For many people, eyeglasses are an incredibly important part of everyday life. They’re more important than a morning cup of coffee, cell phones, or anything else—they let people see the world clearly.
But there’s more to glasses than just wearing them. They’re carefully shaped by your optometrist to give you optimal vision, so their location on your face matters. Where should glasses sit on your nose?
Your glasses should rest comfortably on the bridge of your nose. This means that the weight should be evenly distributed, with no pressure or discomfort in any one area. If they’re sliding down your nose, causing red marks or pain, then they are not sitting correctly.
Does It Matter Where Your Glasses Sit?
When you have a refractive error, it means that light isn’t bending correctly inside the eye. Your natural lens isn’t capable of refracting the light to reach where it needs to go. Whether this is due to the length of your eye or the shape of your cornea, refractive errors can cause blurry vision and frustration all around.
This is why eyeglasses exist—they change how light enters your eye so you’re able to see the world with clarity. The precise measurements used to make your glasses and lenses are designed to counteract your natural refractive error to give you clear vision.
Because of this, it makes a big difference where your glasses sit on your face. The lenses are designed to change the angle of light entering the eye, so if they’re too low, too high, or off to one side, the light doesn’t enter properly.
This can lead to:
- Blurry vision or incorrectly altered vision
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Visual distortion
Making sure your glasses sit correctly on your nose is the first step towards clearer vision. But how can you tell if they’re placed right?
How Should Glasses Fit Your Face?
When it comes to making sure your glasses fit properly, there are three key things to consider:
- Your nose height
- Your brow
- Your comfort
Nose Height
One of the most important factors in finding the perfect fit is the height of your nasal bridge. A frame that sits too high can create a gap that lets in light, causing glare and discomfort. On the other hand, a pair that sits too low may interfere with your vision and also push the weight of the glasses onto your cheeks, leading to marks and sore spots.
Try to find a pair that rests comfortably on the bridge of your nose. This lets your nose and ears work together with the frames of the glasses to avoid putting pressure elsewhere on the face.
Brows
For aesthetic reasons, most people find that glasses look great when following the curve of your eyebrows. Try to make sure your glasses don’t disrupt this line, jab into the underside of your brow, or overlap in any way.
This can help keep your vision clear of any visual obstructions, remove any unnecessary eye movement, and generally be more comfortable.
Comfort
If your glasses are resting comfortably on your nose and aren’t touching your eyebrows, the final step is comfort. The weight of the frames should be evenly distributed between the nose and ears, not pressuring the face in any way. If you feel any tightness on the sides of your head, particularly around your temples, your glasses are too tight.
The same goes for any tightness on the nose. If there’s any pressure or pinching sensation, consider a pair of glasses with nose pads. These can help contour the glasses to your nose to make them much more comfortable, all while keeping them in one place to prevent them from sliding down the nose.
Tips for Picking the Right Glasses for Your Face
Now that you know how to make sure your glasses are comfortable, there’s one piece of the puzzle remaining: style!
The shape and colour of your glasses are going to play a big part in how comfortable you feel with them. But it isn’t just about the physical feeling of wearing them, your glasses are going to be a part of your future aesthetics. So make sure you’re picking a pair that suits your facial shape and personal style.
It can help to follow these general guidelines when searching for the perfect pair:
- For round faces, choose angular or geometric frames to add structure and definition to the face.
- For square faces, choose round or oval frames to soften your natural angles.
- For heart-shaped faces, choose frames that are wider at the bottom than the top.
- For diamond faces, choose rimless frames or cat-eye shapes to emphasize the eyes and soften cheekbones.
- For oval faces, you’re lucky! Most frames will suit your natural look.
However, if you love a style that doesn’t meet these guidelines, feel free to enjoy them! Your style should always be about you, first and foremost. If you love them and they’re comfortable, then enjoy your new look; you deserve it.
Treat Yourself with a New Pair of Glasses
If you’re ready to find your future glasses, come talk to our team here at Insight Eyecare. With a comprehensive eye exam, we’ll find your prescription and work closely with you to find a pair of glasses that’s both comfortable and stylish. Invest in your vision and your future, and book an appointment with us today!
