Frame Style Guide – Choosing The Right Frame For You

Choosing the right frame for you can be a daunting task.  Whether you’re a first time glasses wearer or an experienced wearer looking for suggestions, we’ve got the knowledge and experience to help you make the perfect choice.

At Fiona Watt Optometrists we always advise you to start with the Rx, otherwise known as the prescription.  Whenever you’re going to select a new frame it’s best to start by looking at the prescription.  If you have a simple prescription then you may not need to worry about this to much, but for those that have a power that is over plus or minus 2 diopters the frame choice will have a direct influence on the eyeglasses function, weight and cosmetic appearance.

There are 3 main considerations:

• Nearsighted – High Minus
• Farsighted – High Plus
• Multifocal – Presbyopia

High Minus (Nearsighted)

Being Myopic (aka Nearsighted) generally produces lenses with 3 distinct characteristics:

• Thickness on the outside edge of the lens and a thin center
• Flatter front surface curve (aka Base Curve)
• Makes the wearers eye appear smaller than they really are

In our opinion it is important that you avoid going for wide frames, half rim or complete rimless.

High Plus (Farsighted)

Hyperopia, otherwise known as Farsighted, generally produces lenses with 3 distinct characteristics:

• Thickness in the center of the lens and thin edges
• Steeper front surface curve (Base Curve)
• Makes the wearers eyes appear to be larger than they actually are

If your prescription is over a +2.50 then you’re getting into what would be considered a high plus power.

With the concentration of thickness in the center a small frame size will help but most of the weight and thickness will have to be managed through the lens material.

In our opinion it is important that you avoid going for frames that are half rim or complete rimless,

Presbyopia – (Multifocal)

It is possible that you can be nearsighted, farsighted or even have perfect vision and you’ll eventually have Presbyopia.  Presbyopia is also known as Age Related Farsightedness and it typically starts around the age of 40.​

Our eyes would normally accommodate to focus on objects up close but as we get older this becomes more difficult.  When the time comes your doctor will prescribe an Additional Power (aka Add Power).

You will have to choose between these 4 options:

• Progressives
• Bi-focals
• Tri-focals
• Single Vision Reading

In our opinion it is important that you avoid going choosing shallow frames for multi-focal eyewear.

The first stage of picking the most suitable frame for you is identifying your facial shape. The most common are as follows:

For An Oval Face
The main features of an oval face are balanced features, high cheekbones and the chin will be narrower than the forehead.

For an oval shaped face, the main aspects that would be recommended are bold shapes, brighter colours and a textured frame style. It is also recommended that the frame is a good size that balances the face.

For a square face
The main features of a square face shape is a prominent jawline, angled or sharp features, and a wider forehead.
For a square face shape rounder or upswept frame style will soften the harsher facial features, thinner or lighter frames will also softed the face and neutral colours will balance the features.

For a round face
A rounder face comprises or full cheeks, a rounded chin and the face will be equal in length and width.
For a round face shape a narrower frame will balance out the fuller cheeks, and a frame with nose-pads will ensure that the frame doesn’t rest on the cheeks. A bolder frame is also recommended to balance out the face and the facial features.

For a heart shaped face
A heart shaped face will have a wide forehead with a narrow or slightly pointed chin. The cheekbones will also be high and prominent.

For a heart shape face it is recommended to try a frame that is wider than the forehead to balance the face. If most of the detail of the frame is on the bottom half it will also balance the face. Light colours are also recommended.

We will also help you with other factors such as the material of the frames – metal, titanium, plastic, rimless, half-rim, mixed or organic materials. Frame width, temple length (type) and bridge shape are additional considerations when choosing the right frame for your needs.

For more information on the style of frame that would suit you best call into one of our experienced and knowledgeable team to book an appointment.  Alternatively to speak with one of our staff and we can guide you through the best fit for you.

Contact us direct on 020 8944 6886