How to Buy Eye glass Frames Online.

I have been struggling with my glasses...it seems that getting enough glass in my frame is impossible. Because I am not eligible for surgery on my eyes, I need to find ways to see, read, compute while still look stylish. A tall order indeed.

I live in a relatively small town so it seems the selection of frame types for a person like me is limited. I have the choice of purchasing many pairs of glasses, each with a different use, or buying large enough glasses for a range of progression in the lens. Face shape, how heavy we are and our coloring all come into play. I really don't want glasses that make me look any older than I already am. Some glasses just scream "GRANNY!!!" I am trying to avoid screaming anything.

WEBSITE FOR VIRTUALLY TRYING FRAMES

There are several online sources that can be a lot of help. I found a website that even allowed me to try the glasses on virtually! It is called Eyeglasses.com. I liked that this website told whether the frames would work for progressive lenses...that was a huge help. I have found that even the employees at my optician are uncertain about how big the lens would need to be. At the Eyeglasses.com website all I needed to do was download a picture from my computer and then choose glasses to try. (A little tip: click the "buy now" button and they will let you try the virtual glasses on. You do not need to buy.) Actually I think this would be a good idea even if I were going to buy my frames from a local vendor. This kind of information would give me a head start before I even left the house. I loved being able to see what glasses would look like in a photograph. It gave me a total different perspective!

CHOOSING AN EYEGLASS FRAME.

The Vision Council had some very specific recommendation regarding the choice of eyeglass frames. They suggested:

• The shape of the frame should contrast your face shape for maximum appeal. People with curved faces look best in angular frames and people with angular faces look best in curved frames.
• Choose eye-wear that is in balance with your facial proportions. The frame size should be to scale with your face size and the top of the frame should follow your natural brow line. Eyes should appear centered in the frame.

At a website called Eyecessorize you can find tips on choosing the frame that complements your face shape plus points out some choices based on your fashion style. This is all very good stuff.

All About Vision has some of the best information I have seen yet. You really should read this article to get better informed about glass frame choices.

NOW I HAVE MY FRAMES...WHAT NOW?

I purchased new lens last hear and used some old frames I had bought a few years ago. The vendor sold me the lenses to fit in the frames. In one case they sent the frames away to the lens maker and they came back with the lenses inserted. In another case they drew a picture of my frames so I could take my glasses with me because I was still using them.

Why did I do this? I have a problem getting good looking glasses that are big enough to hold my progressive lens. I have astigmatism and am far sighted. Even though I wear a unisex frame that fits in the category that would go with my face shape, face width and lens surface for my prescription, I still must wear reading glasses to write on my computer or read. Finding a good looking frame that is big enough or stylish enough is really, really hard. I am going to try buying frames online and putting a lens in them next time I buy glasses.

SHOULD I BUY THE FRAME AND LENSES ONLINE?

I would never take a chance on getting the lenses too. The opticians measure and help us in ways we don't even realize. I personally am going to stick with their expertise...I just don't know how to do their job! In fact a secret shopper at All About Vision did not think it was a good idea. Maybe if you live in a remote area it might be worth your while. Otherwise...no, no, no!