How to Pick Out the Right Glasses

Understand Your Prescription Needs

Before choosing frames or styles, the first step is making sure you have an up-to-date prescription from a comprehensive eye exam. Your prescription will determine the type of lenses you need—whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism, or need help with close-up tasks due to presbyopia (a common condition that comes with age).

Your optometrist or optician will explain your prescription and help you understand your options. Depending on your vision needs, you might require:

• Single-vision lenses: Correct one field of vision—either distance or near.
  
• Bifocals: Have two separate sections for near and distance vision.
  
• Trifocals: Include three viewing areas for distance, intermediate, and near tasks.
  
• Progressives: A modern alternative to bifocals, progressives offer a smooth transition between multiple prescriptions in one lens, without the visible line.
  

Progressives are a popular option for people over 40 who want clear vision at all distances without switching between multiple pairs. They may take a short adjustment period, but many people find the versatility worth it.

Consider Your Lifestyle and Activities

Not all glasses are created equal. Think about how you use your glasses throughout the day. Are you looking at screens for hours? Spending time outdoors? Playing sports or working in a physically demanding environment?

Here are a few examples of special-use glasses that may suit your lifestyle:

• Computer glasses: Designed for screen use, they reduce blue light exposure and digital eye strain.
  
• Reading glasses: Used for up-close tasks like reading or crafts. These can be prescription or over-the-counter.
  
• Sports glasses: Durable, shatter-resistant glasses with secure fits. Many include UV protection and anti-fog coatings. Prescription sports goggles are also available for children and adults.
  
• Safety glasses: Required in certain work settings, these glasses protect your eyes from impact, debris, and chemicals. Prescription versions are available.
  
• Photochromic lenses: Also known as transition lenses, these darken in sunlight and return to clear indoors—combining convenience and sun protection.
  
  

Your eye care provider can recommend options tailored to your daily habits. In many cases, people benefit from more than one pair of glasses—such as one for everyday wear, another for computer work, and one for outdoor or active use.

Explore Lens Features and Coatings

Once your prescription and lens type are determined, you can add features that enhance clarity, durability, and comfort. These optional upgrades are worth considering:

• Anti-reflective (AR) coating: Reduces glare from screens, headlights, and lighting—great for night driving and computer use.
  
• Scratch-resistant coating: Extends the life of your lenses, especially important for kids or active wearers.
  
• UV protection: Helps protect your eyes from sun damage, even if your glasses are clear.
  
• Blue light filter: May help reduce eye strain from digital screens.
  
• High-index lenses: Thinner, lighter lenses for strong prescriptions—more comfort without thick edges.
  
• Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses: Impact-resistant and lightweight, ideal for children, sports, or safety glasses.
  
  

Choosing the right combination of lens materials and coatings can make a big difference in how your glasses feel and function throughout the day.

Find the Right Frame Shape for Your Face

Frame shape plays a major role in how your glasses look and feel. The best frame for you will balance your facial features, complement your natural shape, and match your personal style.

Here are some general tips based on face shape:

• Round faces: Rectangular or angular frames help add definition and contrast.
  
• Oval faces: Almost any frame style works—look for balance and proportion.
  
• Square faces: Round or oval frames can soften strong jawlines.
  
• Heart-shaped faces: Bottom-heavy frames or rimless styles balance a wider forehead.
  
• Diamond faces: Oval or cat-eye frames highlight the cheekbones.
  
  

Try on several frame styles in person or using a virtual try-on tool. The way a frame looks in a photo might differ from how it feels or fits on your face, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Choose the Right Frame Size and Fit

The style might be what first catches your eye, but fit is just as important. Poorly fitting glasses can slide down your nose, pinch your temples, or feel heavy. A good fit should:

• Rest comfortably on your nose without slipping
  
• Sit evenly on your ears
  
• Align with your eyes—your pupils should be centered in the lenses
  
• Allow space between your lashes and the lens surface
  
  

Your optician will take measurements like pupillary distance (PD) and bridge size to ensure proper fit. They can also adjust the frames for maximum comfort. If you have a small or wide face, or need extra durability, ask about frames designed specifically for your needs.

Explore Frame Materials and Durability

Frames come in a variety of materials, each offering different benefits in terms of comfort, style, and durability. Here’s a quick overview:

• Plastic (Acetate): Lightweight and available in many colors and styles. Generally affordable and comfortable.
  
• Metal: Sleek and strong. Options include stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum.
  
• Titanium: Extremely durable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight.
  
• Memory metal: Flexible and resistant to bending, ideal for kids or active adults.
  
• Wood or natural materials: Stylish and eco-friendly, but often more delicate.
  
  

If you wear glasses all day, every day, consider investing in a high-quality material that will last. Kids and athletes benefit from flexible, impact-resistant materials that hold up under pressure.

Let Your Style Show

Glasses are one of the few accessories you wear right on your face—every single day. So it’s worth choosing frames that reflect your personal style. Whether you’re bold and artistic or classic and minimalist, your glasses can say a lot about you.

Trendy? Look for oversized frames, geometric shapes, or statement colors. Classic? Try neutral tones and timeless styles like rectangles or subtle cat-eyes. Creative? There are endless options in unique materials, colors, and prints.

And remember: you don’t have to choose just one pair. Many people rotate glasses like they do shoes or jewelry—something subtle for work, something bold for going out, and something sporty for the weekends.

Kids and Teens: Special Considerations

Children and teenagers often need a little extra support in picking out glasses. Kids’ frames should be durable, comfortable, and fun enough that they’ll want to wear them. Many kids benefit from flexible hinges, lightweight materials, and straps or sports bands for active use.

Involving them in the selection process makes them more likely to wear their glasses consistently. Some brands offer cool, colorful frames with character designs or popular trends that appeal to younger wearers.

Teens often shift toward adult frame styles and may be more conscious of how their glasses look. Comfort, fit, and self-expression are key factors.

Adjustments and Maintenance Matter

Once you’ve picked out the perfect glasses, make sure they’re professionally fitted. Your optician can make small adjustments to ensure comfort and clarity. Over time, you may need minor tweaks as the frames shift or your face changes.

Keep your glasses in top shape by:

• Cleaning lenses with a microfiber cloth and lens-safe solution
  
• Storing them in a protective case when not in use
  
• Avoiding extreme heat or leaving them in a hot car
  
• Bringing them in for professional cleaning or repairs if needed
  
  

A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your glasses comfortable and effective.

When to Update Your Glasses

Even if your frames still feel good and your lenses seem fine, it’s important to update your prescription regularly. Changes in vision can be gradual and hard to notice at first. If you experience frequent headaches, blurry vision, or trouble focusing, it might be time for an exam.

Most people should have their prescription checked every one to two years. Children may need more frequent updates as their eyes develop. Even if your prescription hasn’t changed, lens technology and frame designs continue to evolve—offering more options, better comfort, and improved clarity.

Talk to Your Eye Care Team

Choosing the right glasses is a team effort. Your optometrist and optician can answer your questions, explain your prescription, and help you find glasses that meet your needs and reflect your personal style.

At Tennessee Eye Care, we guide you through the process from start to finish. From the eye exam to picking out the perfect pair of glasses, our team is here to help you see clearly, feel comfortable, and look your best. Whether you need glasses for work, reading, sports, or all of the above, we’ll help you find exactly what works for you. Contact us today!