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How Should Eyeglasses Fit? 

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A close up of a person wearing aviator metal-framed glasses that suit their face.

Finding the perfect pair of eyeglasses is about so much more than just style. A truly great fit delivers comfort, clear vision, and confidence—while poorly fitting frames can cause headaches, red marks, or constant slipping. The ideal pair should rest gently on the bridge of your nose, align seamlessly with your eyes, and sit comfortably behind your ears without pinching.

Great eyewear starts with a great fit. Whether you’re buying your first pair or upgrading your current look, a personalized styling session can help you find frames that match your facial features, lifestyle, and vision needs.

Eyeglass Fit 101

Here are some of the measurements that help your glasses fit your face comfortably. 

Bridge Fit: The Foundation of Comfort

The bridge of your glasses should rest comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding. A well-fitted bridge distributes the weight of your frames evenly, preventing those telltale red marks that many glasses wearers accept as inevitable. The bridge should make contact with the sides of your nose rather than sitting on the very tip, which can cause discomfort and instability.

When frames fit properly, you shouldn’t feel pressure points or have to constantly push your glasses back up. If you notice your glasses leaving deep indentations or causing soreness after just a few hours of wear, the bridge fit likely needs adjustment.

Temple Length & Positioning

The temples (also called arms) of your glasses should extend straight back, then curve gently around your ears without bending outward or pressing too tightly against your head. 

Your frames should feel stable when you move your head, shake it gently, or look down. If your glasses shift, slide, or feel loose during normal activities, the temple fit may need refinement.

Lens Positioning & Your Eyes

When you’re looking straight ahead, the optical center of each lens should line up closely with your pupils. This positioning supports clear vision and helps reduce the chance of eye strain. From the front, your eyes should appear roughly centered within the lens area.

Your eyelashes also shouldn’t touch the lenses when you blink. If they do, the frames may be sitting too close to your face, which can lead to smudging and discomfort.

Understanding Eyeglass Sizing Terminology

Eyeglass frames typically include three key measurements, normally printed on the inside of the temple arm. The first number represents the lens width (usually between 40–60 mm), the second indicates the bridge width (typically 14–24mm), and the third shows the temple length (generally 120–150mm).

These measurements help determine whether a frame will fit your facial dimensions. However, numbers alone don’t tell the complete story—factors like frame shape, material flexibility, and your unique facial structure all influence the final fit.

Four pairs of trendy eyeglasses are arranged on a cream background.

Signs Your Glasses Don’t Fit Properly

Here are some common signs that your glasses might not be fitting properly and could benefit from a professional adjustment:

  • Physical discomfort: Persistent headaches, red marks, indentations, or soreness after wearing your glasses are clear signs that adjustments are needed.
  • Vision-related warning signs: If you find yourself tilting your head to see clearly or if objects appear warped at the edges of your vision, your lenses may be poorly positioned.
  • Stability and movement issues: Glasses that slide down your nose, even when you’re sitting still, indicate a poor fit. Similarly, frames that feel loose when you move your head or participate in light physical activity may need adjustment.

Get a Personalized Frame Styling Experience

At our boutique, we celebrate eyewear as an extension of your individuality—not a one-size-fits-all formula. We don’t follow rigid “rules” or trends. Instead, we focus on frames that resonate with your personality, lifestyle, and the effortless luxury you deserve. Independent, thoughtfully crafted eyewear paired with professional styling creates a look that’s uniquely yours.

Your eyewear is a daily luxury—choose frames that elevate your look and support your eye health with comfort that endures. Discover the difference a personalized fitting and boutique styling experience can make.

Visit OPT Optometric Palm Springs to schedule your personalized fitting and experience how eyewear should truly fit and feel.

Written by Dr. Philip Tawil

Dr. Tawil has been proudly serving the City of San Francisco for many years. After receiving his Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of California, Irvine, he completed his post-graduate degree as a Doctor of Optometry from the University of California at Berkeley.

Dr. Tawil went on to complete his residency as a Low Vision Rehabilitation Optometrist at The Center for The Partially Sighted (CPS) in Santa Monica, California. After his residency, he entered the world of academics and served as an adjunct faculty optometrist at Pacific University and the VA hospital in Portland, Oregon.

In private practice for more than 12 years, Dr. Tawil is happy to provide the most comprehensive eye exams and ocular health checks.  He gives you true vision care, whether it’s providing relief, dry-eye relief, fitting you in contact lenses that work for your lifestyle or getting your prescription just right.

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