How on earth do you choose glasses?

[Deleted User]

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

The opticians generally recommend a style of frame to take the lenses (I am very shortsighted) and then my DH chooses them! I can't see them when I try them on, so rely on his opinion. He hasn't let me down in five years.

I help my husband as he cannot see either.

I whittle the choices down to three, or four pairs and then take a photo of him wearing each pair with a phone so he can see when he puts his old glasses back on.

Ames

When I got my last lot I was determined to get different ones. I'd had the same shape and colour for years and wanted a change, but I chickened out and went (again) for red/purple oblongs.


This time (last month) I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and into ones I liked the look of - these are my main pair http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/osiris-c04?sku=25669169


It took a bit of getting used to but I like them.


I think I tried on just about every pair in the shop before deciding though! Which involved putting them on and getting as close to the mirror as possible before peering at myself.


I've used glasses direct in the past, and their customer service is fantastic. I bought a pair of cheap prescription sunglasses from them last month and realised too late that I'd forgotten to update my address, they posted them to my new address for free as soon as they were returned.


They're also good when you sit on your super doper fab glasses and need a cheap replacement quickly...

apusskidu

I wear glasses mainly for reading and computer use.

Honestly, although there is lots of advice online, and you can get advice at the opticians to narrow down your choice, I think you need to wear a pair of glasses for a week or so to know if they feel right for you.

I have sent off for quite a few pairs of cheaper online glasses rather than get one expensive pair and it has helped me narrow down which features are important for me. I have a slightly bumpy nose bridge, so the shape of that part of the glasses is as important as the actual size. Otherwise, my face is oval, which lots of places say means that MOST frames will suit me. Ha, it is all trial and error though as some styles look downright ugly or comical against the size of my features, my skintone, the height of my eyebrow, etc.

My best advice is to try on lots of pairs at the optician, try the free home trials from online places, and read as much as you can from online advice, but be prepared that your ideas about what is best for you will evolve over time.

My strategy is to buy lots of cheap pairs in my first few years as a glasses wearer, then, if and when I need varifocals in a couple of years (which I have been told is likely), I will go to a local independent optician and pay whatever it costs for a well-fitting pair, which I will hopefully choose well, having had the experience of what suits me from trying out all my cheap online pairs along the way.