Choosing the right sunglasses frames for your patients

As an eye care professional, you are focused on delivering your patient the proper UV eye protection. Your patients, however, are often more worried about the comfort, fit, and appearance of the frame.

Patients can’t see the benefits of their sunglasses: protection from harmful UV and high energy visible light. But they do experience comfort levels no matter where they go. Increasing patient satisfaction and increasing sunglasses sales during sun season relies in part on finding the right frames for your patients.

Remember these basics of a good sunglasses fit.

The bridge is for stability

Focus on the contact area, without pinching your patient’s nose. With more contact area, the bridge of the nose can provide more stability and comfort for patients. The last thing they want to do is adjust their sunglasses over and over again.

Another factor to consider is ensuring that the patient’s pupil is centered vertically within the lens opening.

The frame size is everything

When it comes to selecting types of sunglasses frames, consider larger sizes and frame widths. While sun damage to the eye itself is possible, the skin around the eye is also at risk. Find frames that cover a large enough area to provide full protection.

At HOYA, we created the EX3+ anti-reflective lens treatment for even thorough UV protection on the backside of the lens. Read more about this innovative approach in our white paper, The Evolution of Anti-Reflective Treatments. 

Consider the temple length and style

Sunglasses have to be ready to take on punishment from a day on a boat, or while out exercising. They need to fit securely, even when perspiring. For frames with temples that bend behind the ears, ensure the bend is in the appropriate position with enough temple behind the ear to adjust for a secure fit.

Frames with straight temples need adequate tension, with a sufficient touch of the temples to the side of the head beyond the top of the ears — with minimal touch in front of the ears.

The patient may want something for its style alone, but make sure they understand the pros and cons of different options. The wrong fit may cause discomfort for them regardless of the style.

Find the best frames shape

When guiding patients on sunglasses shape, you can use the same guidelines you use with any pair of glasses. Emphasize some facial and other characteristics while outbalancing others.

Consider the patient’s face shape, contrast, and proportion. The frames should contrast the shape of the patient’s face, whether they have a square-shaped face or a heart-shaped face. Sunglasses cover more surface of the face to provide adequate UV protection (not to mention larger sunglasses are almost always trending).

Use our sunglass fit guide to make sure you're choosing the right pair of sunglasses frames for your patients.

Get the appropriate high-quality materials

When determining materials, you have to take into consideration the fit and function of the sunglasses themselves. Sunglasses for sports and activewear must be lightweight and impact-resistant. Phoenix and polycarbonate lenses are strong contenders, while plastics or metals with safety hinges offer durable support.

Give frames the attention they deserve

Frames complete a pair of glasses. It’s easy to focus on lens features or let patients pick something that doesn’t match their original needs. Frames need proper consideration for the final product.

It's hard enough to encourage patients to purchase a second pair of glasses. Streamline the process for them. Help your patients decide on a frame that will fit their face shape and their lifestyle while also supporting their eye health.