything, glasses that are not properly fitted will typically only cause dizziness and blurry vision when they are worn. They are not fun side effects, but at least you know that they will probably not cause you to go blind.
Still, chronic headaches are awful and can lead to a lower quality of life. Go to your optometrist to ensure your prescription is correct, as well as the size and fit of your glasses. If your glasses are not the cause of your chronic headaches, consult your doctor or neurologist to find the root cause.
When Should You Replace Your Glasses?
Your glasses should only be replaced when you feel as if your prescription has changed. You will be able to tell if your eye prescription has changed if you start to have headaches, blurriness in your vision, or if you have to move closer to or farther back to read various items.
Your glasses should also be replaced if your previous pair has become too small or too large. This happens most often when you are growing up, and your head changes sizes. No one wears the same size at age nine that they wear at age 22.
There is also a chance your glasses will become too large if you have lost a large amount of weight since ordering your original pair. Because your glasses reach across your entire face, weight loss that happens in your cheek area will decrease the amount of surface area your glasses have to sit on. You will notice they slide down your face.
Of course, a final reason to replace your pair of glasses would be when they have been damaged in some way. You may be able to fix them if the damage is minor, but it is usually best to have them looked at by a professional. You may be paying out of pocket, but having glasses that fit well is worth the investment.
Your Glasses Have Been Fitted, Now What?
You have finally gone through the process of making sure that your glasses fit. They look great, and you are so excited to show them off. Despite your excitement, you may be thinking of a few questions that you have not yet seen answered.
You may have questions about how to clean your glasses properly. Maintenance is very important. Small knicks and bends can add up to create issues with fit and how well you can see out of your glasses. Proper aftercare is a large part of keeping your glasses in great condition.
Below are tips on how to properly take care of your newly fitted eyeglasses and what to do when the glasses are damaged.
Properly Cleaning Your Eyeglasses
The majority of people who do not own a pair of glasses do not realize that there is a decent amount of upkeep that goes into them. Like with most items, there are some things that you should and should not do when trying to clean your glasses.
Take a look at some of the things you should do when polishing your lenses:
- Wash them in warm water while using a small amount of dish soap
- Use your fingers to wash them instead of a towel
- Place glasses with lenses facing upwards when you lay them down somewhere to dry
- You can use a specialty mist instead of water and dish soap
The steps for cleaning your glasses are not difficult. It is quite easy to clean your glasses properly to ensure that no damage comes to them. However, below is a list of what not to do when cleaning your glasses.
- Do not put saliva on your lenses. It may leave streak marks, and it will only create extra bacteria on your face.
- Do not clean your eyewear when it is dry. This can cause scratches.
- Do not clean your glasses with any kind of rough surface like toilet paper or paper towels.
- Do not use any kind of harsh chemical that will erode any lens coating.
It is essential that you know what to do and what not to do when it comes to making your glasses shine. Many people who do not know how to clean their glasses properly wonder why their lenses are covered in scratches.
Storing Your Eyeglasses
Keeping your eyeglasses safe when you are not wearing them is the most responsible thing you can do. It is easy to set your glasses down on your nightstand when you are ready for bed, but this is not the best thing for your glasses.
Keep your glasses in a hard case anytime you are not wearing them. This is a simple way to protect them from being sat on, knocked over, or stepped on. It also keeps them from getting scratched. These are all easy accidents that can happen, but keeping them stored away in a specialized container is the best way to keep them safe.
It is also wise not to allow your glasses to roam freely in a purse, pocket, or bag. Similar to how they can accidentally be damaged without a case, glasses that are kept unprotected in a large bag can get seriously scratched or even lost.
Keeping your eyewear out of a warm car will also keep them from becoming damaged. Leaving them in a hot car will increase the chances of your glasses becoming distorted or misaligned.
What Happens if Your Glasses Get Damaged or Broken?
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. At one point or another, you may find your glasses have been broken or damaged. No one wants to go through the trouble of replacing glasses, but it is something that must be done. If something happens to your glasses, follow the steps below.
- See if you are able to fix them yourself or if a professional needs to be called. Tape can go a long way, but it ultimately will only help so much.
- Both frames and lenses can individually be replaced if the other part is not damaged.
- Check where you ordered your glasses from. There is a chance that they came with a warranty whenever you purchased them.
- Do not use glue to attempt to repair your glasses, especially if they are under warranty.
All glasses wearers will be impacted by a pair of broken glasses at some point in their lives. Because of this, a wise thing to do would be to have a working pair of backup glasses. They do not have to be pretty, precise, or perfect, but they need to suffice until you are able to buy a new pair.
The First Time Putting on Eye Glasses
You may have experienced a mixed range of emotions when the optometrist first told you that you should start wearing glasses. Depending on where you are in your life, some individuals may become excited about being able to see clearly, while others may become embarrassed because they are not sure how they will look with glasses.
No matter where you find yourself on this spectrum, wearing eyeglasses for the first time is a unique experience for everyone. There are many uncertainties when putting glasses on for the first time ever, especially if you have not had experience with contacts or other eyewear before.
Here are some tips and tricks for first-time glasses wearers.
- You will see things from an entirely new perspective. It can be overwhelming to see details you might have been missing all of your life.
- It is unlikely that anyone will make fun of you. Remember that glasses are in style and a lot of people wear them.
- It can take time to become accustomed to your glasses. If you do not get used to them within a week or two, see your optometrist.
- Wear your glasses daily so your eyes can adjust.
- Clean your glasses often because they will get dirty.
Conclusion
The process of fitting eyeglasses to your face and eyes can be a tough one for many people. Most do not know how important it is to make sure that their glasses are the right size, length, and shape. If your glasses are not the right fit at first, it will ultimately be more work for you in the long run.
However, when you do find glasses that fit, you will be able to enjoy life to its full potential. You will not need to worry about your glasses falling and breaking. Instead, you will get to see life clearly and without any concerns about your vision.
I wish you a great day.
