How I Finally Found the Right Glasses Frame Size for My Face

I spent years wearing glasses that never quite felt right. They would slide down my nose, pinch behind my ears, or just look awkward on my face. It wasn't until I actually learned how to use an eyeglass frame size chart that everything changed. Let me share what I discovered along the way.

My Struggle with Finding the Right Fit

When I first started wearing glasses, I had no idea that frame sizing was even a thing. I would walk into a store, try on whatever looked cool, and hope for the best. The result? Frames that were either too wide for my face or so narrow they left marks on my temples.

I remember reading advice from an optician online who said something that stuck with me: "The size on the temple is not the diagonal, but the width of the lens from the farthest point from left to right." This was my first real lesson in understanding how glasses size charts actually work.

Understanding Face Shape First

The first thing I learned was that face shape matters more than I thought. Most faces fall into a few basic categories: oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or oblong. I have a somewhat round face, which means angular frames tend to look better on me than circular ones.

Here's what I discovered about matching frames to face shapes:

Round faces - Angular or rectangular frames add definition

Square faces - Round or oval frames soften strong jawlines

Oval faces - Most frame shapes work well

Heart-shaped faces - Bottom-heavy frames balance a wider forehead

But here's the thing - these are guidelines, not rules. As one experienced glasses wearer put it: "Use it as a guide and starting point, but don't always feel like you must follow it exactly."

Decoding the Numbers on Glasses Frames

This was the game-changer for me. Every pair of glasses has three numbers printed somewhere on the frame, usually on the inside of the temple arm. For example: 52-18-140. Here's what they mean:

First number (52) - Lens width in millimeters

Second number (18) - Bridge width (the part that sits on your nose)

Third number (140) - Temple length (from hinge to ear tip)

Once I understood this frame size glasses chart system, shopping for glasses became so much easier. I measured my current frames that fit well and used those numbers as a baseline.

The Importance of Proper Fit

Getting the right measurements is crucial, especially if you're choosing plastic frames that don't have adjustable nose pieces. I learned this the hard way after ordering a beautiful pair online that turned out to be completely wrong for my face.

Here are the fit factors I now always check:

The frames should not extend beyond the width of my face

My eyes should be centered in the lenses

The temples should fit comfortably without pressing too hard

The bridge should rest on my nose without sliding or pinching

Why Lens Coatings Matter Too

While researching frame sizes, I also learned about the importance of lens coatings. One piece of advice I keep seeing repeated is: "Please always get an anti-reflective coating for your lenses! It makes a huge difference when driving at night with all the glare from headlights and street lights."

If you spend a lot of time looking at screens like I do, anti-reflective coating also helps reduce eye strain significantly.

My Current Approach to Buying Glasses

Now when I shop for glasses, I follow a simple process:

Measure my current well-fitting frames or my face

Check the eyeglasses size chart for any frames I'm considering

Consider my face shape when choosing frame styles

Always opt for anti-reflective coating

When in doubt, try frames on in person first

Final Thoughts

Finding the right glasses frame size took me longer than it should have, but now I actually enjoy shopping for eyewear. Understanding how to read a glasses frame size guide has saved me from countless returns and disappointments.

The key takeaway? Don't just grab whatever looks good on the shelf. Take the time to understand your measurements and face shape. Your eyes - and your wallet - will thank you.

Whether you're buying your first pair or your tenth, knowing your numbers makes all the difference. Trust me, once you figure out your ideal frame size, you'll wonder why you ever struggled with ill-fitting glasses in the first place.