Making a spectacle

Prescription glasses are a must for many of us, especially as we become more mature in years.  I’ve been wearing glasses for many years now and as time goes by I rely on them more and more.  Obviously you have the option of contact lenses if you don’t want the bother of carrying glasses around with you, although the very thought of them gives me the collywobbles!

If glasses are a necessity for you, don’t forget, they are also an accessory and another way for you to express your personality.  Just think of Dame Edna Everage or Sue Pollard for an extreme example – definitely dramatic in their personalities!  There are also many other considerations when choosing new specs, including your scale, natural colouring and face shape.

Here’s a few basics to bear in mind:

·         If you prefer your glasses not to be a focal point you may want to go for rimless ones that barely show at all – even if you have a very strong prescription, lenses these days are generally very light weight and are therefore often available in this style.

·         Unless you’re planning on making a real statement with your eye wear, choosing a thin metal frame is another way to ensure they aren’t too obtrusive – try on both gold and silver tones to determine which looks better on you.  Your colour consultant can advise you on this if you need more guidance.

·         If you love colour and want to carry that through to your glasses, choose a colour that will flatter you and one that you wear a lot, ensuring you can co-ordinate them with your favourite outfits.  Many opticians offer a ‘buy one get one free’ deal, so you could choose 2 colours, to work with more of your wardrobe.

·         Be aware of the scale of your face and features.  Are you quite petite, with small facial features, or larger in stature?  Choosing glasses that neither overpower your face, nor look too small, will be most appropriate (you don’t want to look like Deidre Barlow in her big specs days!)

·         The position of the bridge of your glasses is important, especially when it comes to the shape and size of your nose.  High bridges will lengthen your nose while low bridges will shorten it.  Broad noses need a high, narrow bridge to slim them down.

·         When it comes to the shape of your face, as well as your hair style, this should determine whether you opt for angular or more rounded styles.  It’s far more flattering to complement and enhance your features, rather than contradict or exaggerate them.  Therefore, if you have an obviously angular face shape, or hair style, choose angular shaped frames.  If you have softer features and/or hairstyle, choose more contoured frames.

·         Finally, make sure the frames balance the natural line of the eyebrows and ensure the frames don’t rest on your cheeks.

I could go into a lot more detail with regards to face shape, so if you’re looking for more personalised advice, do get in touch for a one to one consultation.

Most importantly, don’t leave your glasses in their case – wear them and enjoy being able to see clearly.  Squinting is much less attractive than wearing a smart pair of specs!