How to make sure your glasses are comfortable and well-fitted

Prescription glasses can be life-changing for those living with poor vision. Whether you’re long-sighted or short-sighted, glasses can do wonders to bring things into focus and avoid unnecessary headaches.

However, one of the most important parts of getting a pair of spectacles is choosing the right frame. It isn’t just about style — it’s about comfort as well!

Here are a few quick tips to consider when you’re choosing your next pair of glasses.

The optical lens

Sometimes, you may get the option to augment the lens of your glasses. Generally, a thinner lens means a lighter pair of glasses, which can help to avoid putting pressure on the bridge of your nose and its surrounds.

However, the width of a lens ultimately depends on your prescription as well. The stronger your prescription, the thicker the lens, so keep that in mind when considering what frame to pick!

The right frame

Speaking of which, the frame of a pair of glasses can dictate a lot of things, from your personal style to your day-to-day comfort. The weight and shape of your glasses frame can make a world of difference to how it presses down on your face.

For maximum comfort, opt for a thin or light frame that doesn’t rest on your cheeks. This will avoid discomfort and excess sweat on those hot summer days, which can go a long way to protecting the health of your skin. Ensure that it also doesn’t reach your eyebrows, as this can be ticklish at times and is usually a sign that the frame is simply too big.

Again, just keep in mind the thickness of your lens. Pairing a thick lens with a thin frame can sometimes look odd on a closer inspection, as the edges of the lens can extend past the rims of the frame. It’s usually not a problem, but can be difficult to clean.

The sides of the frame

The width of a glasses frame is both a style and comfort consideration. One of the most important things to consider that people may forget about is how wide the frame is. If the frame is too narrow, this can press against the sides of your frame and make for a bit of a strange look, especially if you have sideburns which could stick out.

Additionally, a frame that is too narrow can cause delayed discomfort. It may not immediately manifest, but if you’re wearing glasses for a larger part of your day, that pressure will start to make itself known and before long, you’ll be under the yoke of a headache.

Nose pads

This is something that most people will have a problem with. Not all glasses frames have nose pads, but the ones that do are typically the ones that are lighter and more comfortable.

Nose pads are a great way to simultaneously minimise skin contact and support the weight of your glasses, but the wrong pair of nose pads can result in soreness around the bridge of your nose and itchiness.

Speak to your optical assistant or optometrist on how to best fit your nose pads to your face. They may opt to choose different shapes and sizes, or have a go at adjusting them with tools to make them more comfortable for you.