Criteria For Choosing Suitable Eyeglass Frames: Part I

Photo credit: vincentoptical.com

Most patients find choosing a frame for their eyeglass a daunting task and when confronted by opticians, their reactions will be: "I need a frame that will make me look smart, intelligent, cheerful and outgoing", I need something that can blend into the background, match my appearance and facial morphology", "I want a light frame that is simple etc."

No matter how daunting the task of choosing an eyeglass frame might be, it is very vital because eyeglass frames can basically improve the appearance of the patient, just as the lens itself improves his/her vision. Putting these options into consideration, the patient is faced with the challenge of choosing an eyeglass frame that will practically suit not only his/her lifestyle and appearance but will also suit his/her prescription(lens) and shape of face.

If you have not purchased a pair of eyeglass before, it is important to consult a professional (probably opticians) before choosing an eyeglass frames. This is because getting a good and suitable eyeglass frame enhances and encourages the general acceptance of the prescription by the patient. The following are criteria that will enable an eyeglass wearer to choose a suitable frame for his/her prescription:

1. Type of refractive error
2. Face shape
3. Color tone
4. Fashion preferences.

Types of Refractive Error

 Minus lens or nearsighted prescriptions(myopic): This type of lens have thick edges and thin center. In a situation where the prescription is less than -2.50D, almost any size or shape of eyeglass frame will give a cosmetically acceptable edge thickness. But if the prescription is more than -2.50D, it is advisable to use smaller eyeglass frame to avoid edge thickness and if rimless mounting is the choice, then high index lenses should be considered.

Plus lens or farsighted prescription(hyperopia): This type of lens have thick center and thin edges. Thus, the higher the lens power, the heavier the prescription and the more uncomfortable the wearer will be. Just like minus lenses, if the prescription power is less than +2.50D, almost any size or shape of eyeglass frame will be acceptable. However, because the edge of  plus lenses are thin, rimless or thin eyeglass frames may not be suitable because the edge of the lens might not fit into the frame. On the other hand, choosing a smaller frame with adjustable nose pads will decrease the heaviness of the lenses and keep the heavy lenses sitting in the correct position respectively.

Progressive lenses(no-line): Progressive lenses are presbyopic lenses with lens power increasing from top to bottom. The reading area of it is situated at the part of the lens. This makes it important for the wearer to choose a frame that is large enough to accommodate viewing areas at all distances. In the type of lens, a small frame is usually a bad choice because it will make the reading area unstable or uncomfortably small. However, this problem have been taken care of by lens manufacturers with the introduction of "short corridor" which provides larger reading areas for smaller and fashionable frames.

Proceed to Part II