Choosing the best eyeglasses can often be a daunting task. However, a visit to one of the optical shops at Atrius Health can make what could be an overwhelming process into a pleasant experience.

Our licensed opticians will ensure that you find the perfect pair of eyeglasses that will enhance your appearance and provide years of durability and style at an affordable price. So what should you take into consideration when choosing the right pair of eyeglasses?

Prescription Strength

Not all frames are compatible with all prescriptions. The thickness of the prescription dictates the proper frame choice. A licensed optician will advise you on the best frames that are best suited for a specific prescription. Other things to consider:

• Will the glasses be used for reading, progressives, or just for driving? All are important to know as reading glasses need to be durable since you’ll be taking the glasses on and off frequently. The frame has to withstand daily wear, while progressive glasses are those that will be worn all the time, so they need to be extremely comfortable.
• What is the personal image you’re trying to portray? Your eyewear should send that message. For example, someone in an artistic profession might consider something “edgy” to represent their creative style. It’s okay to push the envelope a bit, but the style should fit within your comfort zone and reflect your personality.

Face Shape

The shape of your face (round, square, or angular) is one of the best ways to figure out the best frames for you. If you have a round face, you want to choose frames that lessen the roundness of the face, where the opposite would be true with a square face. An optician can easily figure out the best frame that naturally works best depending on your face shape. For example, for those with an oval face, “cat-eye” frames can accentuate the look and be extremely flattering.

Eyeglass Frames

With all the choices now available, it can be challenging to choose the right frame. Many factors, including the prescription, your eye color, your skin tone, and your hair color, are all important to consider. For example, someone with rosy skin tones should cool down the redness with a complimentary frame color, while those who are darker skin often look great with colorful frames or even pastel colors. Eye color is another important factor when choosing frames. Someone with blue eyes should not get an overtly blue frame, but rather a frame with blue tones, red, or silver to make their eye color pop. Those with brown eyes should choose warm earth tones. Finally, selecting frames that work best for your hair color can make a huge difference. For example, a red frame looks great with blonde hair, while those with salt and pepper colored hair should avoid brown frames and opt for navy blue or cool tones. These are not hard-and-fast rules, but rather just a guide for a successful frame choice.

Mix it up!

Even if your prescription doesn’t change, styles can get out of date or lens can get scratched. It’s a good practice to change your eyeglasses at least every two years to give yourself a refreshed look, stay in style, and have a spare pair of glasses, even if your prescription doesn’t change. Right now, brightly colored or clear plastic frames are beautiful and trendy with a myriad of options.

Buying Glasses Online

While it may be tempting to shop for eyeglasses online, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not relying on a licensed optician to help them pick the right glasses to fit their needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Buying eyeglasses online can rob you of the opportunity to see and look your best. A knowledgeable optician can educate you about the latest advances in lens technology – information you would never have when purchasing glasses online.

You may see a frame on a celebrity and think it will look good on you, only to realize later it was an unwise choice. It’s “buyer beware” when ordering online due to possible inferior quality materials or a poor fit or shape, all of which will not hold up to everyday wear and tear and lead to poor performance. Finally, there is no guarantee online retailers will be around to honor warranties.

Don’t miss the opportunity to consult with one of our licensed opticians to ensure you choose the perfect eyeglasses!