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Frame Size Guide

Everything you need to know about selecting optical frames. Whether you are a first time user of spectacles or an experienced buyer looking for suggestions – we have got you covered.

Understanding Frame Measurements

If you look on the inside of your glasses, you’ll find a number that looks like: 54 18 145. This information below shows you the size of your glasses; the lens diameter, the bridge width and the side length, all measured in millimeters.

1:

The lens diameter is the width of the lens (in mm), measured from the bridge. The size of your lenses can be a matter of personal choice, but it’s also determined by your frame style and prescription.

2:

The bridge width is the gap above your nose between the lenses. It is important that this is comfortable – too tight, and the glasses could pinch your nose; too loose and the glasses won’t be stable on your face.

3:

The length of the side is usually one of three standards – 135, 140 or 145mm. The side should be long enough to sit comfortably over your ears. Glasses with straight sides all the way to the end don’t always have this measurement indicated.

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How your eyeglasses should fit your face

Some people don’t have a hard time finding a frame that they like but they do have difficulty finding a frame that they like and that fits well. Here are the 3 areas of a frame you need to pay attention to for proper fit.

Bridge
Frame Width
Temple Length and Type

Bridge

The bridge, aka DBL (Distance between Lenses), is the first thing you should look at because this is the part of the frame most responsible for supporting the frame and keeping it in place. If the frame has adjustable nose pads then the immediate fit isn’t critical since they can always be made narrower or wider.

Gaps/spaces on the sides mean too much weight is being placed at the top of the nose. This can be uncomfortable since all the weight will be concentrated there. There is also a good chance the frames will slip down your nose.

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Frame width

The frame width is almost just as important as the bridge fit but there is a little more room to work with here. The key is to minimize the amount of space between your temple and the arms of the frame.

Too much space in this area and the frames may be too wide to fit securely and too little space may place undesired pressure that can lead to discomfort. If you can fit your index finger between the frame and your temples the glasses are most likely too wide. The ideal frame width places the wearer’s eyes near the center of the lenses.

Temple Length and Type

The temple length is often overlooked but it actually is pretty important. If the temple is too short then it can’t be bent down behind the ears properly in order to keep the frames from slipping down and moving around.

Most adult frames should have a temple length between 140-150mm. When bent, the end of the temple should reach about half way down the back of the ear.