Taking Kids to the Optometrist: Tips for Parents

Posted on: 21 July 2015

If you're planning on picking up a new pair of frames — or even your first pair of prescription glasses — then you're probably wondering which type to go for. Most opticians have a vast array of styles on offer, so it can be tricky to narrow it down to just a few.

Luckily, there's a simple trick. Most of the time you'll find that the best glasses for you are the ones which contrast with the shape of your face. Everyone is a little different, but here's a guide to the six basic face shapes and which sort of frames tend to work with them.

Round

Round faces measure almost the same across as they do up and down, and they are characterised by soft, curved lines. Contrasting with a round face is easy, just find narrow, angular frames which are more rectangular than normal. They will make your face seem thinner and more defined.

Oval

Oval faces work well with glasses since their proportions are more balanced, with the length of your face measuring close to double its width. It's also the only face shape which tends to work better when you use complementary instead of contrasting frames, so look for ones of a medium size which are neither too angular nor too rounded.

Oblong

Oblong faces are slightly longer than they are wide, with a straight cheek line and a long, narrow nose. If you want to make an oblong face look a little more balanced, try a pair of frames which are both wide and deep, with a low bridge to help shorten the nose. You can also experiment with colour accents and decorative details on the upper part of the frame.

Point-Up Triangle

If you have a relatively narrow forehead with wide cheeks and chin, you'll usually want to emphasize the upper third of your face in order to balance things out. Frames which are brightly or heavily coloured are a good idea, as are those wider at the bottom. Rimless or semi-rimless frames can also work.

Point-Down Triangle

The opposite of the point-up triangle, naturally, will be narrower at the bottom than it is are the top — often referred to as heart-shaped. You want to maximise the width of your face, so pick frames which are wider towards the bottom, and try to avoid any with bold, bright colours.

Square

If you have a square face, you'll enjoy a strong jaw line, a broad forehead, the lines of your face will be quite angular and the width and length will be about the same. Make your face look a little bit longer and softer by picking a pair of frames which are relatively narrow, with an oval or round shape.

After a glance in the mirror, you should have a basic idea of which frame shape will make your face look its best. You'll now be able to quickly narrow down your options when you start shopping, and find the perfect pair for you.