Blog Hero

How Should Eyeglasses Fit Your Face?

Book Appointment
A young patient has a pair of eyeglasses fitted by their optometrist

When it comes to eyeglasses, comfort and functionality are just as important as style. Eyeglasses should fit comfortably on your nose and ears, align with your eyes, and complement your face shape without pinching or slipping

At The Eye Avenue, we offer personalized fittings to ensure that your glasses feel and look perfect. We offer a wide variety of brands and styles, giving you the confidence you need in your eyewear.

Why Proper Eyeglass Fit Is Important

A proper fit is essential for both comfort and vision. Poorly fitted glasses can cause discomfort, and headaches, and even hinder your ability to see clearly. When your glasses are well-fitted, they should feel almost invisible—you shouldn’t have to constantly adjust them or feel pressure points.

Several factors contribute to the perfect fit, including frame width, bridge placement, and how the temples (the arms of the glasses) sit on your ears. Getting these aspects right can enhance both the look and function of your glasses.

Key Areas to Consider for a Proper Eyeglass Fit

Frame Width

One of the most important elements of a proper eyeglass fit is the frame width. Your eyeglasses should not extend beyond the sides of your face. If they are too wide, the glasses may slip down your nose, and if they are too narrow, they can pinch your temples, causing discomfort.

The frame width should match the width of your face to provide stability and comfort. Many optical stores, including The Eye Avenue, offer frame width measurements to help you find the perfect fit.

Bridge Placement

The bridge is the part of the glasses that rests on your nose, and it plays a critical role in determining comfort. A bridge that fits well should sit comfortably on the nose without pinching or leaving marks. It should also distribute the weight of the glasses evenly so that they don’t feel too heavy.

If your bridge is too tight, it can lead to discomfort, and if it’s too loose, your glasses will slide down constantly, requiring frequent adjustments.

There are different types of bridges, such as adjustable nose pads or solid bridges, and finding the right one for your face can make a big difference in how your glasses feel throughout the day.

Temple Length & Positioning

The temples (the arms of the glasses) should fit securely around your ears without pinching or feeling too tight. They should rest comfortably on your ears, with the curve at the end sitting just behind them to prevent the glasses from slipping down.

The temples should be long enough to provide stability but not so long that they extend far past your ears. If your temples are too short, the glasses may not stay in place properly.

Lens Alignment with Your Eyes

For optimal vision, the lenses in your glasses should be aligned with the centre of your eyes. If the lenses are too high or too low, it can cause distortion or force you to tilt your head unnaturally to see through the correct part of the lens.

Proper alignment makes sure that the lenses are positioned correctly, allowing for maximum clarity and comfort. Your optician can help confirm that your lenses are centred properly during your fitting.

Illustration of different glasses for different face shapes. Round, Square, Heart, Long, and Triangle face shapes.

How Face Shape Affects Eyeglass Fit

In addition to comfort, eyeglasses should complement the natural shape of your face. Different face shapes work best with specific styles of frames, and choosing the right frame shape can enhance your overall appearance.

Round Face

If you have a round face, your goal should be to add contrast by selecting frames with sharp angles. Square or rectangular frames can help create a more defined appearance, balancing your face’s softer curves.

Oval Face

An oval face is versatile and can work with a variety of frame styles. However, it’s best to avoid frames that are too large or small for your proportions. Look for frames that maintain your face’s natural balance, such as classic rectangular or rounded styles.

Square Face

For a square face, softer, rounded frames can help soften the angles and give your features a more balanced appearance. Oval or round frames are often recommended to complement strong jawlines and broad foreheads.

Heart-Shaped Face

Heart-shaped faces, with their broader foreheads and narrower chins, look best in frames that balance the width of the forehead with the smaller chin area. Rimless or cat-eye frames are great options for heart-shaped faces.

Adjusting Your Glasses for Comfort

Even after you’ve chosen the perfect pair of eyeglasses, you may need to make small adjustments to get the best fit. Your optician can make small tweaks to the frames to confirm they sit properly on your face.

  • Temple adjustments: Temples can be adjusted to either tighten or loosen the fit around your ears. The goal is to create a secure fit without causing pressure.
  • Bridge adjustments: If your glasses sit too low or too high on your nose, the bridge can often be adjusted to improve comfort.
  • Lens alignment: If your vision isn’t as clear as it should be, you can also have lenses aligned. Small shifts in lens positioning can greatly enhance your overall visual experience.

At The Eye Avenue, we offer complimentary adjustments to all of our clients, making sure that your glasses are perfectly fitted after purchase.

When to Consider a New Pair of Glasses

If you’ve made adjustments to your current glasses and still experience discomfort or vision problems, it may be time to consider a new pair. Over time, wear and tear can affect the shape and fit of your glasses. Additionally, if your prescription has changed, it’s essential to update your lenses for optimal vision.

A new pair of glasses can offer both improved comfort and vision. Whether you’re due for an updated prescription or simply ready for a new look, The Eye Avenue has a wide selection of frames to suit all face shapes and personal styles.

Achieving the Best Fit for Your Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses should fit comfortably on your face, aligning properly with your eyes, nose, and ears. The right fit not only confirms that you see clearly but also prevents discomfort and headaches. At The Eye Avenue, we offer expert fittings and adjustments to help you find the perfect pair of glasses that fit both your face and your lifestyle. Book an appointment with us today to get started on your eyeglasses journey. 

Written by Dr. Regina Tran

Dr. Regina Tran is a board-certified Optometric Physician. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association, and current Vice President Central Society of Optometric Physician. Dr. Tran was born and raised in Florida, where she attended the University of Central Florida and majored in Molecular & Microbiology. She proceeded to earn her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2012, where she met her other half, Dr. John Tran. Together, they returned to her hometown in Orlando upon graduation. Dr. Tran is passionate about bringing the latest technology in eye care to her patients. She enjoys providing one-on-one personalized experience and education to her patients to facilitate optimal visual function and lifestyle.
instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star-half star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax