Whether you've recently learned it's time to start wearing corrective lenses or simply need to update your prescription, selecting new glasses can be a challenge. There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing new frames, including your face shape, which can play a large role in the selection process. Here's a guide to help you choose the best frames based on your face shape.

What Is Your Face Shape?

While every face is slightly different, each can still be categorized based on its general shape. Since various glasses frame and accentuate each shape differently, it's important to first identify yours.

Here are some of the most common face shapes:

• Square: This shape is defined by an angular jaw that leads into wider cheekbones.
• Heart: Like a traditional heart, this face is narrow at the chin and then wider at the forehead.
• Oval: This shape features wider cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin.
• Round: This face features wider cheekbones, along with a similar wider forehead and jawline.
• Triangle: This shape involves a wider jawline with a narrower forehead.

If you’re unsure or feel like you fall between two categories, ask an eye care professional for guidance. You can also take a photo of yourself and draw the above shapes to see what fits best over your face, based on features like your chin, cheeks, and jawline.

How Can You Pick the Best Glasses for Your Face Shape?

Once you've identified your face shape, you can start searching for new glasses to accentuate and balance your features. For example, someone with a square face should look for styles with curves, which can help bring some softness to the sharper contours of their face. However, if yours is rounder, it's best to opt for more angular, narrower frames to add some additional definition to the face.

To balance out the narrower chin of a heart-shaped face, you’ll want to pick glasses that are wider at the bottom. Light-colored or thin frames also help balance out the look.

Oval-shaped faces are already pretty balanced, so you’ll want to pick frames that are the same width as your cheekbones to maintain an even appearance. If you have a square face, however, you'll want to choose wider frames with more definition at the top to balance out the more angular jawline. 

To find new glasses for your face shape, turn to Pal Optical in Lexington, KY. This team of eye care professionals has served local residents for over 60 years, offering quality optometry services. They are known for their wide selection of stylish, versatile frames that will enhance your appearance and meet your vision needs. Call (859) 266-3003 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.