From commuting to work and purchasing groceries, to simply enjoying a TV show on the couch — we rely on our vision to be at our best and to enjoy our lives. So, choosing a pair of frames that are suitable for your lifestyle, complement your personality, and keep your vision clear can sometimes feel like an intimidating process.

If you’ve ever asked yourself: “what kind of eyeglasses should I get?” Keep reading for a step-by-step guide for choosing the best pair.

Check Your Prescription

If it’s been a while since you purchased a new pair of glasses, the very first step you should take is to check your current prescription. Over time, our vision can change. The pair you currently have may no longer be strong enough. What’s more, wearing the wrong prescription can lead to discomfort, headaches, or dizziness. And, if you normally only wear contacts, you’ll need a different prescription for your eyeglasses.

Save yourself the trouble and time. Schedule a quick check-up with your optometrist to ensure you’re getting the right prescription on the first try.

Identifying Your Face Shape

Next, you should take a little time to learn the shape of your face. Certain eyeglass frames will complement some face shapes more than others. Even though you’ll probably choose a pair of eyeglasses suited to your fashion tastes, knowing which frames naturally balance your look can help you narrow down your selection. First, try locating the widest part of your face.

What is the widest part of your face?

With a flexible measuring tape, measure the distance across your forehead from each end of your hairline. Or you can simply use your sight. If your forehead is the widest part of your face, your face is likely oval-shaped. If your cheekbones seem widest, you have either a heart-shaped or round face. And if your face width appears evenly proportioned, your face shape is square.

Choosing Eyeglass Frames For the Shape of Your Face

Depending on the shape of your face, you may want specific types of frames.

• Oval: An oval face is complemented by a wide variety of frames. Round, wayfare, square, and more — your choice of frames will be based on your personal preferences.
• Round: Round-shaped faces are best complemented by rectangle, square, or geometric frames. Aviators are a good choice as well.
• Square: Square faces have wider foreheads and jawlines than people with oval or round-shaped faces. Cat-eye, aviators, round, and oval frames balance your overall facial structure.
• Triangular: Someone with a triangular-shaped face has a wider forehead with cheeks that angle towards their chins. Round, square, cat-eye and geometric frames are best suited for triangular faces.
• Heart-Shaped: Heart-shaped faces have narrow chins and rounded cheeks. Consider cat-eye frames, or rectangle and browline frames for an attractive look. Wayfare and oval frames are also complementary.

Think About Your Lifestyle

The last step in choosing a pair of eyeglasses is to consider your lifestyle. If you work a physically active job, play sports, or spend time in the gym, you might want to consider more durable frames. You’ll want to be sure that the frames don’t move up and down while you’re moving.

Also during this last step, think about the color of the frames. Skin tones, as well as the type of clothes you typically like to wear, can help you determine a color that goes well with your style and personality. In addition, consider picking up an extra pair of eyeglasses so that you have a pair for professional settings and a pair that’s more relaxed or suited to your taste. Having an extra pair is always a good idea in case one pair is lost or damaged.

Ready to find your new favorite pair of eyeglasses? Give Raffy’s a call or send us an email and we’ll be in touch shortly.