Choosing glasses that make you look younger may seem like less of a priority than, say, comfort or budget. Maybe so. But since you may be wearing your glasses a lot, if not all day, it's important that you feel your best in the ones you end up with—and that includes being satisfied with what you see in the mirror when you put them on.
If you feel like your eyewear makes you look older than you'd like, consider the shape, color, size, and style of eyeglasses the next time you go shopping. A few simple choices can make a significant difference in how your glasses make you look.
Here are a few tips for choosing glasses that make you look younger.
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How to Choose Glasses That Complement Your Age
Eyewear should be stylish and should both complement your age and give you a more youthful appearance. If you are older, you probably are looking for eyewear fashions geared to helping you age gracefully. Consider the following guidelines as you shop for frames that make you look younger.
Shape
The best glasses for making you look younger are those that are uplifting to the face. The shape of your frames can help you achieve a natural facelift.
Softer and more rounded corners are more desirable than sharp edges. Rounded corners help to soften the facial features and naturally lift the features of the face.
Cat-eye shapes have softer edges and provide a slight uplifting appearance. For older men, upswept rectangular shapes with rounded corners are very flattering.
A well-fitting pair of glasses should not touch your cheeks.
Color
Warm-colored glasses make you look younger. Cool and flashy tones are best left to the younger generations.
Warmer tones may be a good choice for people who are frequently on camera, for example in Zoom meetings or on television.
Keep your eye out for shiny materials to give your eyes a natural sparkle, but take care to avoid dull colors, plain silver, and basic black. Choosing glasses in these colors can make you look older.
Size
When looking for frames, make sure you don't choose frames that are too small vertically. As we age, we develop presbyopia, the loss of near or close focusing power. This causes many of us to need different prescriptions for near anddistance vision. As a result, you may need a multifocal eyeglass lens. Your optician will be able to help you with lens choices.
It is difficult to fit a larger reading area in very tiny frames, so consider going bigger.
While very small frame shapes are fine for distance glasses or dedicated reading glasses, they don't leave much room for line flat-top bifocals or progressive lenses. Also, asthe newer digitally processed custom-designed progressive lenses work better than ever in small frames, a larger vertical dimension usually is much better for comfortable reading vision.
Style
Choosing the right glasses style can help make you look younger.Don't be afraid to experiment with colors and different shapes. Look for deeper shapes with a retro look. These are great for those who are truly young at heart and want just a little more style in their eyewear.
Lens Types
Many older people tend to reach for over-the-counter reading glasses, or "cheaters." These are the glasses you sometimes see on the end of people's noses while they are gazing over the tops of them.
Whether you get your glasses OTC or borrow the from your friend when out reading the menu, it does not replace getting an eye exam. Besides getting the correct prescription and lens for your lifestyle, you also need an eye exam to make sure you have healthy eyes and a lifetime of good vision.
Make time for a comprehensive eye exam and find out what your true visual needs are. Your eye doctor may recommend a lens that can be worn more like regular glasses instead of peeking over the top of reading glasses.
Progressive lenses are a great option for a youthful appearance. Also remember that just because you could be a candidate for a progressive lens, you don't have to wear them all the time. You will have access to not only good, clear distance vision, but also arm's-length vision and near vision without putting your glasses on and taking them off all day.
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By Troy Bedinghaus, OD
Troy L. Bedinghaus, OD, board-certified optometric physician, owns Lakewood Family Eye Care in Florida. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association.
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As an eyewear enthusiast with a deep understanding of optical fashion and functionality, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you in choosing glasses that not only enhance your vision but also make you look younger and more stylish. My expertise is rooted in both the technical aspects of eyewear and the nuanced aesthetics that can transform your appearance.
Let's dive into the concepts discussed in the article and explore how each element contributes to the goal of choosing glasses that complement your age and provide a more youthful appearance:
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Shape: The article emphasizes that the shape of your eyeglass frames plays a crucial role in achieving a natural facelift. Soft and rounded corners are recommended, as they help soften facial features and provide a subtle uplifting effect. The mention of cat-eye shapes for women and upswept rectangular shapes for older men showcases an understanding of how specific frame shapes can enhance different face types.
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Color: Warm-colored glasses are highlighted as a key choice for a more youthful look. The article suggests that cooler and flashy tones are better suited for younger generations. Additionally, the recommendation to choose glasses in shiny materials for a natural sparkle demonstrates an awareness of how color and material can impact overall aesthetics.
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Size: Addressing the size of frames is crucial, especially as individuals age and may require different prescriptions for near and distance vision. The article advises against choosing frames that are too small vertically, considering the development of presbyopia. The insight into the challenges of fitting larger reading areas into tiny frames and the recommendation to go for larger frames exhibits a practical understanding of the relationship between frame size and vision needs.
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Style: The article encourages experimentation with colors and shapes to find the right eyewear style that complements your age. The mention of deeper shapes with a retro look suggests an appreciation for classic styles that can add a touch of sophistication and youthfulness to your appearance.
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Lens Types: The inclusion of lens types, such as progressive lenses, demonstrates an understanding of the evolving needs of individuals as they age. The emphasis on the importance of comprehensive eye exams, rather than relying solely on over-the-counter reading glasses, reflects a commitment to both visual clarity and eye health. The expert advice to consider progressive lenses for a youthful appearance and the acknowledgment that they don't need to be worn all the time showcases a nuanced understanding of personalized eyewear solutions.
In conclusion, the comprehensive coverage of shape, color, size, style, and lens types in the article reflects a deep knowledge of eyewear aesthetics and functionality. By following these expert tips, individuals can make informed choices to achieve a more youthful and satisfying look with their glasses.
