Sofia Martinez
When buying glasses, it is important to find the right frame size to ensure they are comfortable and do not cause tension headaches. Glasses frames are usually measured in millimetres, with the three key measurements being the lens width, bridge width, and temple length. The lens width is the horizontal width of each lens, the bridge width is the distance between the lenses, and the temple length is the length of the arm of the frame. These measurements can usually be found on the inside of the temple of the glasses, and can be used to guide your decision when comparing frames. However, it is also possible to measure your own face and the glasses themselves to determine the best fit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lens width | 50 mm or less (small), 51-54 mm (medium), 55 mm or more (large) |
| Bridge width | 14-24 mm |
| Temple length | 135 mm, 140 mm, 145 mm, 150 mm |
| Lens height | N/A (unless using bifocal or progressive lenses) |
| Frame width | N/A (measure from endpiece to endpiece) |
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What You'll Learn
- Lens width: the first number in the sequence, it measures the horizontal width of each lens
- Bridge width: the middle number, it measures the distance between the two lenses
- Temple length: measures each temple or 'arm' of the glasses frame
- Lens thickness: based on the strength of the prescription, stronger prescriptions generally need thicker frames
- Lens height: the vertical height of the lenses at the widest point of the lens within the frame
Lens width: the first number in the sequence, it measures the horizontal width of each lens
When measuring plastic eyeglass frames, the first number in the sequence refers to the lens width, which measures the horizontal width of each lens. This measurement is taken at the widest point of the lens within the frame and is typically given in millimetres. It is important to note that the lens width only accounts for the width of the clear lens and does not include the surrounding frame.
Lens width is a critical factor in determining the overall width of the eyeglass frame. It is also crucial for ensuring that your eyes are centred within the lenses. If the lens width is too small, your eyes may appear too close together, while a wider lens can give your eyes a wider-set look.
The ideal lens width for you will depend on your face size and shape. Generally, a small lens width is considered to be 50 mm or less, a medium lens width ranges from 51 mm to 54 mm, and a large lens width is typically wider than 55 mm. However, these categories may vary slightly depending on the source.
It is worth mentioning that frame sizes do not have to be exact, and slight variations in measurements can still result in a good fit. Additionally, the lens width measurement is just one aspect of eyeglass frame sizing. Other important measurements include bridge width, temple length, and arm length, all of which contribute to the overall fit and comfort of the eyeglasses.
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Bridge width: the middle number, it measures the distance between the two lenses
When measuring plastic frames for eyeglasses, the bridge width is a crucial measurement to ensure a proper fit. The bridge is the metal or plastic component that sits on your nose and connects the two lenses. It is measured in millimetres and typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm, with specialty sizes available for unique nose bridge structures.
To find the bridge width of your current glasses, look for three numbers on the inside of the temple arm, which is the part that is screwed to the main body of the frame and rests behind your ear. The middle number represents the bridge width. For example, if the numbers are 48-19-140, the bridge width is 19mm.
If you don't have access to the measurements of your current glasses, you can measure the bridge width directly on your face. Use a mirror or take a selfie of your side profile to determine if your nose bridge is high (above the pupils) or low (level with or below the pupils). A high nose bridge typically requires a larger bridge width, while a low nose bridge usually corresponds to a smaller bridge size.
It's important to note that the bridge width measurement is more crucial for acetate frames than for metal frames, as metal frames often have adjustable nosepads that can be narrowed or widened. Additionally, the bridge width may not translate directly to the fit of a new pair of glasses, as the thickness of the frame can impact how the glasses sit on your face.
When shopping for new eyeglasses, it is recommended to try them on to ensure a proper fit. Staying within 2mm of your current bridge width will likely provide a comfortable fit, but trying on different frames will help you find the perfect pair.
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Temple length: measures each temple or 'arm' of the glasses frame
The temple length is a crucial measurement to ensure your glasses fit comfortably over your ears. It is the measurement in millimetres of each "arm" of the frame, i.e., the length of the temple from the hinge to the temple tip, including the bent part that sits on your ear. The temple length does not vary as much as other measurements, with the most common options being 135 mm, 140 mm, 145 mm, and 150 mm.
To measure the temple length, you can start by measuring from the hinge to the bend, and then from the bend to the end of the arm. Add these two measurements together to get the total temple arm length. This total length should ideally be within a range of 2-3 mm less or more to ensure a comfortable fit.
If you already have a pair of glasses that you find comfortable, you can use that as a reference for your temple length measurement. The measurements are usually printed on the inside of the temple arm, represented as a sequence of numbers separated by dashes, e.g., 48-19-140. The last number in this sequence, in this case, "140," indicates the temple arm length in millimetres.
It is important to note that if you have a longer temple, you will require a longer arm length, and vice versa. Additionally, consider your face shape when selecting frames, as different frame styles complement various face shapes. For instance, circular or oval frames often suit a square-shaped face, while rectangular frames can be more flattering on round faces.
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Lens thickness: based on the strength of the prescription, stronger prescriptions generally need thicker frames
The thickness of a lens is determined by the strength of the prescription, the size of the frame, the lens material, and the pupillary distance (PD). The refractive index of the lens material is a crucial factor in determining lens thickness. This index is the ratio of the speed of light in air to that in the lens material, indicating how much light is bent as it passes through the lens. A denser material will bend light more, requiring a smaller quantity of the material to achieve the desired refractive effect. This results in thinner and lighter lenses.
Lenses with stronger prescriptions are generally thicker because they require more material to correct refractive errors. The light path must be bent sufficiently to reach the eye properly. However, thicker lenses can make glasses heavy and uncomfortable, and they may cause the frames to slide down the nose. To mitigate this, individuals with strong prescriptions should consider choosing a lens width of less than 50 mm. Additionally, high-index lenses are recommended for strong prescriptions to ensure the lenses are as thin as possible.
The type of prescription also affects lens thickness. A plus (+) prescription results in a lens thickest at the centre (convex), while a minus (-) prescription makes the lens thickest at the edge (concave). The placement of the clearest part of the lens, known as the ocular centre (OC), is another factor influenced by the prescription and frame shape. The OC rarely aligns with the geometric centre of the lens.
When measuring plastic frames for eyeglasses, it is important to consider the lens width, bridge width, and temple arm length. These measurements are typically found on the inside of the temple arm, given in millimetres, and separated by dashes or small icons. The lens width refers to the horizontal diameter of the lens at its widest point. The bridge width pertains to the component that crosses the nose, connecting the lenses. The temple arm length is measured from the hinge screws to the tip of the arm.
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Lens height: the vertical height of the lenses at the widest point of the lens within the frame
Lens height is a crucial measurement when selecting eyeglasses, especially for bifocal or progressive lenses. It refers to the vertical height of the lenses at the widest point within the frame. Typically, this is the most important factor in finding a pair of glasses that fits your face well.
Lens height is sometimes included in the measurements printed on the inside of the temple arm of your glasses. These measurements are presented in millimetres and separated by dashes. For example, if the measurements are 48-19-140, the fourth number noted on the arm may be the lens height.
However, if your glasses do not have this measurement, you can measure it yourself. To find the lens height, measure the tallest part of the lens from the inside edge of the rim. Do not include the thickness of the rim in your measurement.
If the lens height is less than 30mm, it is not an ideal frame for progressive lenses. A lens height of at least 30mm is recommended to avoid a frame that is too narrow, as this can make your face look wider.
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Frequently asked questions
Finding the right frame size is an important part of buying eyewear. The best way to determine the right frame size is by taking the measurements of a pair that you already wear and feel comfortable in. You can usually find the measurements inscribed on the inside of the temple arm of your glasses. The frame measurements normally appear as three numbers separated by dashes. These three numbers reflect the measurements of different parts of the frames: lens width, bridge width, and temple length.
The first number in the sequence indicates the lens width or the horizontal width of each lens at its widest point. The middle number refers to the bridge width or the width of the space between the lenses where the glasses rest on your nose. Smaller bridge widths are for narrower noses, while larger bridge widths are best for wider noses. The third number is the temple length or arm length, which measures the length of the "arms" of the frame, starting from the screw where it attaches to the main body of the frame to the tip that goes behind your ear.
Frame width is the most straightforward aspect and is determined by measuring the distance between your temples. Hold a ruler horizontally across your face, just below your eyes, and note the distance between your left and right temples. The bridge width refers to the width of the space between the lenses, which can be measured using a mirror and a ruler. Be sure to also note the shape and placement of your bridge when measuring, as it can help you find the right frames for your face.
It is important to consider your face shape when selecting frames, as different types of frames look best on different face shapes. For instance, a square-shaped face often matches well with circular or oval frames, while rectangular frames tend to be more flattering on people with round faces. Additionally, if you require bifocal or progressive lenses, you will need to measure the lens height, which is the vertical height of the lenses at the widest point within the frame. A frame that is too narrow will make your face look wider, while a frame that is too wide will make your face look narrower. While it is possible to measure yourself for glasses, visiting an optician or eye doctor is the most reliable way to find the right frames for your face.
