No matter where you buy your glasses, there are two steps to buy a pair of eyeglasses: 1. choose the frame, 2. add prescription lenses.

This article will focus on the things that you should consider when choosing glasses frames online.

There are a number of things you should consider when choosing glasses frames online. For example, how to make sure the frame is at the right size? What is the best frame material for my situation? Can I have a small frame for multifocal lenses? Do you know whether to choose a full-rim, semi-rimless or rimless frame is not only a choice of style, it also affects the total cost of the glasses? This article provides you inside tips on how to choose glasses frames.

First of all, the size of frame, because no matter how beautiful the design of a frame is it will have to fit you comfortably. More and more online optical stores provide virtual try on system for customers to upload photo and try on glasses online. However, many virtual try on systems do not re-scale the glasses to your photos in proportion to show the relative size of the frames to your face. An accurate sizing system is important because majority of the frame models come only in one size. If you like the frame style but the frame is not at the right size for you, very unlikely you will find a frame of the same model that would fit you. Try glasses using our E Try-on® and see the difference.

Secondly, you should consider lens limitations on certain frame styles.

Semi-rimless and rimless frames have limitations on what lens materials can be used, which would affect the overall cost of the glasses. In semi-rimless frames, groove is created to hold the nylon. While the groove holds the nylon to support the lenses to the frame structure the groove also weakens the lenses making it more subject to chipping. You can use normal plastic lenses however, impact resistant lenses are highly recommended.

For rimless frames, only impact resistant lenses can be used because the lenses need to be strong enough to allow holes to be drilled through.

Impact resistant lenses (for example polycarbonate lenses, high index 1.60 lenses) generally are more expensive than normal plastic lenses (for example C39 lenses). This means higher cost in making glasses using semi-rimless and rimless frames. However full-rim frames generally do not have such limitation.

Thirdly, consider the function of the glasses you would like to achieve.

Eyeglasses frames can be fitted with single vision lenses for distance only or near only reading glasses. However, if you would like multifocal or bifocal glasses, i.e. use the glasses for both distance and near vision, then there is a lens depth requirement on the eyeglasses frames. Depending on the lens design, some optical store requires the lens depth for multifocal lenses to be as large as 30mm. If you intend to purchase glasses frame at one store and have the lenses fitted at a different store, make sure you ask about the lens depth requirement beforehand.

Forthly, consider material of the frame.

If you live in consistent humid weather condition or if you tend to sweat a lot on your face, or if you have hyper-allergic type of skin, metal frames may not be a good option. Instead, you may choose alternatives such as plastic or titanium glasses frames.

Prescription is another thing to consider especially if your prescription is strong.

For example, if your sphere is -9.0, the lenses are usually very thick on the edge even with high index 1.74 lenses. To minimize the edge thickness, it is recommended to choose frames with small lens width and lens depth. You should avoid semi-rimless and rimless frames where possible because of the thick edge.