Finding the right pair of glasses can be an exciting adventure, with all the options available for frame styles and types of lenses. Beyond style and comfort, making sure that your glasses fit properly is crucial for your eye health and overall well-being. Improperly fitting eyeglasses can cause vision problems, eye strain, and irritation.
What Happens if Glasses Don’t Fit?
When glasses don’t fit correctly, comfort is usually the first casualty. Ill-fitting glasses can cause pressure points on the nose and behind the ears, potentially leading to headaches and discomfort. Over time, these pressure points can even cause skin irritation and soreness.
More importantly, though, wearing glasses that don’t fit correctly can have a lasting impact on your eye health. Glasses that don’t fit well may shift around, affecting the alignment of the lenses with your eyes. This misalignment can result in blurry vision, making it difficult to focus and potentially straining your eyes, which only further contributes to digital eye strain if you spend a significant amount of time in front of screens.
Additionally, improper fit may lead to an incorrect prescription, further exacerbating vision problems. Not to mention that constantly adjusting your glasses throughout the day can be frustrating and distracting.
What Determines the Fit of Your Eyeglasses?
While the build of eyeglasses is created equal, many differences in frames can impact their fit. Your face shape and eyes can also affect how well frames suit you. When thinking about your next pair of glasses, some things to consider include:
- Frame size: This involves the lenses’ width and the frame’s overall dimensions, which must match the contours of your face. An appropriate bridge fit helps the glasses rest comfortably on your nose. If the bridge is too wide or too narrow, it can cause the frames to slip or pinch.
- Temple length: This is the length of each arm of the eyeglasses from hinge to tip. Temples that are too short may not secure the glasses in place, while excessively long ones can lead to discomfort behind the ears.
- Pupillary distance: This is the distance between the pupils of both eyes. Proper centring helps you look through the middle of the lens instead of the sides to get optimal vision clarity.
- Face shape: The shape of your ears, cheekbones, nose, or eyebrows can make a difference in how comfortable your eyeglasses are.
How Do You Know if Your Glasses Fit Properly?
If plastic, properly fitted glasses should rest comfortably on your nose without pinching or slipping. If metal, the nose pads should sit evenly on both sides of your nose, distributing the weight of the glasses and preventing discomfort.
The temples of your glasses should fit snugly around your ears without causing pressure. They should follow the natural curve of your head and extend just past your ears. If the temples are too tight or loose, it can lead to discomfort and instability.
Your glasses’ frame should be level and centred on your face. The lenses should align with your pupils, promoting optimal vision correction. If the frame tilts or sits unevenly, it may require adjustment to achieve a proper fit.
How Do You Get Glasses Fitted?
Visiting an optician is the most reliable way to make sure your glasses fit properly. Opticians are trained professionals who can assess your glasses’ fit and make any necessary adjustments. They have the tools and expertise to fine-tune the fit for maximum comfort and optimal vision.
How Opticians Fit Glasses
During the fitting process, an optician will assess your facial features, including the shape of your nose, the distance between your eyes, and the curvature of your ears. This initial assessment helps determine the best fit for your glasses.
A good optician will recommend frames that complement your facial features and suit your prescription needs. Once you’ve selected your frames, the optician will make personalized adjustments for a perfect fit. This may involve bending the temples, adjusting the nose pads, and aligning the frame to suit your unique facial structure.
Regular Maintenance
Regardless of how you get your eyeglasses, bringing them to an optician for regular inspection for signs of wear and tear is essential. They can help tighten loose screws, clean the lenses, and make sure the frames maintain their shape. Routine maintenance helps keep your glasses in good condition and provides a proper fit over time.
Once My Glasses Fit, That’s It, Right?
Unfortunately, no. Our faces can change over time due to weight fluctuations, aging, or dental work. These changes can alter how your glasses sit on your face, making adjustments necessary to maintain a proper fit.
Moreover, your vision prescription may change over time, requiring new lenses. When updating your prescription, it’s essential to have your glasses adjusted to accommodate the new lenses and make sure they fit correctly.
Should I Have Properly Fitting Sunglasses Too?
Yes! Like regular glasses, properly fitting sunglasses help with comfort and stability, which is essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Ill-fitting sunglasses may allow UV rays to enter from the sides, compromising eye protection. A snug fit helps provide maximum coverage and protection.
Properly fitting sunglasses help improve your vision by reducing glare and enhancing contrast. This is especially important for driving, sports, and outdoor adventures.
Perfect Fit, Confident You
Toronto Centre Eye Care knows how important it can be to your eye health and overall confidence to have a properly fitted pair of eyeglasses that match your personal style. Contact us today to find the best-fitting glasses for your face.
