Frame Selection Tips (2): "Comfort" Factor

Aesthetic, comfort level, functionality factors are all equally important when selecting frames. But comfort level of a frame can be affected by the material of the frame, size of the lenses, and how the frames are fitted on the wearers. The following factors should be considered when choosing a frame:

1. Structure - The type of the prescription and the lens material play a major role in terms of the overall structure of the frame, especially semi-rimless and rimless frames. For example, installing thinner lenses on rimless are more likely to fracture, unless you use certain materials. And screws on rimless frames may loosen easily, which can cause vision disruption for astigmatism wearers because the optic axes of the lenses change. On the other hand, overly thick lenses are also not recommended with half or rimless frames due to aesthetic factor. For people who have stronger prescription on one and minor prescription on the other eye, when choosing rimless frames, it will visually emphasize the difference in lens thickness. As for far sighted vision, the lenses are more curved, which causes the temples to close in when finished. For this kind of lenses, rimless frames installed on the back of the lenses are recommended.
2. Frame Size - In order to select the right-sized frames, there are few things we should consider: face shape and size, pupil distance, viewing area and the lens edge thickness. Ideally the geometric center of the frame shape should be as close to the center of the pupil as possible to avoid decentration. But in some cases pupil height in the frames (aka seg height or OC height) are required more. For example, bifocal and progressive lenses should have more seg height to ensure enough viewing area for the near vision. Under some circumstances, (such as drivers) wearer may need a larger frame for broader viewing range. Therefore, wider rims and bigger frames are usually recommended. However, the sizes of the frames are proportional to the mass of the lenses. So for patients with higher prescription, we would suggest smaller frames to reduce the pressure on the nose caused by the weight of the glasses. Another way to decrease such pressure is to choose the frames with larger nose pads, which can evenly distribute the weight on the nose. As for kids, we should consider low price range, high durability and flexibility as well as safety, because they grow fast and are usually careless with glasses.
3. Nosepads (Bridge) - The main function of the nose pads is to support the weight of glasses on the nose. Ideally it would distribute the weight on both sides of the nose evenly. There are no standard guidelines for nose pads. However, we must consider the size of the nose, length of the eyelashes, and the space between the forehead and eyes. It would be unpleasant to have eyelashes touching the lenses or cheeks touching the bottom of the frames when smiling. For bifocal or progressive lenses, it is important to pick frames with adjustable nose-pads in order to fine tune the fitting for individuals.
4. Frame selection for progressive lenses - It is very important to match progressive lenses with suitable frames. The followings must be considered: (1) The seg height of the frame must be able to accommodate the design of the progressive lenses. (2) The reading area of the frames should adequate. For example, aviator styles tend to be narrower towards the inner corner, hence, it is not recommended for progressive lenses. (3) The adjustable nosepads are preferred, where after adjustments, the distnace between the eye and lenses should be about 12mm in order to achieve the best visual field. (4) To maximize the reading area, adjust the lenses to tilt foward about 12 degrees. (5) To avoid poor visual resolution, the selected frame should be made of durable materials and resistant to distortion.
5. Frame selection for high-prescriptions - For people who have high prescriptions, it is important to consider the frame shpae, size and structure. Eg. (1) A bolder frame should be chosen to minimize the lens thickness showing on the sides. (2) Smaller frames can minimize the lens mass. (3) Find a frame that the wearer's pupil is closer to the middle, which could also minimize the thickness and weight. (4) Nosepads with bigger size and silicone material would help reduce the pressure on the nose and prevent glasses from slipping due to the weight of the glasses. (5) The position of the nosepads should remain some distance apart from the rims to ensure that the thick lenses can be assembled without affecting the fitting. (6) Select sturdier and more durable frames to support the heaviness of the glasses.
   
   

Frame Selection Tips (1) - "pretty" factor

Nowadays, people don't just wear the glasses for vision corrections and/or protections. Many people wear them as accessories to enhance their look. Thus, when picking out a frame, we not only have to consider if the frame is suitable for wearer's prescription lenses (aka the "comfort" factor) but also the "pretty" factor. We are going to discuss the details of these two factors:

"PRETTY" FACTOR

Everybody wants to look good. Period. From the beauty aspect, picking out a suitable frame, we have to consider a few things: the wearer's sexuality, age, profession, the wardrobe (Style) and the most importantly - the face shape. The height of the face can be divided into thirds - from the top of the forehead to the eyebrows, from the eyebrows to the bottom of the nose, and then from there to the bottom of the chin. If the eyebrows are just at 1/3 of the face, we would call it a "balanced" model. Therefore, based on the position of the eyebrows, we can define three models of a face: Long, Short and Balanced. People with balance face model would fit into most of the frame styles; Wearing darker frames would be better for long models in order to visually "lower" the eyebrow line; and on the contrary, wearing lighter colour or rimless frames would be ideal for short models in order to "lift" the eyebrow line. Esthetically, if the frame bridge line is higher, it could visually make the wearer's nose look longer and vice versa. The same to the frame temples (frame arms), choosing wider and lower position temple frames would make the long shape look shorter, and a narrower and higher position temple frames would make the short shape look longer.

Everybody's face is different, if we really have to define the differences of the shapes, we can find them in seven types: Round, Oval, Square, Rectangle, Diamond, Triangle and Pyramid shapes. Here we have some frame selection tips for each shaped face:

1. Round Face

Consider wider A box (horizontal size) and shorter B box (vertical size) frames in order to make the face look longer. Try to avoid overly round and striaght lined frames.

2. Oval Face

There are less limitations for oval shaped faces when choosing frames. Consider wider A box (horizontal size) and average B box (vertical size) frames but try to avoid straight lined and angled corner frames.

3. Square Face

Consider oval or round style frames, especially the bottom half is rounder, in order to minimize the facial angles. Or consider the semi-rimless frames, which would enhance the effect on making the face shape longer visually.

4. Rectangle Face

Consider rounder edge square frames. Deeper B box (vertical size) would be a bonus. Darker frames would also have the effect on making the face length shorter.

5. Dianmond Face

Consider bigger and wider upper half frames.

6.Triangle Face

Consider small square and rounded frames. Lower half of the frame is flatter and wider would be better.

7. Pyramid Face

Quite opposite of Triangle face, wider upper half and narrower lower half frames would be ideal, eg. cat eye style.

to be continued with part II - "Comfort" factor

New Window Displays at FC

We are open and ready to sell!


La Font is one of our best sellers at Fashion Central.


Cindy's new June window display.

Tag Heuer

Developed by Edouard Heuer and his sons Jules-Edouard and Charles-Auguste, the Tag Heuer brand has been around for many years. The brand started out designing watches and are known to be one of the best watch brands that have developed stop watches that are accurate from 1/10th to 1/1000th of a second. If you are looking for a luxurious pair of glasses, then Tag Heuer is the brand for you.

Made with the highest quality materials, you will find that Tag Heuer frames are made with titanium and stainless steel. These frames provide comfort but are still fashion forward. Most of the Tag Heuer frames have very flexible temples to mould perfectly around your face.

Orgeen Frames

Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark more then a decade ago, by three friends who wanted to design eye wear that was out of the box and give an artistic feel to the frames they would create. Their original plan was to design sunglasses but being from Denmark where it is mostly cloudy, that plan did not seem very plausible. So instead they took their designs and modified them into prescription eye wear. These cutting edge frames have been inspired by the american classic car era, using bright colors and high quality materials. Take a look at a few of the styles we carry here at the Fashion Central location.

Summer is just around the corner!

Have you had the same old pair of sunglasses for the past five years? Are you thinking about updating your style?

Well you are in luck when you enter our doors! We have a wide selection of the hottest new sunglasses for men and women! With over 200 different styles here in both +Ma Eyewear locations, we will make sure you leave happy and confident with your new sunglasses.

Brands Include:

J.F. Rey Frames

J.F. Rey frames are designed for clientele that are searching for the most unique, urban and fashion forward frames. Thier frames are handcrafted in Marseille, south of France from the highest quality materials.

We recently blogged about J.F. Rey frames that we had just recieved. Now here are some great photos of those frames.

We also have a few special frames that are made smaller, which is perfect for anyone who needs a smaller fit.

Fashion Central

Our second location has been open for a month now and has been a work in progress ever since. Cindy has been working hard on decorating and making it look inviting. The final product turned out really well and it is definitely a must see! The color scheme is different then the first location, you won't see the bright orange anymore but now you will see pale green and brown all over the store. The store also offers a whole new collection of frames and sunglasses, so if you can't find what you are looking for at the 6th Avenue location you will find it here at Fashion Central.

New Layout!

We have been working hard to update and fill the store with the most desirable product. The 6th Avenue store is now packed full with the best and most unique brands. We have been updating you with all the new brands through the blog and now is the time to come check out the new design of the store. You might want to try on a few of our spectacular frames while you're here as well. Our knowledgable staff will be more then happy to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Summer is approaching (hopefully), meaning it is time to update your sunglasses. We have a huge selection of sunglasses, from 15 different brands to help you find that perfect pair.

Dior Sunglasses

We have a large selection of Dior Sunglasses here at the 6th Avenue location, just in time for summer. Dior is a perfect choice for any stylish girl and with our wide collection, you will definitely find the right pair for you.