How to choose dioptric glasses? Tips from experienced optician Petra Vychodilova
Today, we have technologies and modifications that definitively solve even the biggest ailments that have accompanied the wearing of glasses for centuries. How to choose dioptric glasses that are not only practical, comfortable and decent, but also make you feel great? I’ve compiled my advice, tips and experience that I’ve gathered over many years of practice. I also interviewed my colleague Lukáš Fojtík.
Why take the choice of glasses honestly?
Let’s look at the health and practical side of things first, because after all, that is still the most important. For example, improperly chosen glasses can cause: headaches, eye pain or even vision impairment.
| Did you know that dioptric glasses can affect not only the quality of your vision but also your posture? For example, if multifocal glasses are not properly centered, the image is not completely sharp. The glasses wearer then often unconsciously compensates for this by tilting their head unnaturally, which can result in whiplash. |
Also keep in mind that dioptric glasses consist of a spectacle frame and the actual lenses (or spectacle lenses).
Choice of spectacle frames
If you don’t take care in choosing the frames (or if you don’t discuss the choice with a professional), you are at risk of your glasses pushing you, sliding down, or being too small or too big for your face. All of this ensures one thing: discomfort when wearing them, which, after all, is not very desirable with glasses that you wear on your nose every day.
The types of eyeglass frames are differently durable:
- The least susceptible to damage are the whole-houses.
- More delicate are semi-rimmed shoes (they have a rim only at the top edge and a silon at the bottom).
- Glasses without frames (drilled) require the most care.
| Tip: Drilled glasses are not suitable for frequent taking off and putting on, so they are usually not recommended if you are choosing reading glasses. |
Don’t refuse the opportunity to try different types of frames in person and, on the contrary, take advantage of this opportunity in the optics. You will see for yourself that some of them fit you like a glove. And if you decide to visit one of our stores, our opticians will be happy to guide you through the selection.
Choice of lenses
The second important part is choosing the right lenses for your dioptric defect. Different types of lenses have specific properties that will improve the visual acuity, comfort and aesthetic appearance of the glasses. For example, if you are a high diopter wearer, multifocal or self-tinting lenses our experts will outline what is realistic and what you can expect from these types of lenses right away when choosing your glasses.
| Tip: If you are considering multifocal spectacles, it is necessary to think about the depth of the eyepiece when choosing a frame, so that all dioptric zones (distance, middle distance, near) can fit into the frame. |
How to know when it’s time for new glasses?
- The most common reason why people come in for new glasses is because their eyesight has deteriorated. It can happen, and it’s quite common, that even though you could see like a champ a few years ago, you suddenly feel that your vision has deteriorated.
“It can start with not seeing well in the dark. Or squinting at a clock hanging at the other end of the room. You might also have to stretch the text to the length of your arm when you read a magazine. Do you recognize yourself in any of these cases? Then it’s time to see an optometrist. He will measure your vision and tell you if it’s time for new glasses or if something else is causing your uncomfortable vision.”
- Another reason to start considering new glasses is damage to them. Anyone who has worn glasses at least once in their life has surely encountered scratched lenses or warped frames. All eyeglasses will wear out one day and stop serving the purpose for which they were purchased.
| Tip: Maybe your glasses just need a little adjustment. We will be happy to help you here too. At Aleš Žejdl Eye Studios we can service and clean your glasses. Come and see us! |
- Having “what to wear” and the desire for change are other reasons to get new glasses. If you want modern dioptric glasses that match current trends, rely on Aleš Žejdel.
“We start the selection of glasses with an interview to find out if you need reading glasses or for distance, if applicable. medium distancet (computer). Whether your profession is specific and requires something special, such as close-up work, dusty environments, etc. And last but not least, what is your idea.”
Basic rules for choosing glasses
If you are planning to get new dioptric glasses, we recommend visiting a brick-and-mortar optician. You have the opportunity to try on dozens of glasses, choose the type that fits you, and with the advice of experts when choosing, you will save a lot of time. The glasses must fit you (size, colour and style) and you must like them. We will recommend the type of lenses for you based on the results of an eye examination, which we will carry out by appointment.
The most common mistakes when choosing glasses and how to avoid them?
- Inappropriate shape or size of frames
Glasses that don’t match the anatomical features of your head are unlikely to fit you well. You need to think about the shape of the eyecup, its size, but also the width of the beam and the length of the sides.
- Inappropriate choice of material
Plastic frames tend to be lighter, metal frames more durable, rimless glasses need more care. For lenses, the material affects the resulting thickness of the glasses.
- Omission of surface treatments
For a variety of reasons, some people still choose uncoated glasses. In doing so:
- antireflex improves the aesthetics of the glasses and vision,
- UV filter protects eyes from harmful radiation
- Blue light filter increases comfort when working on the computer,
- and the hydrophobic treatment makes cleaning easier.
A professional optician or optometrist will warn you of any mistakes when you try on your glasses. He or she can see many details better than you can thanks to their experience and can guess the consequences of a wrong choice of glasses.
What if I have high diopters?
For high minus diopters, large frame shapes are not suitable because minus lenses are strongest at their edge. New materials make it possible to thin the lenses, but the higher the thinning requirements (higher refractive index of the lens), the higher the cost and today’s technical advances also have their limits.
For higher minus diopters (higher myopia) it is therefore wise to choose from smaller frame shapes, where the thick edge of the lens is removed when the lens is ground into the frame.
For higher plus diopters it is again good to choose smaller and rounder shapes. Plus lenses are thickest in the centre of the lens, to achieve thinner lenses, it is best to have a semi-finished lens made “to measure” for the specific shape of the lens (we optimise the diameter of the lens).
This procedure is most effective for plus diopters, but for higher diopters it can be combined with high-index (thinned) lenses for better results.
How to choose glasses according to face shape?
The basic rule for choosing glasses according to the shape of the face is to choose the opposite shape.
- For a round face, square glasses are more appropriate,
- round glasses on a square face,
- for a heart-shaped face, choose less conspicuous or rimless glasses
- and the oval shape suits almost all types of glasses.
Determining face shape can be difficult, we are all individuals and not everyone can be found in predefined examples. But don’t lose your head, we can find a decent pair of glasses for every face, even if it’s not perfectly symmetrical!
“An experienced optician will then try on the first frame he or she gives you before reaching for it, …takes note of the width of the head…, the shape of the nose, the alignment of the cheekbones., the shape of the eyebrows, the length of the eyelashes etc. All these factors affect how the glasses fit you. While the frames can be adjusted, these are more minor adjustments such as the width of the seats or the length of the sides. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose frames that sit well on your face right from the start.”
Choice of lenses: plastic vs. glass
Plastic lenses dominate the optical market. They are lighter and safer, also suitable for children. In addition to surface finishes, they can also be ordered in different colours and with different functions(self-colouring, polarising).
A special category of spectacle lenses are individual lenses, whose optical surfaces offer different dioptres in different parts of the lens according to the needs of the wearer. More here: Biometric glasses.
Glass lenses are to be considered for very high defects where the resulting thickness may be less due to the high index. However, their fragility is a disadvantage.
Lens surface treatments for maximum comfort
Surface treatments on lenses have several functions. They improve the appearance, functionality of the glasses, vision and, if handled properly , extend the life of the glasses. Hardening is the base layer underneath all other finishes.
- Anti-reflective treatment
It can have several layers (most commonly 3 – 9) and its aim is to reduce glare on the front and back of the lens and allow maximum light transmission to the eye.
- Hydrophobic, oleophobic and antistatic treatment
Repels water and dirt, prevents dust from settling. The main function of these layers is to keep the surface on the lens as smooth as possible without light scattering.
- UV filter
It protects the eyes and the eye area from harmful radiation, which causes aging and changes in the lens and retina when there is significant exposure.
- Blue light filter
It eliminates some of the dangerous blue light emitted by electronic devices and some fluorescent lamps. Although blue light is part of the light spectrum and necessary for the body, the amount of blue light we have been exposed to in recent years is excessive.
- Colouring
Without which the sunglasses can not do without. The choice is full-frame (permanent) or changing for self-tinting lenses. The wide range of colours allows you to choose both common (grey, brown, green) and trendy (red, yellow, blue) colours. The mirror finish adds a touch of glamour to the glasses and further protects the eyes from light.
Design and trends in dioptric glasses 2025
As in everything, trends in dioptric glasses change and with them come various micro-trends that appear and disappear, often under the influence of social media. Platforms like Instagram or TikTok have a big impact on what styles come to the forefront. Sometimes it’s extravagant dioptric glasses, other times it’s minimalist design and sleek dioptric glasses.
But with luxury dioptric glasses, you simply never go wrong. Their perhaps slightly higher price is reflected in the quality of the materials or technology , and a considerable amount of money is invested in comfort testing.
This year, you definitely can’t go wrong with the smaller oval shapes (either in plastic or metal) that are making a comeback in the spring/summer 2025 season. Nude colours, dynamic (sporty) shapes and pink glasses are other trends in the eyewear world that you shouldn’t miss.
Men’s dioptric glasses are a little less trendy, classic black dioptric glasses or modern pilots will never cause you shame.
Proper handling and care of your glasses will prolong their life and your enjoyment of them
- Clean your glasses regularly every day.
- Spray the cleaning spray on the lenses, wipe with a microfiber cloth and check them.
- Once every 2 months, come to the opticians for a service, where we will ultrasonically clean, check and tighten your glasses. You can find out more about the care and servicing of your glasses here.
- Avoid placing your glasses with the lenses down.
- Put on and take off your glasses with both hands to prevent them from warping.
- Wear your glasses case when you are not wearing them.
- Do not leave your glasses in direct sunlight or expose them to chemicals, steam or high temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Jak poznám, že potřebuji nové brýle?
Možná vidíte hůř v šeru, mhouříte oči na hodiny nebo natahujete časopis na délku paže, abyste vůbec něco viděli. To všechno jsou signály, že je čas na nové dioptrie. Stavte se k nám do Očního studia Aleš Žejdl na vyšetření zraku a my zjistíme, co je potřeba.
Na co si dát pozor při výběru brýlové obruby?
Brýlové obruby by neměly tlačit ani sjíždět. Všímejte si šířky nosníku, délky stranic i toho, jak vám brýle sedí na obličeji. A hlavně, vždy si je zkoušejte naživo a ideálně pod dohledem někoho, kdo vám poradí, co a jak.
Jaké jsou nejčastější chyby při výběru brýlí?
Nevhodná velikost obrub, špatně zvolený materiál nebo absence důležitých povrchových úprav. V Očních studiích Aleš Žejdl vám ale se vším poradíme, takže se těmto chybám snadno vyhnete.
Jaký typ brýlových čoček je pro mě vhodný?
Záleží na počtu vašich dioptrií, oční vadě i životním stylu, který vedete. Pro vysoké dioptrie se hodí ztenčené čočky, pro práci na počítači třeba filtr modrého světla. Rádi vám s výběrem poradíme při návštěvě naší optiky.
Co když mám vysoké dioptrie?
U vyšších mínusových dioptrií vybírejte spíše menší obruby. U plusových dioptrií se hodí spíše kulatější tvary brýlí.
Jak správně pečovat o brýle, aby dlouho vydržely?
Čistěte je denně čisticím sprejem a hadříkem z mikrovlákna. Nepokládejte je čočkami dolů a vždy je ukládejte do pouzdra. Jednou za pár měsíců je přineste k nám, kde je zkontrolujeme a vyčistíme ultrazvukem.
