What’s My Eyeglass Frame Size?
Posted by Eyeglasses Guy on March 31, 2007 · 130 Comments
Just as a follow-up to my recent post FrameFinder Fun – Try on Frames Online, I thought I’d provide a little explanation on the question “what’s my frame size?” and where to get that information.
If it’s your first time to wear prescription eyeglasses, then you’ll need to get a measurement by a trained professional such as at your eye doctor’s office.
For example, to order a pair of prescription frames at FramesDirect.com, you’ll need several pieces of information – eye size, bridge and temple. Take a look at the image below from the Polo 412 (Regular hinge) eyeglasses product page:
Huh? What the heck are those? I’ve been wearing eyeglasses since The Beatles invaded America and the first time I shopped for frames online, I was clueless about what those were, how to measure them or where to get that information.
Fear not, intrepid web surfer, because it’s easier than you think. If you’re a pro at wearing prescription glasses like me, then chances are you’ve got the information you need at the tip of your fingers. Well, hanging on your ears, anyway.
Turns out that most prescription frames will have your exact measurements engraved on the temples (arm pieces) or behind the nose bridge area as shown in the image below (taken from our Buying Frames Online page):
On my current eyeglass frames, it reads 52 17-150, which translates to an eye size of 52, bridge size of 17 and temple length of 150.
What about the Vertical(B) in the image example above? Unless you have been told what the B measurement is – or seen it in an optical catalog, you won’t know what that is. The B only becomes relevant when you want to order bifocals/no-line progressives – and then the optician would have to review the B in order to determine if it was deep enough. Other than that, the B measurement plays no real role except as an indication of how “deep” the eye portion is – and is not required as part of the order process.
So, I hope this provides answers to any questions that you might have about ordering frames online. It’s really an easy, painless process, so feel free to browse our entire eyeglass frames catalog online (prescription glasses in the UK) to find your size.
Richard Burckhardt, SEO Manager
FramesDirect.com
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Perhaps this page – in particular, the video featuring our CEO – will answer your question: http://www.framesdirect.com/include/information/frame_size_guide.aspx
The numbers on my right temple are 324 0W47
The numbers on my left temple are 0W47 135
I cannot see where these translate into eye, bridge and temple size
How would I order?
Stanley -
Go to our Men’s Prescription Eyeglasses page and narrow down the list of frames by choosing the eyesize and bridge size in the left side options. You’ll get a list of the men’s frames that we have that might be a fit for you.
I need a smaller eyesize such as as 47 and a wider bridge such as a 25. Where could I find that type of frame for all frames are too basic. I have a strong prescription and a wide PD
Hi Neil-
It sounds more like the eye size of your frame is too NARROW and not too large. Your temples should never bow out at an angle. This bowing out causes your frame temples to squeeze the sides of your head thus pushing your frames forward and out and down your nose. When you slip on your frames your frame temples should glide straight back easily. You should have a little space (usually a half to a fingers width of space) between your head and the frame temples. You can achieve this by either:
- Going with a larger eye(frame) size (width)
- Staying with the same frame size but selecting a frame where the end pieces extend out on each side by a few mms. This will create extra width but you will be able to keep your eye size smaller.
- Making sure your Optician fits and adjusts your frames properly for you.
Please let us know what size frame you currently have and we can advise you as to what size frame might work for you,
I seem to have a rather narrow head, because my spectacles don’t seem to grip very well and are always sliding down my nose. One pair drops off when I tip my head downwards! The frames seem to be the right size, but the temples on all the glasses I’ve tried open out fully at an angle, i.e. the opened distance between the part of the temple that fits behind the ear is quite a bit wider than the total width of the frames themselves. I was thinking of getting a pair of Shuron Ronsir Zyls, but I’m concerned that even if I order the right frame size (in terms of eye/bridge/temple measurements), they will still be too big for my head! What can I do about this?
Thanks,
Neil
I ran your question by our opticians. They suggested that you might want to look at XXL Eyeglasses and Fatheadz Eyeglasses for large frames. Other than some safety glasses and goggles, they don’t know of any frames that are polycarbonate. You might want to consider give one of our opticians a call and see what else they can find for you ( 1-800-248-9427 ).
We are working on improving the search functionality on the site every day and hope to have the ability to narrow searches down further in the not too distant future.
I’ve searched nearly 5000 frames on your website, and simply do not have the time to search any further. I am looking for frames that are rectangular, polycarbonate, in this range: 59/16/42b/145. Specifically, I am searching for a larger or oversize frames that are rectangular in style. I do not like the tiny narrow frames with a vertical size of 32b or less, far too small! Your website does unfortunately not have a filter for oversize glasses and I simply cannot search through the extensive catalog of frames you have on your otherwise well constructed website. Please advise. Ron
Size can matter in different cases. Ideally you want the pupil center of your eyes to line up with the geometric center of the lens in the frame. If you have a high RX and can go with the smaller of the two sizes it will reduce your lens thickness for you. You do not want the temple (ear pieces) to squeeze the sides of your head. If they do, that size is too small for you. So, yes it can matter what size you choose when selecting your eyeglass frames. There are all kinds of variables. It can definitely have an effect on the fit.
I am looking at a frame by Liz Claiborne. It comes in 45 and 47 size. I put on the 45 at a shop where I saw the frames first and they looked fine on me. I own glasses whose lenses are 47 mm. Do you think it matters which I get?
Patriica
My current frame is 53-15-135 but I found a really nice frame on Ebay that i like and it is 56-13-130. Would this change be a problem or could i possible wear the new frame without difficulty? Thanks!
Thanks, I was able to search out a small frame, Eliot by Calligraphy which has Unifit bridge. Hope I like it…
It is an unifit or some people call it a horseshoe bridge. These are becoming a rarity these days. A company by the name Universal Univis has/had several models that they carried. Unfortunately we no longer carry that brand.
Hello, can someone tell me what the frame style of SFX 2079 is called, with the solid nose bridge on metal frame? I’m looking for something like it, but with smaller lense size.
You can speak to one of our online opticians at 1-800-248-9427. Or you can go to the site at http://www.framesdirect.com/ and use the Live Chat feature if you prefer.
Hi
Can I have a contact number because I don’t know my eye size
Pharmacist-ksa@hotmail.com
Unfortunately, no. This was discontinued back in 2008. Your best bet is to take the lenses into a local shop and try them in the frames there. It’s difficult to find a frame that will fit these lenses since they are cut specifically for the DKNY 4503.
Hello, I have a pair of DKNY 4503 glasses. The frame is shot, but the lenses are in great shape. It seems this line of frames has been discontinued. Do you know of any place that has these frames still, or, do you know of a DK frame that these lenses will fit?
Thanks!
To get a good fit, you will need to be measured by a professional. You can get some general guidelines by watching the video at Understanding Frame Size.
Also take a look at the “Easy Frame Sizing Guide” tab on that page.
My glasses doesn’t have any numbers engraved is there a way I can measure the glasses myself?
Phyllis – I’m going to have one of our opticians contact you. Sounds like you could use some professional advice, so expect to hear from Candace. She’s the best!
So far, no optician has done any measuring to fit eyeglasses frames. I can’t read the numbers on my current frames, but a recent pair that I tried on that fit better than any others, said “53/18″, which I know to be the lens and nosepiece width, respectively. They seemed still a little too small, but my eyes were pretty centered in the middle of the lens area. I am now told that it’s not just looks that make that important, but how the lenses will work.
My pleas for larger frames for my wide face largely fall on deaf ears. It seems they just want me to pick from their limited supply and be happy.
If I find a wider lens with a narrower area in the nose piece will that offset the potential for my eyes not being centered?
I feel I am going to have to send for and try on a number of frames before I find just the right ones. I find a shape that seems good, then the nose piece rides too far up, which makes my longer, slender nose look way too long.
I am looking for an oval or slightly cat eye frame in tortoise shell, and see that Apollo AP 110 frames are pretty large, maybe too large, I don’t know.
I tried on the Kate Spade Kendall, which is the lens/frame shape ideal (just a bit larger), but the nosepiece sits too high, and makes my nose look like a ski jump. Wire frames seem to have many more designs with the nose piece more centered half way down the side of the lens.
The really big lenses, some are like the ones worn by women from “The Golden Girls”, not a look I am going for. I don’t want them too narrow or square, either, which seems to be the majority of “fashionable” frames now, or the ones that have the nose piece way up high with the round lenses, looks like Groucho nose and glasses mask on me.
Help!
The freedom would be the recommended progressive lens, in the polycarbonate material to accommodate the base curve.
I would also note that the Bottle Rocket is discontinued
Hello,
I would like to know what PAL lens base curve will work for Oakley Whisker 6B & Bottle Rocket 4.0 Rx frames? These frames are a bit curved/wrapped around so I think they require a non-standard base curve for Rx lens.
Thank you for any information you can provide with this.
Here is what April, one of our online opticians came up with.
Here is a list of small titanium frames that would work well with a prescription -10 (with astigmatism). These are ophthalmic frames with a flat base curve. I would not recommend a rimless frame for this prescription.
Hart Schaffner Marx T128
Revolution Titanium REVT75 and Revolution Titanium REVT78
Modo 102
Ocean Optical NX-7
I need help finding small frames.
Typical size is 43/44 x 19/20 x 140/145
The frame needs to be flat (not sports/curved) as I need certain base curve.
Prescription is -10 (with astigmatism).
Prefer titanium/robust frames but not flexon (I want to be able to adjust arms etc).
Here’s what our General Manager, Jennifer, came up with:
I did some research and found 5 frames that might work for you. Please take a peek and let me know if I can be of any further assistance. I hope this helps.
XXL Colt or XXL Met – Both are semi-rimless and are a size 58-150. They are also titanium, but not necessarily flexible.
Fatheadz 703 – Is semi-rimless and a size 58-150. It is a metal, but not classified as titanium and not necessarily flexible.
Safilo Design 2200 or 4300 chassis – Both have 150mm temples, are flexible and made of beta titanium. However, they are not semi-rimless, they are completely rimless. Being completely rimless has its advantages because we can cut the lens to size 58.
Thanks,
J
My spouse has a very large face. He requires a 58 Eye Size and 150 Temple Size made of Titanium , must be a Flexible type Frame and he would like a semi-rimless style frame but our local Pearle Vision has not been helpful to us in our search. They tell us they can not find anything that fits his requirements. Due to skin allergies it must be made of Titanium and due to potential falls he requires a frame that will bend but not break if he does fall. I just don’t know where to search. I found a great model within his liking on the web but according to our local Pearle Vision it is a European model only and they can’t get it for us. Our biggest issue is finding all his requirements with his eye size. What can you suggest?
This is usually caused by an ill fitting frame or one that has not been adjusted properly. Maybe there are other issues as well?
This comes from one of our opticians:
The B includes half the thickness of the frame thickness.