Unless you’re trying to make a fashion (anti-fashion?) statement, wearing glasses that don’t fit is something most of us try to avoid.

However, for some of us, finding glasses that fit well can be a real chore. Large faces, petite faces, and shallow bridges are a few features that can cause fitting problems; frames that don’t fit correctly can slide off your nose, produce skin irritation behind your ears, or cause pressure and discomfort. If you have a hard-to-fit face, knowing how to find the correct size frame that fits you properly can eliminate needless shopping time and keep those peepers happy without causing the rest of your face discomfort! Here are some tips [fitting tips via OpticalVision]:

1. Visit an optical store or optician’s office where you can try on frames and be fitted by a certified optician who has been specifically trained to find frames and fit customers. Once you’ve selected a few that you like, try them on and choose your frames based on fit, feel, and personal taste. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up!

2. Find your correct frame’s size. A comfortable frame fit is based on three measurements: eye size; bridge size; and temple length – all measured in millimeters. The eye size is measured horizontally across the eyeglass lens. The bridge size is the distance between the lenses. Eye size and bridge size are located together; they can be separated by a dash or a box – for example, 52-17. You can find these two sizes in one of two places: either behind the bridge of the frame or along the inside of the temple. If a frame has adjustable nose pads, your optical stylist can adjust the bridge size to fit.

3. Find your correct temple size. The temples, or arms, are the two parts that extend over your ears. Temple size is usually a three-digit number, usually between 125 and 165, found along the inside of one of the two temples. The temple fit should extend past your ear just enough to hold the glasses in place, without touching the sides of your face or digging into your skin.

4. Use your eyeglass frame size to narrow your choices and purchase your glasses. Remember the measurements for future reference, i.e., if you ever have to purchase a pair of spares in an emergency, or order replacements online.

A: Assess Your Face

Face Shape – Determine your face shape and flattering glasses will follow, it’s as simple as that. Look in the mirror or at a photograph and compare with the graphics below. There are six main face shapes; find the one you most imitate:

Heart-shaped Face: Wide forehead and cheekbones; tapered jaw line and narrow chin.

A heart-shaped face has a wide forehead that descends to a narrow chin. To minimize your temple width and draw the eye down to the bottom of your face, a wide square or round lens helps to draw attention upward and balance out an angular jawline. Wide arms can also make the forehead look narrower and accentuate the cheekbones.

Oval: Balanced symmetry between forehead, cheekbones and jaw.

An oval face is considered to be the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. If you have an oval face, you’re in luck – pretty much any shape will look good on you. It’s best to pick frames that are at least as wide as the widest part of your face. Frames that are softly angular and are as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face work particularly well by emphasizing cheekbones and keeping the oval’s natural balance and symmetry.

Square: Broad forehead; square jawline.

A square face is equally as wide as it is long, with angular lines. Lengthen your face with frames that are wider (↔) than they are deep (↕). The best shapes for you are any variety of round, oval or cat-eye frames to offset the planes of an angular profile.

Round: Full cheekbones; narrow forehead and jaw.

A round face has curved lines with the width and length in the same proportions. To make a round face appear thinner and longer, try angular frames to lengthen the face, a clear bridge that widens the eyes, and frames that are wider than they are deep – such as a rectangular shape or cat-eye. Try a clear bridge to widen your eyes; DO NOT wear round frames. Wide wraparound shades in square or rectangular shapes will also make your face appear smaller.

B: Bring out & Balance your Features

You know your basic face shape, now let’s turn our attention to types of frames. The purpose of a good frame is to emphasize your facial strengths while deemphasizing your facial weaknesses. Frame types and frame sizes help you achieve this balance.

• Full-rim frames – Fully enveloping, these frames help emphasize the eyes.
• Semi-Rimless frames – These rims only frame the top of your glasses, emphasizing the upper portion of your face (wonder worker for diamond and face-down triangle face shapes).
• Rimless frames – Seeming to float on your face, these magical frames achieve a “barely there” look with your glasses and deemphasize your forehead (works especially well with heart face shapes).

C: Consider Your Coloring, Style, and Preferences

Coloring:  Want to maximize your overall look? Consider your coloring (warm or yellow- and peach-based tones or cool or blue- and pink-based tones ). Stick with shades that best compliment your coloring to really make your eyes and skin sparkle.

That’s about it! Ready to use your ABC’s to choose the glasses you will absolutely adore? Then get to it!

Vintage styles in fresh shapes also made a comeback in a spec-tacular way – think Art Deco Miami circa-1970 or New York City in the mid-80′s when the rave was king. Spring 2012 eyewear is all about fantastic color on refreshed retro shapes, and one of the first ones that caught our attention are these super-funky “Xeno” shades by Gotti. Classic aviator meets eye-popping vitamin colors? Yes please!

Designer Paul Frank turbocharged his frames with fruity tones and day-glo colors that screamed South Beach bombshell and made us swoon. These shades have us dreaming of palm trees and warm weather already.

It’s Hip To Be Square

Strong yet feminine, the square shape took a bold, brash turn on Spring runways. We particularly loved these gorgeous caramel gradient shades by SALT.

"Holtz" sunglasses by SALT

Tortoise Shell

Tortoise shell frames are the “it” thing this season, and Spring Fashion Week runways saw every designer from Stella McCartney to Marc Jacobs putting their own unique spin on this retro classic.

"Daphne" sunglasses by Bevel

Cat-Eyes

It doesn’t get more vintage than this 50′s throwback. Updated takes on this style keep the shape looking fresh – not like you raided grandma’s closet.

Polarized Cat-Eyes by David Yurman

Oversized Eye Candy

Big shapes in bold candy colors were everywhere on the Spring runways. A playful ode to the staple styles of the 70’s, expect this season’s styles to pop with fresh and innovative color combinations.

"Azure Stripe 73" by Paul Frank

photo courtesy of SALT

While a sweet pair of specs can be an awesome accessory to amp up a look, they can also raise questions about how to play the makeup game. The problem? Too much makeup and you can end up looking like an 80’s infomercial gone terribly wrong; too little makeup and your features can disappear. So, to help shape up up your spec-style savvy, we sourced tips straight from the expert – world famous makeup artist Bobbi Brown. In an interview with the online fashion mag Refinery29, she revealed these fantastically doable how-to’s on how to rock some awesome specs and still stay easy on the eyes. Her number one? Eyeliner is essential! Read on for six more of Brown’s tips [tips via Refinery29].

1). Stay In Neutral Territory: According to Brown, less is definitely more. “Wearing glasses draws plenty of attention to your eyes, so it’s best to keep your eye makeup simple. Stick to neutral shades on the eyes but remember to blend a darker color into your crease for added definition. Save the bright, bold colors for your lips. Of course, don’t forget corrector and concealer—a must for all women, but especially if you’re wearing glasses.”

2). Don’t Be Afraid of Mascara: “Most of the time I suggest applying 2-3 coats of mascara to really make eyes stand out. Always use black mascara, it makes the biggest difference. (Unless as per the below your prescription makes your eyes look bigger).”

3). Get In Line: “Adjusting the thickness of your liner is important when you’re wearing glasses,” says Brown. “If your frames are thicker, you’ll want to apply a thicker line to the upper lash line so that eyes stand out. If your frames are thinner, a softer liner works.”

4). Take Your Glasses Look From Day To Night: “There are several ways,” she says. “First, you can add bold colors to your cheeks and lips. A bright or dark lip color can instantly transform you into ‘party ready’ and a bright shade of pink blush on your cheek will instantly give your face a lift and flush of color. Or, you can add sparkle to your eyes. Use a lighter shimmer or sparkly color on your lower lid. To create a smoky eye for glasses, double line your eye. It instantly makes your eyes stand out without being too much. Just line your eye with a gel or pencil, then take a similar colored powdered eye shadow and using a liner brush, line above the previous line, smudging as you go.”

5). Define Your Brows: “Brows make a huge difference when you wear glasses— the frames draw attention to them. Learning how to shape and color your brows can change the entire frame of your face.”

6). Pay Attention To Your Prescription: “If your prescription makes your eyes look smaller, be sure to line your eyes all the way around. I recommend using a liner that is darker than your natural eye color, since it creates a perfect contrast that defines the eyes. Finish with two to three coats of black mascara on the top lashes only for a refreshed look. If your prescription makes your eyes look bigger, use a light hand when applying your eye makeup and be sure to blend everything carefully. The last thing you want your glasses to do is magnify any mistakes. For shadows, go with light, neutral shades like my Gold Nugget Sparkle eyeshadow. Your eyeliner should be delicate and thin, with only one coat of mascara to open up the eyes.”

There is much more to vision than just seeing clearly. Your vision is composed of many interrelated skills that can affect how well you play your sport.

All sports have different visual demands. Talking to your optometrist about the sports and activities you participate in is an important part of your eye exam. Knowing this about you, your doctor can assess your unique visual system and recommend the proper eyeglasses or contact lenses to maximize your visual skills for your specific sport.

For those of you who play high-risk sports, the proper eye protection should also be of concern. Thousands of children and adults suffer sports-related eye injuries each year. Nearly all of these injuries can be prevented by wearing the proper protective eyewear. Especially when playing sports outdoors, appropriate sunglasses are a must. When it comes to sunglasses,  sport-specific designs may even help you improve your game.

You have probably heard about Latisse, the eyelash grower that’s been on the market since it was FDA approved in December of 2008. You might be wondering if it’s safe for your eyes. How do you use it? And does it really work?

Latisse is actually a version of a glaucoma drug in eye drop form called bimatoprost in use since FDA approved it in 2001. Eye  doctors and their glaucoma patients noticed the hair growth side effect, with longer, thicker eyelashes appearing over time.

Celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy and Mandy Moore have reportedly used Latisse, and its advertising spokespeople have included Brooke Shields and Claire Danes. Recently, Christina Hendricks, star of Mad Men, signed on to promote the product in conjunction with a charity fundraising campaign called the Latisse Wishes Challenge.

How Does Latisse Work?

According to studies, Latisse lengthens, thickens and darkens eyelashes. Eyelashes sprout, will grow for a while but like the hair on your head, they will eventually fall out. Latisse is proven to both extend the growth phases and multiply the number of hairs that sprout.

Latisse is applied by dabbing it on the upper lash line each night with the sterile applicators supplied. As you blink the drug is then added to your lower eyelashes. It should never be applied in your eye or onto your lower lid. Before Latisse is applied all make up should be cleaned off along with contact lenses removed.

Applicators are intended for a one time use.  Re-using applicators can lead to serious problems, such as infections and allergic reactions. Since Latisse may promote hair growth on other skin areas it’s important to apply it precisely and carefully.

After two months of nightly use, you may begin to see results. After three or four months, your doctor may recommend a treatment schedule of every two days. If you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes will gradually return to their former state.

Study participants experienced these results after 16 weeks:

Image: Allergan, Inc.

• Eyelash length increased by 25 percent.
• Thickness and fullness increased by 106 percent.
• Eyelash darkness increased by 18 percent.

Potential Latisse Side Effects

Clinical studies show that Latisse eyelash lengthener is safe for most people. However, you may not  be a candidate for it if you have certain eye problems (such as uveitis and conjunctivitis), risk for macular edema, severe allergies or skin
infections of the upper eyelids. Pregnant women shouldn’t use it, and nursing women may want to wait as well.

During clinical studies, full results appeared after 12 to 16 weeks of daily use.

Because the active ingredient in Latisse lowers intraocular pressure, if you are already using IOP-lowering medications for ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma, you must tell your eye doctor before you try Latisse so he or she can monitor your eye pressure closely.

Most study participants had no problems if Latisse accidentally got into their eyes. But a few did experience effects that included dry eyes and eyelid skin darkening. The side effects that occurred in the largest percentage of participants were eye redness (3.6 percent) and itchiness (also 3.6 percent).

Allergan reports that permanent brown pigmentation of the iris is a potential side effect, but it was not reported as occurring during the studies. Such an eye color change could be an important drawback for some people, though color contact lenses could be one solution.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the above side effects, as well as any vision problems, eye infections or allergic reactions. Also tell your doctor if you are planning to have any eye surgery.

An afterimage or ghost image or image burn-in is an optical illusion that refers to an image continuing to appear in one’s vision after the exposure to the original image has ceased.

Looking good, Beth! Thanks for sharing!

Beth is wearing Alain Mikli A0407 in color 08