Style. It’s an entirely subjective concept and has nothing to do with healthcare … until you are putting a vision correction prescription into some new frames. Suddenly, what was an easy “just listen to the doctor” type visit turns into something downright scary to some people- Which glasses should I pick up?!?!
One of the first questions people typically ask our staff is “what do you think will look good on me?” While there is no blanket answer to this, there are some generalities we can follow. The biggest one involves face shape. People with round facial features tend to look best with very square featured eye glasses. The opposite is true of people who have square facial features- check out the round ones!! Speaking of round frames, I am currently writing this in downtown Minneapolis-St. Paul and I always check out what people are wearing when I travel … there are TONS of round frames on young people here. It seems to be a fashion forward trend and a lot of people tend to shy away from trying on round frames. I can think of a couple we have made lately that turned out beautifully. So don’t rule out different shapes until you actually get the chance to try them on!
One of the next general divides in which glasses a person needs is “do you prefer metal or plastic frames?” Both are durable and well made. Plastic frames are better at hiding high prescriptions (less of your lens will be sticking out … no “Coke bottles”) and tend to be very popular right now. Metal frames are thin, generally light weight and have a very low profile on a patients face. This allows them to be worn every day no matter what outfit you have on (this matters!! Trust me). Plastic frames have unlimited color options and can be accessorized more than metal frames. Some of our artistic patients have ordered some of the wildest color frames you can imagine and they always wind up being fun for us to help make. One key differentiation between metal and plastic frames is the presence of nose pads. Generally … metal frames have nose pads and plastic ones don’t. There are exceptions though. Nose pads add pressure on the nose but can be adjusted easier, which is especially helpful with no line bifocal lenses. Plastic frames tend to rest easier on the nose but have a tendency to slip over time. We can fix this minor problem in office with a frame adjustment free of charge. We also replace screws that can fall out of the hinges free of charge.
The last consideration in frame purchasing is a big one … lens options. Anti-reflective coating? Thin? Light weight? Impact resistant? Bifocal?? Computer use???? Are you outdoors?????? Do you wear them to drive???????????? … I could write an entire blog on lens options and I think I will. Today lets just sum it up- there are A LOT of lens options that have bearing on what frame you will be happy wearing. Our office prides itself on making sure we address all of these questions before your purchase and that you wind up successful and happy with a good looking pair of glasses that is tailored for your specific needs. We encourage group selfies, insta posts, significant others opinions and we also will poll our staff if we can’t decide between frames. Selecting a stylish and functional frame for your glasses should be fun- let us help you when the time comes to buy glasses. ALWAYS try on first!
Cheers!
Dr. Ben
