Frame Selection Guide
Choosing the correct frame can be a daunting and difficult task. We’ve including this frame selection guide to help our patients before they arrive at our office to help understand the selection process and give you a head start on finding that perfect frame.
1. FIND YOUR SHAPE
Face Shape
You should always choose a frame that properly fits your face. Our guide will help you choose a frame that contrasts the shape of your face while enhancing your best features. To start, look in the mirror and see which shape below best matches your face.
Oval
For oval face, Choose frames that are as wide or wider than the broadcast part of the face. If you are lucky enough to have an oval face you can wear just about any lens shape.
Round
If you have a round face, an angular shape will help to give definition to your face, and narrow frames will help to lengthen the face as the frames should make the face appear longer and thinner. The lens shape should be wider than they are the deep. Avoid exclusively round or square styles, which exaggerate facial roundness. Rectangular shapes tend to look the best on this face shape.
Diamond
If you have a diamond shaped face your frames should widen the forehead and jaw while minimizing temples and cheekbones. Try to choose eye glass frames that are rimless, oval, square, cat eye shaped or frames with a straight top and curved bottom are all good choices.
2. How Does It Fit
The top of the frame Eyewire should follow your brow line. If you have thick eyebrows, a thicker and darker frame will be a good choice. Make sure the frame temples (arms) don’t indent your face. If they are too tight they can cause a headache. It’s o.k. if the temples touch but it should leave a mark after hours of wearing it. We can always adjust the temples to fit your face and ears better so if they slide down don’t be concerned. Also the bottom of the frame shouldn’t touch your cheeks this can cause your glasses to fog easily. Mascara is for lashes not for lenses. If your eyelashes touch your lenses the frame probably sits too close to your face.
3. What Material is the best for me
Really you have two main choices for material Metal or Plastic
Metal frames have nose pads that are easier to adjust to raise or lower the frame accordingly. Plastic frames are harder to lower and raise since they usually have a saddle bridge. (Tip: Patients that love to put their glasses on their head beware of nose pads as these tangle up in the hair… ouch.)
Metal frames tend to be heavier (weight that is, unless they are titanium) than plastic.
Plastic frames have a “heavier” look to them. They have a thicker edge around the lens and usually a thicker wider temple. This can be a good thing as a thicker edge can hide thick lenses for patients higher prescriptions.
Metal frames
Metal is the most popular material for eyeglass frames. There are many types of metal to choose from.
Monel (basic metal). This popular, inexpensive material is an alloy of nickel and copper. It is less costly than other metals, but – depending on the quality of the plating used Monel frames may or may not discolor (turning green) and cause skin reactions over time as many people that have skin allergies are allergic to nickel.
Titanium. This premium metal is very strong, durable, corrosion-resistant, and is 40% lighter than other metals. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a nearly perfect material for eyeglass frames. Titanium frames are available in several colors.
Memory metal. This is a titanium alloy composed of roughly 50% titanium and 50% nickel. Frames made of memory metal are extremely flexible, and can be twisted or bended (within reason) to an extreme and still return to their original shape. This feature makes memory metal frames great for kids or anyone who is hard on their glasses.
Beryllium. This lower-cost alternative to titanium resists corrosion and tarnishing, making it an excellent choice for anyone with high skin acidity or who spends a good amount of time in or around salt water. It's also lightweight, strong, flexible and available in a wide range of colors.
Stainless steel. This is an iron-carbon alloy that also contains chromium. Stainless steel frames are lightweight, strong, durable, flexible and corrosion-resistant. They also can be produced in matte or polished finishes.
Plastic frames
Zyl. This material (also called Zylonite or cellulose acetate) is a lightweight and relatively inexpensive type of plastic. It’s also the most popular plastic used for eyeglass frames. Zyl frames are available in a wide variety of colors, including multi-colored models and frames with different layers of color.
Propionate. This is a nylon-based plastic that is strong, flexible, lightweight and hypoallergenic. Propionate is often used in sports frames because of its durability.
Combination frames
As the name states these are frames that have both metal and plastic components. Popular in the 50s and 60s, combination frames have made a comeback in the last few years, but in a wider variety of colors than the classic models.
Mix it up!
Each individual frame material offers its own advantages and disavantages. For eyewear that fits every occasion in your life, it is best to purchase more than one pair of glasses (especially for backup) and choose a different frame material for each pair. You may want a conservative-style frame made of tough, lightweight titanium for work. But on weekends, you may want something fun and stylish with more color, like a zyl frame in laminated colors.
4. What Color to Choose
Color
The color you choose for your eyeglass frames speaks volumes about your personality. Black and red can be considered power colors, conveying a strong personality. Black can also fall into a plain, fashionable, reserved or strict personality type. Red can convey a bold, fashionable, loud or dominant personality type.
Pastel colored eyeglass frames create a softer and kinder appearance. Bright or bold colors, such as lime, periwinkle or aqua, create a fun and outgoing appearance. Dark solid colors, such as navy, can feel both sophisticated and a little bit trendy. Brown frames, solid or patterned, give an earthy and natural appeal.