Whether you are looking to purchase your first pair of glasses or have purchased glasses from some time, you may be concerned about getting the right fit for your new pair. It’s worth your time to start thinking about this question. The worst case scenario is that you buy a new pair of glasses, but have to return them because they are a poor fit.
But how do you ensure that your glasses will properly fit on your face before you make your purchase?
While there are several things that you can do, one of the important things is to measure your nose bridge. Your nose bridge is an integral part of obtaining the proper measurements for your glasses. By obtaining the proper nose bridge measurement, you will ensure that your new, favorite pair of glasses will properly fit on your face.
So let’s start with some basics about your nose bridge and how your glasses sit on your nose bridge. Ultimately, your glasses should sit on your nose without any pinching. There are two subpar scenarios. If the bridge of your glasses is too small, your glasses will pinch and they will be sitting too high on your nose. By contrast, if the bridge of your glasses is too large, the frames will continue to slide down your face. Yes, you may be able to bear this situation by constantly adjusting your glasses, but this is not an ideal, long-term scenario.
As you can see, you may face some consistent discomfort if the bridge of your glasses doesn’t comfortably fit. Instead, you want to ensure that you have the correct bridge fit for your glasses. Essentially, you should be able to move your head around and even wiggle your head from side to side without causing your glasses to fall or slide up or down.
To put it simply, you want to account for bridge width when purchasing your glasses. Bridge width is commonly known as the distance between the lenses from inside of the rim across the frame. When looking at the common three-number format used in eyeglass frame measurements, bridge width is the middle (second) number. If you already wear acetate frames, you should be able to see your bridge width, as it is imprinted on your glasses.
However, if you need to start from scratch and manually measure your nose bridge, you can get easily get a rough estimate. First, take a look at yourself in the mirror. See where your nose bridge stars and determine how wide or narrow your nose actually is.
From there, one useful hack is to take a selfie of your profile (the side of your face). If, for example, your bridge is below or at the level of your pupils, it’s safe to say that you have a low bridge size. In the standard parlance, a low bridge size is from approximately 16 to 18. On the other hand, if your bridge is above your pupils or it is wider than average, your bridge size will be larger (approximately 19 to 21).
Along with this estimate, there are several other factors that you should consider. The position of your nose bridge is also relevant. For instance, if your bridge size is larger, you may want to prefer frames that have a bridge that is closer to your brow line. By contrast, if you have a smaller bridge size, you may want to prefer frames that have a curvier brow.
Ultimately, with this estimate of your nose bridge in mind, you should start trying out new frames. If they don’t work, simply return them and try on a different pair. While this process may require some trial and error, it is worth the time to determine your nose bridge sign and purchase the frame that works best for you.
Identify the bridge width, which is the distance between the lenses from inside the rim across the frame. If you’re using acetate frames, check for the bridge width imprinted on your glasses. It’s the middle (second) number in the common three-number format used for eyeglass frame measurements.
Look in the mirror and determine where your nose bridge starts. Gauge the width of your nose to get a rough estimate of the bridge size you need. This visual assessment provides an initial idea of the suitable bridge width for your glasses.
For a more precise measurement, take a profile selfie of your face. Observe the alignment of your nose bridge concerning your pupils. If the bridge is below or at the level of your pupils, your bridge size is likely low (approximately 16 to 18). If it’s above your pupils or wider than average, your bridge size will be larger (approximately 19 to 21).
Finalize your bridge size based on these observations for a comfortable and well-fitted pair of glasses.
There are many different variables that you should consider when purchasing a new pair of glasses. That said, the nose bridge is one of the most important. If you aren’t yet aware of your nose bridge size, you can use the strategies above to obtain a measurement. With that measurement in hand, you can begin trying on frames. Whatever frames you choose, we hope that you use the advice above to find a comfortable pair of glasses.
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