Selecting the proper frame for your face can seem like such a daunting task. With so many varying shapes, sizes and colours it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here are some general rules and tips that can help you narrow your selections.

There are five basic shapes that faces come in: oval, oblong, round, square and triangular. With all face shapes its important to ensure the size of the frame is in proportion with the size of the face. It is also recommended to choose a frame shape that contrasts your face.

Oval Face – This face shape lends well to most frame shapes; therefore, it’s most important to ensure the size of the frame is in proportion to the face.

Oblong Face – The structure of this face shape is very similar to square faces in that chin and cheek are nearly the same width. The length of the face, however, is far greater then the width. Frames should be chosen that cover more of the centre of the face to offset the difference in length.

Round Face – Choose frames that are more angular or have straight lines to minimize the roundness. Darker coloured frames will also play down the fullness.

Square Face – Rounded frames with more curves then angles compliment this face well. The squared jawline can be softened with a higher placed brow line.

Triangular Face – A wide forehead coupled with a slimmer mouth and chin describes this shape. Vertical lines and thin-rimmed frames balance the lower half of the face. If the frame sits too high it can accentuate the triangular shape. Other elements to avoid include larger frames, heavy bridges, bright colours and square shapes.

Qualified and authentic opticians and optical dispensers can help you find the perfect frame that compliments and lets you express how beautiful you are. Remember eye-wear can be fun and exciting!

Jessica Wittman

As a follow up to yesterday’s post, it turns out that undilated Optomap wide field retinal imaging is just as effective in diagnosing and monitoring diabetic retinopathy as dilating the pupils and using conventional imaging – according to a new study by the American Journal of Ophthalmology (See Undilated Optomap = Dilated Imaging). 

So if you are diabetic or know someone who is, please encourage them to make an appointment with their eye doctor – Eyeclectic has the Optomap technology, and we love it because of not only its diagnostic and monitoring capabilities for diabetics, but for all kinds of retinal disease.

Dr. James Thompson

A recent study in the Canadian Journal of Optometry (See Guidelines for Managing Diabetes) indicated that Diabetic Retinopathy (see graphic) is the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness in people of working age.  Diabetes is affecting our collective eyesight more and more.  Chances are you know someone with Diabetes.  Did you know that individuals with Diabetic Retinopathy are 25-29% more likely to become blind in the next 4 years than the general population?

So what to do?  If you or someone you love has diabetes, encourage them not only to have regular checkups with their family doctor or medical specialist, but also an annual eye health examination at the eye doctor, such as an optometrist.  Unfortunately, 50% of diabetics are not receiving regular eye examinations, even though intervention and prevention can save their vision in the long run.  Eyeclectic optometrists have the most up to date retinal imaging equipment at their disposal to detect and monitor Diabetic Retinopathy (See Optomap), and can arrange treatment with a retinal specialist should intervention be needed.  Make an appointment today.

Dr. James Thompson

Let’s start with the “friend” argument.  Freedom from glasses has never been more within reach – and with daily lenses becoming more available for most prescription types, the discomfort problems we so often hear about are diminishing.  Don’t take my word for it!  Just ask someone who is wearing them, they will tell you that they are comfortable, convenient, and reasonably priced (yes, especially at your optometrists office!), not to mention you don’t need contact lens solution which is an estimated $80/year cost savings alone.  They are also cleaner, and less likely to be associated with eye disease.  I’m fond of reminding patients that North Americans (particularly Canadians) are just catching up to the rest of the free world who are have already embraced the daily modality en masse – It is estimated that 34% of contact lens wearers worldwide are daily lens wearers, but only 15% of North Americans wear daily lenses.  In Asia, 55% of contact lens wearers wear daily lenses, with Japan leading the charge.  Daily lenses continue to increase in popularity in North America with 45-60% of practitioners stating they will prescribe more daily contact lenses in 2012, and market share increasing 3-5% per year (See Article: Contact Lenses 2011)  There’s no secret here folks, daily lenses are just better.  If you have given up on contacts, it’s time to revisit them.

So what about the Foe argument?  Contact lenses are a medical device you insert behind your eyelids against your cornea and conjunctiva tissues to clear up your vision.  Any vendor or manufacturer characterizing them otherwise are simply disregarding your eye health.  You should always consult a professional when making important decisions about your eye health, especially contact lenses.  Who you consult for your contact lenses turns out to be a factor in your eye health – Patients are 12X more likely to develop eye health problems when making contact lens fitting decisions without consulting a professional.  Last week I addressed the need for regular eye exams – contact lens wearers should be seen at least annually (See Article: Eye Exams How Often?).   It has been shown that off the shelf cosmetic contact lenses are associated with increased incidence of eye health problems.  This is why Bill C-313, currently before the Canadian Parliament, was introduced, ironically, just before Halloween last year (See Article: Fashion blurring the lines of sight).    Every optometrist knows the risks of contact lens wear:  increased incidence of eye disease – especially if worn overnight, increasing that risk 10X, increased incidence of dry eyes, etc.  At the same time, most problems can be avoided at the user level:  vigorous hand washing with insertion and removal, not re-using contact lens solution, religious disposal regimens (not over-using), clean bathroom surfaces and contact lens cases, and not sleeping in contact lenses.  Bottom line – visit a professional such as an optometrist to determine how to optimize your contact lens comfort and vision.  We are here to help, and firmly on your side, that of the patient.  Contact lenses don’t have to be the foe.

Dr. James Thompson

I know women who regularly spend more than $250 on their hair.  If eye exams were as high a priority to regular Canadians, particularly Canadian moms, as maintaining hair highlights, or keeping eyelash extensions fresh, our collective vision would fare so much better.  The facts are astounding:  One in seven Canadians may be living with some level of correctable vision loss and more than one third of Canadians over 40 could have eye disease while not experiencing any problems with their vision (see Regular eye exams crucial at every age experts say)

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recently released a guideline to the frequency of eye examinations (see Frequency of Eye Examinations Guideline)

Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 24 months):  Should undergo their first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 9 months

Preschool Children (2 to 5 years):  Should undergo at least one eye examination between the ages of 2 and 5 years

School Age Children (6 to 19 years):  Should undergo an eye examination annually

Adults (20-39):  Should undergo an eye examination every 2 to 3 years*

Adults (40-64):  Should undergo an eye examination every 2 years*

Adults (65+):  Should undergo an eye examination annually*

* This guideline is for adults who do not wear contact lenses or who have otherwise  healthy eyes.  Adults who wear contact lenses, or who have eye health problems should have an annual eye exam or receive eye care more frequently as determined by their optometrist.

We strongly encourage all Calgarians to reconsider how often you or your family members visit the optometrist for eye health care.  Remember that in Alberta, children under 19 and seniors over 65 are covered by Alberta Health for routine eye care.  Everyone with a medical eye concern is also covered.  Routine eye care in the 19-64 adult age group is fee-for-service.  But can you really put a price on your vision?

Dr. James Thompson