How To Measure Your Eyes For Fitting Eyeglasses
Optometry shops will offer advice on the fitting of your glasses. It's important to be familiar with the details of fitting eyeglasses when you shop online.
It is actually quite simple. The size of your eyeglasses is determined by three numbers. These numbers are:
- Lens width (two digits).
- Bridge width (two digits)
- Temple length (three digits)
How to measure the glasses
Are you able to keep a pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses that fit well and are comfortable? Pay attention to the numbers printed on or inscribed inside the temples (or arms of) the glasses. While you are likely to see information about the model and manufacturer of the glasses, you may also find information that is similar to this sequence.
53 16 - 140
These numbers are again:
- Lens width
- Bridge width
- temple length
Each measurement is in millimeters.
You're already in a good place if you have glasses that fit well. You can shop by size and search for the exact same size or something in between. Because it is unlikely that a few millimeters will make a big difference in your fit, we say "thereabout". Fit can also be subjective. If you prefer cat-eye frames, for example, your frame width may be larger than your temples.
Is frame width important?
The most important thing is the frame width. It is important to find frames that fit your face width. Your face will appear wider if your frames are too narrow. Contrarily, a frame too large will make your face appear smaller. Frame width is a tricky topic. It will not be a number you enter when ordering glasses, or inscribed on your own glasses.
If you do not know the frame width, you can easily calculate it.
Lens width (x2)
+
Bridge width
+
The width of the hinge or frame pieces
These extend beyond the lens (x2)
All you have to do is remember that glasses that fit well will probably not be a good fit for you. You want frames that are equal in width to the largest part of your forehead at your temples.
While the lens width is most important, you don't have to insist on it. Confused? This graphic will help you.
Does lens height matter?
Both yes and no. The style you choose will determine the lens height. Round frames will have a higher lens height than those with rectangular frames. You can choose to get multifocal lenses or make your own selection based upon your preferences.
If you plan to get multifocal lenses, you will need glasses that are at least 30mm high. For the prescription to be effective, and to accommodate multiple focus zones, the vertical space is essential.
You will not see the lens height on your glasses, and you might not find it on the page where you order. Consider the following:
-
Look for an indication your frames will work for progressive/multi-focal prescriptions, or...
- To confirm that the frames are suitable for your prescription, you can contact us via email, chat, or phone.
Is bridge width important?
The bridge of your frames lies on your nose. The bridge width refers to the distance between the inside and the lenses.
Bridge width is an important part of your frame width. However, bridge widths do not vary much. They usually range between 14 mm and 24 mm, but they are often less.
Bridge width is not an important aspect of frame selection unless you have a narrow or wide nose. This is especially true if your frames have adjustable nosepads.
Does temple length matter?
Your frames should fit snugly around your ears. Your glasses should not slide down your nose.
The length of the temples doesn't change much, however. These are often available in five mm increments: 135, 140 145, 145 and 150. There may be some room. You may not be aware of any differences if frames are only available with 145mm temples.
To ensure a perfect fit, the temples should extend straight back towards your ears. They should only touch your forehead just in front of your ears. They can push down your nose and cause discomfort if they are too short or curve too early.
What about pupillary distance?
The pupillary distance (PD), which is the distance between your pupils measured in millimeters, is very important. For glasses to work, PD must always be accurately measured and applied.
However, PD does not refer to your frames. It is a factor in the production of your lenses. Remember to ask your optometrist for your PD. You don't need this information if you are buying online.
Our goal is to promote a sense balance.
A good fit will give you a feeling of visual balance. Your glasses should be in the middle of your face, not above your eyebrows. Your temple width should be the same width as your glasses.