Always start with an eye exam.
Our team of highly skilled optometrists is ready to provide you and your entire family with exceptional eye care. We recommend regular comprehensive eye exams for all of our patients. If you have any concerns about your vision, an exam is the first step in getting fitted for glasses. Your optometrist will measure your vision, assess your overall eye health, and determine your prescription, if necessary.
Consider your personal preferences and style.
If you require a prescription for vision correction, your optometrist will discuss your options with you. While we specialize in fitting contact lenses, glasses continue to be a popular and convenient choice for many of our patients. Even if you prefer to wear contacts, it’s a good idea to have a pair of glasses on hand for times when your eyes feel dry or irritated. Consider what frames might best suit your lifestyle and personal preferences. For instance, you may wish to opt for sturdy frames suited to your active lifestyle, or choose bold, colourful frames that reflect your personality.
Choose the right frame type and shape.
It’s also important to choose a frame that fits your face well. It should sit comfortably on your nose and ears, without putting too much pressure on any one area. Look for frames that are proportional to your face, and that don’t slide down your nose. Some frames also work better with certain face shapes than others. Angular frames provide contrast on round faces, while round or oval frames soften the features of square faces.
Check the bridge fit.
The bridge of your glasses is literally the part that connects the two lenses, and it should rest comfortably on your nose without pinching or digging into your skin. If the bridge is too narrow or too wide, it might cause discomfort, or continually slip down your nose.
Adjust the temple length.
The temple length is the part of the glasses that goes behind your ears, and should fit security and comfortably on your face. If the temples are too long, they’ll slide down, but if they’re too short, they’ll feel tight. Find your ideal length that sits comfortably without pressing.
Check the lens position.
When you’re properly fit for a pair of glasses, the lens will be positioned for clear vision. The optical centre of the lens should be directly in front of your pupil. If it isn’t, it can cause blurry vision. A reputable eyewear provider will adjust your lenses to ensure that they’re centred properly for optimal visual acuity.
Adjust for facial asymmetry.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and thank goodness for that! Even though symmetry has long been equated with beauty, very few of us have symmetrical faces. Our facial asymmetry can affect the fit of our glasses, but your optician can adjust them to compensate for any differences in the shape of your face, including the angle of the temples or nose pads.
Consider the lens coatings.
Do you think coffee orders are complicated these days? Your new glasses come with just as many options for customization! There are a variety of lens coatings available that can improve the durability and performance of your glasses. For example, anti-glare coatings can reduce reflections and improve vision in bright light, while scratch-resistant coatings protect your lenses from getting damaged if you tend not to return them to the case when not in use. Blue-light coatings reduce eye strain if you spend long hours in front of a computer or screen. Talk to your optometrist about what custom options might be right for you, and request them when you order your glasses from an eyewear supplier.
Test your vision.
Once you’ve been fitted for your new glasses, it’s important to test your vision to ensure that everything is working well. You may need to make minor adjustments to the fit or prescription to achieve optimal vision. Make sure you communicate with your eyewear provider about how your glasses feel, and always bring them to your eye exams.
The good news is that if your optometrist identifies you as a candidate for corrective vision wear, you won’t have to go through these steps alone. We can help you decide what type of vision correction is best for your lifestyle and needs. When you’re ready, we’re conveniently located within Lenscrafters, which can provide you with a wide selection of prescription eyewear.
By working with our team at Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates and following these tips, you’ll ensure that your glasses fit properly and provide you with the best possible vision.