Picking the picture-perfect pair of eyewear frames can be a difficult job. There are so many aspects to consider including one’s face shape, overall aesthetic, everyday activities; the list just goes on and on. Luckily, 360 Magazine has compiled a list of the top factors to consider when in search of your next pair of frames.
Purpose of Eyewear
The first question to ask yourself about your desired frames is why are you getting them in the first place?
- Vision correction
First and foremost, if you’re looking for a pair of eyeglasses frames, there’s a pretty high chance that you may need glasses to enhance some component of your sight. Whether that be correcting blurred or double vision, or trying to find relief for eyestrain, headaches and squinting, glasses can help you out.
Vision changes over time, and its important to take care of the health of your eyes. The four most frequent refractive errors attributed to vision consist of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.
Nearsightedness causes objects that are far away to look blurry.
Farsightedness causes objects that are close to look blurry.
Astigmatism causes both far away and close-up options to look blurry – it is based upon the “football” shaping of ones eye in combination with genetic factors and how light passes through.
Presbyopia causes middle-aged/older adults to suffer difficulty while seeing objects close-up.
- Protection
Glasses can safeguard your eyes from outside influences. From blue light rays that stem from screens, to blocking out ultraviolet rays shining down from the Sun or simply preventing random dirt from getting into your eyes, glasses are a suitable option if you experience a surplus of one of these circumstances.
If you find yourself working virtually, like most of us modernly, then its very important to invest in a pair of glasses that can protect your eyes from blue light rays. Blue light is awful close to the UV light on the visible spectrum and can cause trouble both indoors and outside. Possible affects of blue light exposure can cause blurry vision, eyestrain, dry eye, cataracts and sleep issues.
UV light exposure can simply be limited by using protective glasses. However, if not sheltered properly, UV light can actually “sunburn” the eyes and stimulate benign yellowish growth on the eye. Prolonged radiation can lead to eye conditions and diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration, which have been the most prominent cause linked to blindness in adults over 60 years old.
- Fashion
On a less serious note, frames can be added to an outfit to add an extra layer of spice and chicness. With an array of varying colors, styles and shapes, glasses can be styled in numerous ways, elevating one’s sense of fashion and offering for an enrichment of ones face.
Shape of Face
Face shape is a constant concern when considering which pair of frames to purchase. Choosing the best pair of frames can assure that your prescription works more efficiently. Let’s dive into the varying face shapes, and which fits each.
- Round face
Because your face has pretty much the same width and length, a square or rectangular shaped frame, or something with a little bit of edge and sharpness, can add more definition to your face. Adding in these elements enhancing and defines the definition of your face shape.
- Oval face
If you possess an oval face shape, you can pick from about any style of frames you want. Go for a trendy cat eye look, or something more vintage and squared; the choice is yours.
- Square face
If your face is square-shaped, virtually all the measurements of your face are similar, ranging from the forehead, cheekbones and jaw. Because of this, it’s important to choose a frame that holds a round or oval shape. The roundness will contrast the squareness that your face already holds.
Aesthetic Style
Everyone has their own personalized sense of style, and this can be expressed through eyeglasses frames as well. There is a surplus of styles for frames, some being unisex, and others geared towards a specific demographic.
Some important things to think over when choosing a frame style:
- Skin complexion
- Personal features
- Eye color
- Hair color
- Size of frame
Lifestyle
To choose the best suited pair of frames for oneself, we must review over our lifestyles. What does your average day to day look like? Are you typically working behind a desk, or adventuring out and about? What are some of the leading features that your frames will need to adapt to?
It’s important to review the activities of your lifestyle to ensure that you purchase a suitable, well-fitted pair of frames to keep up with your day to day. Ensuring the fit of your frames is one of the most significant aspects of eyeglass frames.
Some elements that will affect this include the material/weight of the frames, size of lenses, exercise/daily activity and blue light/UV exposure.
By: McKinley Franklin, Armon Hayes
