Choosing the Right Frames
Glasses say so much about your personality and personal style. At Prairie Eye and LASIK Center, we are happy to work with you to select frames that complement your features. Our experienced optometry professionals work closely with you to select the proper frames that fit your budget as well as your cosmetic, lifestyle, and vision needs. While working with our experienced staff enables you to select the appropriate frames, we invite you to learn more about which frame styles complement various face shapes.
Square Face
A square face is often characterized by a strong jawline, a broad forehead, and a wide chin and cheekbones. The width and length of the face are close to being equal. Frames should be selected to make the face look longer and to soften its square angles. Those with a square face may choose frames that are slightly curved (like an oval shape) and that have more horizontal than vertical real estate.
Oval Face
The oval face is identifiable by its balanced proportions. The forehead is slightly wider than the chin and cheekbones are high. Frames should complement the natural proportions of the oval. Choose frames that are wide or wider than the broadest part of the face and that follow your brow line. Often, diamond or rectangular shapes work best for oval shapes.
Oblong Face
An oval face is identifiable by its balanced proportions. The forehead is slightly wider than the chin and the cheekbones are high. Frames should complement the natural proportions of the oval. Choose frames that are wide or wider than the broadest part of the face and that follow your brow line. Often, diamond or rectangular shapes work best for oval shapes.
Round Face
A round or full face is characterized by having the same width and length. For round faces, frames that add length to the face often work best. Frames that lengthen the face are typically angular, narrow, and wider than they are deep. It is best to avoid round-style frames as these will exaggerate the roundness and curves of the face.
Heart-Shaped Face (or Base-up Triangle)
A heart-shaped face looks like a heart or a triangle with the point facing down. The forehead is very wide and the cheekbones are high while the face narrows towards the chin. Counterbalance the narrow chin by choosing frames that are wider at the bottom. Generally, light-colored and rimless frames work best, although aviator, butterfly, and low-triangle styles also work well.
Base-down Triangle Face
A base-down triangle face has a narrower forehead with full cheeks and a broad chin. To offset a broad chin, select frames that widen at the top. Great selections include frames that have heavy color accents and detail on the top part of the frames. Cat-eye shapes also work well to add width and emphasize the narrow upper part of the face.
Diamond Face
A diamond-shaped face is often characterized by high, dramatic cheekbones with a narrow eye line and jawline. This shape is the rarest of all shapes. Oval frames that are soft in style typically work best to highlight the eyes and cheekbones. Select frames that have detailed, distinctive brow lines, and are rimless or a cat-eye shaped for best results.
This is a general guide and is only intended for reference. Our experienced and trained staff will assist you in selecting frames that work best for your lifestyle.
Fashion Eyewear & Contact Lenses
Reorder Contacts Online
At Prairie Eye, our convenient optical center gives our patients access to exciting options in corrective eyewear, from the very latest in designer frames to a broad spectrum of contact lenses. To ensure complete satisfaction, one of our experienced eye care professionals will take the time needed to find out about your lifestyle, work, and hobbies, and fit you with the best eyewear to meet your needs.
From core products to designer brands, our extensive inventory of frames include:
The latest advancements in contact lens design and materials have made them a clear, comfortable choice for many of our patients. Our team of optometrists has years of training and experience in fitting the most popular styles of contact lenses, including:
- Gas permeable lenses
- Soft lenses: Daily, 2-week, and extended wear lenses
- Bifocal lenses
Call or stop by our Optical Center today and let our team show you a new way to see.
Sunglasses
Many people are cheered by a bright, sunny day, but the effect of all that sunlight on the eyes is a less sunny proposition. UV radiation and glare can create a variety of issues, from dangerous “snowblindness” to irreversible disorders that threaten your eyesight. Here are some frequently asked questions about the role of sunglasses in protecting the eyes from harm. If you want to know more about choosing the right sunglasses, call Dr. Yeh at (217) 698-3030 today.
What are UV rays?
UV stands for ultraviolet, which is a spectrum invisible to the eye. Ultraviolet light consists of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are stopped in the Earth’s atmosphere before they reach the eye, but UVA and UVB can both reach the eye and potentially damage it.
How does UV radiation affect unprotected eyes?
UV rays can cause proteins inside the lens to become opaque or cloudy, which is a condition known as cataracts. Cataracts can interfere with night vision, reduce your ability to see colors, and make reading difficult; they cannot be reversed, only removed. UV exposure can also cause retinal damage, changes in the eye tissues, and a temporary but irritating “sunburn” of the cornea called photokeratitis.
How do I know my glasses will protect my eyes? Choose glasses that claim to block at least 99 percent of UV rays — UVA as well as UVB. Look for a label reading “UV 400,” since this designation means that the glasses block UV rays as small as 400 nanometers, providing 100 percent eye protection. Of course, you need to protect your eyes from the glare caused by the visible spectrum as well. To accomplish this, select products that block 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
What are polarized lenses?
Polarized lenses are specially designed to filter out certain types of glare that tend to radiate upward from horizontal surfaces when sunlight bounces off of these surfaces. They are recommended for tasks such as boating, fishing, skiing, golfing, jogging, and driving. Most polarized lenses will bear a label identifying them as such.
What types of glasses can I choose from?
We can provide you with a wide range of sunglass options. If you normally wear glasses to correct your eyesight, you may be happy with a non-prescription pair of clip-on or wraparound glasses that simply fit over your lenses. If you’d rather not wear that much equipment on your head all at once, you can order a pair of prescription “shades,” or you can order glasses that darken when exposed to bright light.
What additional types of protection should I consider?
If you worry about light, including harmful UV, leaking in through the sides or top of your sunglasses, you should wear a broad-brimmed hat to reduce some of this exposure. If you use prescription eyewear to correct your eyesight, you may also want to think about getting a pair of UV-blocking contact lenses in your prescription. These lenses may be worn alongside a non-prescription pair of sunglasses for optimum eye protection.
For more information on choosing the right sunglasses, contact our office today.