When ordering new glasses, choosing a new frame is one of the most important and exciting parts of the process. While lenses determine how well you will see, the frame is also important to maintain a good fit with good alignment on the face. Choosing between the many frame options in an optical can be a daunting task, so we have broken down a few of the biggest decisions regarding frame selection.
Material: Metal, Plastic, or Something Else?
The first and often most decisive choice in frame selection is choosing whether you want to have a metal frame, a plastic frame, a blended mix with both metal and plastic, or a frame made from another material.
This decision is usually up to personal preference on the style, design, and feel of the different material types.
However, there are a few instances where a material is particularly suitable for a prescription or individual.
If the prescription is very high prescription (over roughly six diopters), then metal frames will be more difficult to fit the lenses into and plastic should be preferred in the selection.
If there have been previous instances of allergic reactions to frames, then any frame that is not made from a hypoallergenic material should be avoided. There are both metal and plastic options that are hypoallergenic.
Size: Small, Medium, Large, or EXTRA Large
The size of the frame is one of the defining characteristics of any frame. If it is small it may blend in better with the overall appearance of an individual and not draw attention to the face.
While a large frame may highlight the face and become the focal point of the appearance altogether.
Fashion and appearance have a place in the size selection, but this is an area where fit should be prioritized over appearance.
A frame that has an eye size that is similar to the natural pupillary distance will naturally fit the face and will not require large amounts of decentering of the lenses in manufacturing the glasses.
If the frame is too large, the lenses may appear to alter the image of the side of the face when viewing through them straight ahead.
If the lenses are not tall enough, a bifocal or progressive addition power may not appropriately fit within the confines of the frame.
Bridge Type: Nose Pads, Saddle Bridge, or Keyhole Bridge
The bridge is the open area between the two lenses where the nose sits. This portion of the frame has three main fitting options: a set of nose pads, a saddle bridge, or a keyhole bridge.
Nose pads allow adjustments and often offer a softer fitting on the nose and face. These are customary on almost all metal frames and found on many plastic frames as well.
A saddle bridge is when the plastic bridge forms a smooth arch that rests upon the nose.
A keyhole bridge has the shape of a keyhole with a circular area cut out allowing the frame to sit above the nose rather than over the top.
The type of bridge may impact the way glasses fit on the face but with appropriate measurement and adjustment, any bridge option may be suitable for almost anyone.