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Top 5 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Optical Frames

How to pick the best frames for your face

The lenses are the most important part of your eyeglasses because they improve your sight and allow you to see the world better. Having the proper lenses can clear up blurred vision caused by age, computer use, and conditions such as astigmatism.

Optical frames play an important role, too, because they hold your corrective lenses in place, but they’re more than just lens-holders. The right optical frames give you an opportunity to express your personal style and have some fun!

Whitson Vision, a leading eye care center based in Indianapolis and Avon, Indiana, offers a full range of optical frame styles, from classics to the latest trends. If you’re choosing new frames, be sure to keep these five things in mind while you consider your options.

1. Your style

Think of eyeglasses as a way to show the world what drives your style. Are you a traditionalist who loves classic styles? Are you obsessed with the latest trends? No matter where you fall on the style spectrum, Whitson Vision has optical frames to suit you.

2. Your personality

Optical frames are a fun way to express your personality. One pair can display a sense of fun and adventure; another can project an image of seriousness. Choose one pair of frames that best reflects your true personality, or select a wardrobe of optical frames that allow you to decide each morning which personality vibes you want to send out to the world that day.

3. The shape and size of your face

Although you should let your taste guide you, conventional wisdom holds that different types of eyeglasses tend to work best with certain face shapes. For example:

Oval face

If you have an oval face, you’re likely to look best in frames that are as least as wide as, or wider than, the broadest part of your face. Narrow frames may not look as good on you as wider frames.

Heart-shaped face

A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. For your valentine face, consider frames that are wider at the bottom to help balance the dimensions of your face.

Round face

A round face tends to look best with frames that are narrow or angular, because they allow your face to appear thinner and longer.

Square face

If your face is square or angular, choosing rounder, softer frames can balance out the angles of your face.

Small face

If your face is especially small, consider smaller frames. Try children’s frames if adult frames are all too big.

Remember: You don’t necessarily have to follow these guidelines. If you try on frames that look great, they’re right for you whether or not they adhere to conventional wisdom.

4. The color of your hair and skin

Stylists classify hair and skin tones as “cool” or “warm.”

Cool hair tones include blond, blue-black, red/auburn, and some shades of gray, such as a mix of gray and white. Warm hair tones include golden blond, golden brown, brownish black, and brownish grays.

Cool skin tones have a pink or blue undertone. Warm skin tones have a yellow or bronze undertone.  

If your hair and skin tend toward cool tones, try frames that are black, silver, rosy brown, blue-gray, shades of purple, or darker tortoise.

If your hair and skin tend toward warm tones, consider optical frames in shades of copper, peach, red, warm blue, or light tortoise.

And if you have a mix of both, try on a range of frames and see what looks best. Remember, these are only guidelines.

5. Type of lenses

Your prescription and the weight and thickness of the lens you choose might make certain types of frames more practical for you.

Our knowledgeable team at Whitson Vision can help you choose your perfect optical frames and lenses, and our doctors can diagnose and treat a full range of eye conditions. To make an appointment, call our office or use the convenient online booking feature.

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