Learn How To Measure Eyeglasses Frames

It’s that time when your prescription for eyeglasses has changed. First, you have to decide if you want to purchase them online or through a store. If you want to get them online, there are some things you need to know about measurements.

The measurements should include your newest prescription and PD, or pupillary distance, and of course the frame size. Your prescription will be provided by your doctor or the office. On the other hand, figuring out the right frame size will take a little more work but we are here to give you tips and tools to help you find the perfect fit.

Further information you might want to know, about pupillary. The pupillary response is the reaction that will vary depending on the size of your pupil through the optic and oculomotor cranial nerve. The creation of the pupil is a narrowing reaction which is usually caused by various medications.  Stimulation of the nervous system’s sympathetic branch triggers what it called “fight or flight” when your body is under stress causing the pupil to dilate.  Another term “rest and digest” means the pupil will constrict.

Now, back to measuring for frames:

First, you must measure your frame’s width

If you have a pair of glasses that fit really well, just use a millimeter ruler to take the width measurements. To properly measure the entire front, you must measure from the point that sticks out the farthest on the left then the point that sticks out the farthest on the right. (See Above)  The average adult frame is 136-35mm.  A child’s frame should be 125-127mm. To help you out,  OpticalNext has specific measurements for both adults and children by Clicking Here.

If you don’t have a pair of glasses or this will be your first pair, we have a great frame cut out tool to use yourself. Just go to OpticalNext, download frame sizes then print and cut them out.  Hold them up, one by one, to your face to find out which fits you best. Once you have the size that’s best for you, you can shop for frames on OpticalNext.

Getting A More Tailored Fit

The following information will help you get a more tailored fit:

The Temple Length:

This is the section that connects to the front of the frame on both sides of your head and lies behind your ears.  The average temple width is 135-140mm.

The Bridge Width:

This is the section of the frame that goes across your nose. The average bridge width is 18-20mm.

The Lens Width:

This is the diameter of each lens, separately, that is measured at the widest part. The average lens width is 54mm.

The Box System

The box system is just another way to measure your frame that uses less lens width, bridge width, and temple length.  Even though OpticalNext does not use the box, system for all frames, you might see frames with numbers marked on the temples with the bridge and lens separated by another box like this one below:

The numbers may be stamped or engraved on the inside of the bridge.

Measuring Each Section Of The Frame Separately

The Bridge -

Horizontally, measure at the top of the bridge from the edge of one lens to the edge of the second lens. Also, the section of the frame which holds the lenses in place, will be included in this measurement because you are measuring from one lens edge to the other, not the frame edge to frame edge.

The Temple Arm -

You need to measure from the hinge which is where the temple arm connects to the front of the frame then measure all the way back to the tip.

The Lens Width -

You get the width by measuring the width section of the lens from inside one lens edge to the other lens edge.

Keep in mind, you do have some leeway of a few millimeters for each frame section.  If you are getting frames with nose pads, you will have even more leeway because the nose pads are adjustable.. Most temple arms are also adjustable at the curve where the arm bends to fit behind the ear so you have some leeway there as well.

Once you have figured out all your frame measurements, you can head over to us and find the perfect frame for you!