Attracted by the opportunity to make significant savings, more and more consumers are now choosing to purchase eyeglasses online. Previously you might have visited the eye doctor’s office and picked out your glasses following an eye examination, but now you can pick up your prescription and order your glasses yourself. The opportunity to purchase online offers a wider range of frames, often priced cheaper, and eliminates the fitting process. However, it does mean that more information is needed on how to measure yourself for eyeglasses.
Instructions
1 First you should attend an examination by your eye doctor. He will perform tests to assess your vision and the overall health of your eyes, checking for disease, cataracts, corneal ulcers or disorders relating to diabetes. Once the exam is complete, your eye doctor will give you a prescription for your lenses.
2 Check your current glasses for numbers listed behind the bridge or on the arm; for example, 52 17 150. These numbers relate to eye size, bridge size and temple length, indicating the size of the frames required. Your eye doctor will also measure the distance between your pupils, or PD, to ensure the optical centers of the lenses are correctly positioned. If they are not, headaches may occur.
3 Another consideration when choosing frames is whether your prescription is for nearsightedness or farsightedness. Eyeglass lenses affect the appearance of your eyes, making your eyes look smaller with nearsighted lenses and larger with farsighted lenses. You may wish to adjust your choice of frame accordingly
Tips & Warnings
When choosing frames, consider the shape of your face, skin tone and hair color.
If you’re buying your first pair of glasses, a professional should fit them for you.