Remember when you were a teenager? You had to dress just like everyone else and look like part of the crowd – even if you weren’t. Times haven’t changed and today’s teens are just like we were in generations gone past. When it comes to fashion, teenagers are starting to set the trends and eyeglasses are a big part of their wardrobe. Since the teenage years are troubling times for some, the addition of eyeglasses can be seen as a make it or break it move by others. Teenagers are not fully grown into their adult bodies yet so finding a decent pair of eyeglasses that fit the face may seem easier said than done. The wrong pair of frames can make a teen feel like his or her social life is over.
Regardless of your age, your eyeglass frame should fit your face. They should also complement your facial shape. Contradicting your facial shape with frames is a good lesson to learn; if your face is square, look for frames that are circular or oval-shaped. Round faces should opt for rectangular or angular frames to help off-set the roundness of the face. If your face is heavier on top, opt for a frame that has a thicker and more dramatic bottom to help even out the look. The bottom line, if it doesn’t fit your face well and it doesn’t flatter your facial shape then it’s not the frame for you.
Your frame needs to fit your face well for other reasons as well. If your frame is too small, your peripheral vision will be limited; if your frame is too big, you may acquire a glare or visual distortions that can cause harm while driving. Glare can cause headaches as well. In general, the frames should be no wider than the widest part of your face.
When you put on your glasses, your eyes should look out through the center of each lens. If your frames feel like they’re pinching your nose and leaving red marks – they are too tight. If your glasses slide down your face, they may be too loose. Teens should not look like good old’ Grandma when pushing up their glasses – the frames should stay put on their face, right at the eyebrow line without the bottom touching the cheeks.
Have you ever tried to dress a teenager? It probably failed. Just as your teen’s clothes match their personality, their eyeglasses should as well. If you’re opting to shop for glasses online, utilize the site’s virtual mirror – it will allow your teenager to “try on” glasses virtually so they can see how different frames pair with different outfits. Additionally, unless your teen is receiving more than one pair of eyeglasses, the virtual mirror will help narrow it down to a pair of frames they can wear to school, religious services, and even Grandma’s house.
When the time comes to buy your teenager prescription glasses, remember that not all frames are suitable for all vision problems. Lens edges that are particularly thick or thin may not work in certain frames so double-check with your opticians to make sure the eyeglass frames your teen is interested in can accommodate his or her prescription. When you combine your teen’s facial shape, their personality, and a well-fitted pair of glasses, you create a win-win situation.