How to choose the right size glasses
Just because a pair of glasses looks great on display in an optometrist's practice, doesn't mean it will fit well, feel comfortable and look great on you.
There are many different spectacle sizes and your frames should be fitted by a skilled optometrist or optical dispenser to ensure the best fit, comfort and appearance.
Spectacle sizes typically are stamped on the inside of the temples of the frames to help you select the best-fitting glasses for your head size and facial features.
Generally, the best spectacle sizes will result in the following fitting characteristics:
Your eyes are centred (or nearly centred) in the lens opening of the frame.
The weight of the frame is evenly distributed across the bridge of your nose (or equally distributed onto the two nose pads of the frame).
The frame temples gently touch (or nearly touch) the sides of your head, without any significant pressure or a large gap between the frame and your head.
The temples are long enough to extend behind your ears so the ends can be adjusted to conform to the contour of your head behind your ears for a secure, comfortable fit.
You should be able to bend forward, look straight down at the floor, and shake your head without your glasses slipping or sliding out of position.
Spectacles that are the correct size may still need to be adjusted to fit properly. For example, if your glasses are sliding off your nose, your optometrist or optical dispenser can adjust the temples or replace the nose pads to improve the fit and comfort of your eye-wear.
Page published on Tuesday, 17 March 2020
