1. Have An Up-To-Date Prescription Glasses?
The standard validity of a prescription is 2 years for adults and 1 year if you are younger. If your prescription is outdated, visit your local optical shop to get a new one.
When you get your eyesight examined, the optometrist must give you a copy of the prescription Glasses whether or not you ask for it.
Here are some abbreviations and terms listed on your prescription you’ll need to be aware of when ordering Prescription Glasses online:
· OD (Oculus Dexter) refers to your right eye.
· OS (Oculus Sinister) refers to your left eye.
· Sphere (SPH) indicates the amount of lens power, prescribed to correct nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness(+).
· ADD (for bifocals) is the added magnifying power applied to the bottom part of multifocal lenses to correct presbyopia.
· Cylinder (CYL) indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism.
· Axis describes the positioning of the cylindrical power on your lenses (required for astigmatism).
Note: you will not be able to use a contact lens prescription – the two are different.
2. Measure Your PAPILLARY Distance:
Papillary Distance (PD) is the distance between your pupils – usually measured in millimeters.
The optical center of the lenses gives you the truest vision. This part of the prescription glasses should be directly in front of your pupils.
To get the correct positioning of the lenses on your prescription glasses, the prescription glasses lab needs your PD.
PAPILLARY distance generally falls between 54 and 68 mm.
It can be tricky to measure your PD. It is best to have it measured by a skilled optician. Optometrists will note this measurement during your eye examination but may omit the PD from your prescription because it gives consumers the ability to shop online. Ask them to write this number in your prescription, if they haven’t already.
3) SELECT The Right Frames:
The secret to ordering perfectly fitting prescription Glasses online is simple
– know your frame size. Three factors affect your selection of frames for your prescription glasses.
a. Choose Prescription glasses That Complement Your Face Shape
The right eyeglass frames offer a benefit beyond clearer vision – the ability to complement your facial features and overall look. Create a balanced appearance using prescription glasses by choosing a frame shape that provides a contrast to the shape of your face.
The human face can be categorized to fit into several generic face shapes.
· Heart/Diamond – characterized by strong broad cheekbones, a larger forehead, and a narrow chin. Find a pair of Prescription Glasses with similar angles. Rounder shaped frames with a wider top than bottom should create a nice contrast.
· Round – characterized by a rounded forehead and a circular face. Select frames that are wider than they are tall. Rectangular frames add structure, elongating your face.
· Square – if you have a square face and jaw, you need to soften the face's natural angularity. Softer, rounder frames balance the stark angles of your face.
· Oval – The enviable oval shape can rock almost any style of prescription glasses. Your best bet is a pair of symmetrical Prescription Glasses, with a rigid structure but also softness with a round bottom.
For a full break-down of face shapes and corresponding frame shapes, refer to the following infographic:
B. Pick A Frame That Fits Your Style What are your personal and professional needs?
· For serious business – Stick to conservative frame colors and shapes. To enhance your professional image, consider classic shapes such as ovals, rectangles, and almonds. Black, gunmetal, silver and brown frames are recommended because these conservative tones match with business suits.
· For creative professionals – Wear modern shapes, such as geometric designs in thick plastic or metallic frames. Try unusual colors – blue, purple and green. Retro, vintage styles and aviator shapes are also suitable to highlight your creative edge.
· For students – Sport eye-catching shapes and colors. Unusual shapes, bright colors, larger sizes and interesting details such as color lamination's. Feel free to experiment with a geeky, retro look or a modern frame with lots of colors.
· For the busy parent – Don't worry about the latest trends in eyewear, stick to a basic yet stylish pair of Prescription Glasses. Ovals, up swept rectangles, and soft cat-eye shapes are very functional and still look great. Darker colors like deep red, black and green can also add a stylish edge to a basic frame.
c. Buy The Right Size:
Fashion is secondary. Proper positioning of the Prescription Glasses in front of your eyes should be your primary concern.
If you already own a pair of Prescription Glasses that fit you well, check the measurements written on the inside arm of the frame. In some cases, the numbers will be printed on or just behind the nose bridge. The numbers represent the following measurements:
· Eye size – the horizontal width of the lens, a two-digit number in the 40 – 62 mm range.
· Bridge size – the horizontal distance between the two lenses, a two-digit number in the 14 – 24 mm range.
· Temple size – the length of the arm piece, a three-digit number in the 120 – 165 mm range.
What is a suitable frame size for you? The width of your face is the key to finding an appropriate sized frame.
Note: Sun Prescription Glasses are generally larger to give you more protection from the sun – so don't go by those measurements.
It is important to match the size and shape of your Prescription Glasses to the proportions of your face. The resulting overall look should be balanced. Smaller frames suit a person with a less pronounced facial structure. You need a large and wide facial shape to pull off Prescription Glasses with big frames.