You'll very certainly obtain advise on the fit of your eyeglasses from an optician in an optometry store. It's essential to grasp the subtleties of fitting eyeglasses while shopping online for a bigger selection and lower rates.
It's actually rather straightforward. The size of your spectacles may be determined by three numbers. The figures show that:
1. Lens width (two digits)
2. Temple length (three digits)
3. Bridge width (two digits)
The measurements of the glasses – where to find appropriate
Do you own a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses that you often use (and that fit you well)?
Examine the numerals engraved or etched on the insides of the glasses' temples (or arms). You'll almost certainly discover information unique to the manufacturer's brand and model, such as
Cartier glasses, but you should also notice a series of three digits that looks like this (as shown in the image above):
53 16 – 140
Again, the above mentioned numbers refer to:
1. Lens Width
2. Bridge Width
3. Temple Length
Each parameter is measured in millimeters.
If you already have a pair of glasses that fit you well, you're already ahead of the game. You may shop by size, looking for items that are the same size or close to it. We mention "thereabouts" because a few millimeters in one direction or the other is unlikely to make a significant difference in your fit. Fit can sometimes be a bit subjective. If you want cat-eye frames, for example, your frame width might be bigger than your temples.
Does frame width matter?
The overall width of your frames, or frame width, is the most important factor. The goal is to choose frames that complement the breadth of your face both visually and aesthetically. Your face will appear broader if your frames are too thin. A frame that is excessively broad, on the other hand, will make your face appear smaller.
(For additional information, see our guide to picking eyeglass frames depending on your face shape.)
The problem with frame width is that it won't be one of the numbers on your prescription glasses or written on your existing spectacles. If you absolutely need to know the frame width (and you don't), you can easily compute it.
Bridge width
+
Lens width (x 2)
+
The widths or distances of the part of the hinge pieces or frame that extend beyond the lens (x2)
All you have to remember is that you don't want to go much higher or lower than the glasses that you know suit you well. The usual rule is to look for frames that are broad enough to cover the widest area of your face near the temples.
Of course, the lens width will be the most telling element, but you do not have to stick to a certain lens width. Confused? The diagram below should be useful.
Does lens height really matter?
Both yes and no. The style you select determines the lens height. Round frames, for example, will almost always have a higher lens height than rectangular frames. If you're not receiving multifocal lenses (bifocals or progressives), choose depending on your personal preferences.
However, if you're receiving multifocal lenses, make sure to purchase glasses with at least a 30 mm lens height. For the prescription to be successful and fit the numerous concentration zones, vertical space is required.
Note: (1) your glasses will not have the lens height listed on them, and (2) the number may or may not be on the website you're purchasing from. If the frame height is not specified by the frame manufacturer, consider the following:
• Look for signs that your frames are compatible with progressive/multi-focal prescriptions, or...
• Confirm that the frames will fit your prescription via chat, email, or phone.
Does bridge width matter?
Your frames' bridge is where they sit on your nose. The smallest distance between the insides of the lenses is measured as bridge width.
Bridge width is important since it determines the breadth of your frame; nevertheless, bridge widths do not vary significantly. They generally range in size from 14 to 24 millimeters (so the difference is relatively small).
Bridge width does not need to be a factor in your frame selection unless you have an extremely narrow or wide nose—especially if your frames include adjustable nose pads.
Does temple length matter?
The temples of your glasses should fit snugly and comfortably around your ears. Your spectacles should not slide down your nose as you shake your head.
Temple lengths, on the other hand, don't vary all that much. They're usually available in 5 mm increments, such as 135, 140, 145, and 150 mm. You could have some leeway. For example, if you like a frame but it's only available with 145 mm temples, but you're used to 140 mm, you might not notice the difference.
Your temples should reach straight back to your ears and just touch the side of your head directly in front of your ears for a great fit. The frames sometimes get pushed down to your nose and be unpleasant if they're too short and curve too early.
What's the deal with pupillary distance?
Pupillary distance (PD) is the measurement of the distance between your pupils in millimeters. For the glasses to be successful, PD must be precisely calculated and applied.
PD, on the other hand, is not a result of your frames. It affects the way your lenses are made. We go through PD and how to quantify it as it relates to ordering your lenses here. Also, remember to request your PD from your optometrist's office. Since if you know your PD, it becomes simple and easy to place an order online, some people may not offer the information which becomes hindrance for them buying online.
The objective is to achieve a sense of equilibrium.
Eyeglasses that are well-fitting to your face will give you a sense of visual equilibrium. You should wear your glasses at the center of your face, not above your brows. The entire width of your frames should, once again, equal the width of your face at the temples.
