Like the right cosmetics and the right clothes, your eyeglasses can change your look. They can make you look studious like Clark Kent, fun and funky like Elton John or stylish like Bono. To get the best value for your money, take advantage of the many online stores that offer a great range of spectacles. Cheaper prices mean that you can often indulge your desire to have a new pair of glasses to suit every possible look. Plus, most sites have built-in virtual try-on widgets.
So how do you ensure the best fit for you?
First, make sure you have a current prescription, including your pupillary distance, which is the industry standard measurement in millimeters for the distance between the centers of your pupils. You’ll need this when it comes time to order your new eyeglasses online.
Second, make sure you have a clear, accurate digital photograph of your head, taken face-on without glasses. Some sites may offer the opportunity for you to take a photograph with your webcam, but they aren’t always the most flattering. Once you have your photo, upload it to the site and start considering which frames might best suit you.
Third, consider your prescription, the shape of your face, and the colors that look good on you. If you are very nearsighted, glasses tend to make your eyes look smaller. If you are farsighted, your eyes are likely to look larger. If you have strong features, you will be able to choose strong colors such as dark red or purple; if you have delicate features, then beware of frames that may swamp you. If you’re nearsighted, your lenses are likely to be thickest at the outside edges, so choosing frames with slightly thicker edges may help to disguise this if you have a high prescription. For those who are farsighted, the opposite is true. You may also want to consider opting for high indexing to make your lenses as thin as possible.
Fourth, try on a range of different frames to suit your face shape. If you have a round face, you can counteract it with small, angular frames. If your face is square, then oval or round frames can help bring out the best aspects of your features. If you’re lucky enough to have an oval face, just about any shape of frame will suit you, but keep your frames in proportion. If your face is small, don’t opt for glasses that are too large or overpowering. Try to get the top edge of the frame to line up with your eyebrows.
Fifth, if you already wear glasses, look at the measurements marked on the inside of the arm. They’re likely to say something like 53-18-140. The first measurement is the width of the lens, the second is the width of the bridge and the third is the overall length of the arm. All of these can help you narrow down your selection online.
When you’ve selected your glasses, check the terms and conditions of the site. Many will adjust your eyeglasses free of charge, and some will also allow you to try on a small selection of frames before you buy, making sure you get the best eyeglasses available online at the best price for you.