How to measure your face for glasses
Anyone who has experienced loose or ill-fitting frames knows how inconvenient it can be to find their glasses slipping or falling off, but finding the perfect fit isn’t simply about comfort. Poorly fitting frames can cause or exacerbate eye strain, headaches and visual disruptions, which is why it is key to ensure you choose them carefully.
The perfect glasses will evenly distribute pressure across your nose, head and ears. They shouldn’t create indentations around the bridge of your nose or cause discomfort when worn for extended periods. For this reason, glasses come in many different shapes, sizes and styles. The best way to find a pair of glasses that fit seamlessly is to work with a professional optician, including the ones we have here at The Eye Establishment. However, it is also easy to take basic measurements at home, especially if you’re searching online for the perfect style. Read on to find out how to measure your face for frames.
Tools required: Ruler, mirror, pencil and paper.
Areas to measure: Frame width. Bridge width. Arm length.
Measuring frame width
The frame width is the distance between your temples. To take these measurements:
- Stand in front of a mirror, facing straight on.
- Use the ruler to measure the distance between your temples in millimetres.
- Make a note of this measurement.
Different face shapes pair better with different frame widths. For example, slim face shapes work best with frame widths under 129mm. On the other end of the spectrum, wider faces can easily wear frames over 130mm in width.
Measuring bridge width
Next, you want to take the bridge width measurement. This is the section of your glasses that rests on the nose and is vital for ensuring the perfect fit. Excessively wide bridges will cause your glasses to slip while too-small styles will pinch, causing discomfort during wear. Consider the position you plan to wear your glasses on before taking the measurements as follows:
- Stand in front of a mirror, facing straight on.
- Use the ruler to measure your nose bridge width. This will be between 16mm and 31mm.
- Make a note of this measurement.
Remember that different styles of glasses will have different bridge widths. For example, thicker acetate glasses will have less space between the glasses lenses, while wire-framed styles will offer more width.
Measuring arm length
The arm length of your glasses will determine how comfortably they sit over your ears. They come in three standard sizes - 135mm, 140mm and 145mm. You can use your frame width measurement to predict the most suitable option. If the optimal width is 130mm+, you’ll want to opt for a 145mm arm length. If the optimal length is under 129mm, opt for a 135mm arm length. This will ensure your glasses sit comfortably on your face and curve smoothly around the top of your ear.
The measurements you take will play a key role in helping to identify the right eye frames and sunglasses. We have a team of highly skilled optometrists and leading brands on hand to ensure you find the perfect pair. Our thorough eye examinations ensure you have an accurate prescription to hand while our eyewear experts are here to identify the best brands for your budget and style.
If you’re unsure of what type of optician glasses or sunglasses you require, contact us at The Eye Establishment. We specialise in glasses, lenses and frames. Book your appointment now.
