The choice of the frame of the glasses is an important step to match the look to your personality and your lifestyle. In the twenty-first century, the possibilities are nearly endless. An optometrist, for example, will offer you the solution that best suits your needs, but they may not have that model you love so much. You may be able to buy a frame from other commercial channels at a much lower price than in optical stores. Before proceeding with the purchase, however, you must choose the shape, size, color and material of the frame.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Evaluating the Practical Side
Step 1. Consider how often you wear glasses
This factor influences your choice in many ways. People who wear optical correction on and off usually also want to spend less and adjust to a heavier frame. Individuals who constantly wear glasses, on the other hand, are willing to spend more for a more durable, lighter and more comfortable product.
Step 2. Think about your daily lifestyle
For some of your activities, you may need a frame with special features. Proximity to water, physical activity and the use of machinery at work play a role when choosing eyewear. If you have to wear them during manual work, look at your colleagues' frames. The common element between the glasses of your colleagues at work may suggest the best solution for your needs.
People who are very active all day should consider scratch and break resistant frames. This minimizes the frequency of repairs. It is also worth looking for models that have an extended warranty. In these cases the possibility of having spare parts and free repairs is really essential
Step 3. Evaluate the aesthetic appearance
Think about how you will use the glasses. Some people prefer practicality and low cost to the detriment of the look. Others, on the other hand, have to wear optical correction in social and professional situations and need refined or fashionable frames. Minimalist models cost less, but more trendy ones emphasize the look and emphasize the lines of the face.
Part 2 of 4: Highlighting Your Characteristics
Step 1. Determine the shape of the face
Choosing the right frame doesn't just depend on your will. The natural features of the face play a very important role and, among these, the shape is certainly the fundamental aspect. You can find it easily by looking at your image in the mirror or in a photo and comparing it to a diagram.
- Round face: People with a round face should focus more on square or rectangular frames that slim and lengthen it. Avoid rimless, oval or round glasses.
- Oval face: in this case you should choose a frame with a well accentuated bridge and avoid the large ones that make the face look even smaller.
- Square face: To smooth the edges, you should buy a rounded or rounded frame.
- Diamond face: You should never accentuate a narrow forehead, so avoid glasses that draw attention to this part of the face. Instead, opt for small, rounded frames.
- Face to heart: to reduce the visual impact of the wide forehead compared to the narrow chin, choose glasses with a low support on the nose. This trick "lowers" the center of the face.
Step 2. Consider skin allergies
If this is not your first pair of glasses, you are probably already aware of any contact skin reactions. If not, you can go to the dermatologist and get tested. If you have doubts and don't want to do any tests, these are the materials that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions:
- Plastic or synthetic materials. Frames constructed with these materials are often hypoallergenic - meaning there is less risk of them damaging the skin. Their price is very variable. For example, you can find glasses in cellulose propionate, cellulose diacetate (zylonite) and nylon.
- Metal. When it comes to allergies, metal frames can trigger various reactions; some metals are completely hypoallergenic, but others trigger breakouts. The most used are titanium, stainless steel, aluminum and beryllium.
- Natural or alternative materials. Wood, bone and horn generally do not cause skin allergies.
Step 3. Observe the color of your complexion
Most people have a natural color which can be classified into two basic categories. To understand if you have a cold or warm complexion, hold a piece of white paper near your face. If the skin looks yellowish, brownish or golden, then you have warm colored skin. If you have the feeling that the face is pink or bluish, then you have a cold color.
- People with a "warm" complexion should choose tortoiseshell, brown or dark green frames rather than excessively contrasting white, black or pastel shades.
- People with a "cold" complexion should opt for colors such as black, white and other bright shades. Colors that tend to brown do not go well with this type of skin.
Step 4. Don't neglect your hair color
Just like skin, hair can also be classified into two main categories. Cool-colored hair is reddish-blonde, black-blue and white, while warm-colored hair is brown-black, golden-blonde and gray. Again, follow the principles described in the previous step.
Part 3 of 4: Purchase the Mount in a Store
Step 1. Ask your optometrist what the price of the fitting is
Some professionals have the necessary machinery to cut and insert lenses into the frame. In some cases it is a free service or at a discounted price. Before looking for the frame in other outlets, you should know if the price for mounting on third-party glasses makes the expense you will have to incur too high for your budget.
Step 2. Look at the prices of the frames in the optical shop
Sometimes one gets the impression that lower prices can be obtained at large centers or discount stores. However, you may find that the savings are minimal by comparing the prices charged by the optician. Once you have considered the fitting costs, warranties and other details, you will probably find that it is best to buy glasses from your optometrist.
If you have to use the lens correction at home occasionally, then you can avoid buying a very extended accessory warranty. Consider whether you will need a lot of free repairs when comparing quotes
Step 3. Go to other optical stores in the area
In your city there will certainly be many optical shops that sell different models than those proposed by your optometrist. They may also offer you a sizeable discount that abundantly balances the loss of benefits you would get from buying from your trusted optician. When choosing your frame, don't limit yourself to the models and prices available in one store.
Part 4 of 4: Ordering the Mount Online
Step 1. Look at the materials, size, weight and characteristics
Without the optician's support and an impartial observer who can advise you, you have to pay close attention to the specs of the glasses. In addition to checking the features, the material and the caliber, you also need to evaluate the weight. Not being able to try on the frame, the only thing you can do is compare the description with a pair of glasses you have at home. Weigh them on a scale and use them as a yardstick to evaluate the product online.
Step 2. Know the measurements
It is essential that the glasses are adapted to the anatomical features of your face. Even a frame that respects the width and height of the face may not fit properly. Check that all size specifications are suitable for your needs by taking an old pair of glasses as a comparison. The dimensional measurements of the frames are generally expressed in millimeters.
- Caliber. This is the width of each orbit detected at the outer edges;
- Bridge. It is the distance between the two orbits;
- Auction. It is the length of the rod that rests on the ears;
- Height. It is the maximum height of the orbit.
Step 3. Measure the interpupillary distance
This is the distance that separates the centers of the pupils. Since it is very difficult to self-measure this value, you should ask the optician to do it for you, so you can be sure you have an accurate figure. However, there are methods to detect this measurement even at home, methods that save you time and give you an idea of the order of magnitude of this value. The interpupillary distance is measured in millimeters.
The simplest way to measure it at home is to use a photograph. Take an object whose length is known (such as a pen) and place it under the chin. Take the picture in the mirror and get a ruler. Let's assume that the ballpoint pen is 127 mm long, but that in the photo its measurements are 25.4 mm. At this point you know that the ratio between the actual dimensions and those of the image are 5: 1. For this reason, if the interpupillary distance in the photo corresponds to 12 mm, you just need to multiply it by 5 to get the real value, that is 60 mm
Step 4. Read the conditions of sale of the online store
There should be a return guarantee so that you can try the frame on and return or exchange it (just in case it doesn't fit) at no extra cost on your part. Also take into account all the factors that affect the total price, especially the shipping costs. You should also rely on a vendor who offers some sort of warranty, insurance, or free maintenance.
Step 5. Test the mount and see if you need to return it
This is a fundamental aspect of online eyewear purchases. When buying over the internet it is impossible to be as precise as buying from a "physical" optical store. The online seller may also have misleading or inaccurate images and features. Wear the glasses for a couple of days or so, evaluating the quality of vision and comfort.
