Growing older is a reality bite that no one can fight. And for those who've already celebrated their 40th year, more than likely, that reality is staring them in the mirror. Which means eyewear that may have looked great on someone at 30 may not look as good on the same face at 45 or 50.

But that doesn't mean everyone past this age must resort to stodgy eyewear. "Gone are the days when dispensers would automatically recommend granny glasses to someone middle-aged and older," maintains Rene Soltis, Vision Council of America's national spokesperson and training consultant. "Because the fact of the matter is, older people are more active and more influenced by fashion through their children and grandchildren than ever before." 

Karen Bayle, an optician at Beach Drive Optical in St. Petersburg, Fla., says the majority of her clients are retired and has this to say about their willingness to update: "Women are often more vain than men, and therefore more open to trying new frames. Men like to stick with what's tried and true. If a retired couple comes in together, more often than not the wife leads the way for her spouse to get updated frames."

Bayle also observes that softer colors that blend with the complexion have a youthful effect. "Soft matte metal tones, unobtrusive tans, and rose tones look softer on the face and enhance skin tones more." In shapes, she says that ovals and teardrop shapes are generally more flattering on older faces. "With gray hair, matte silver frames are always a good bet."

Anti-Aging Frame Tips

Soltis, who discusses frame fitting for seniors when she teaches the Envision Yourself workshop for the VCA, has these tips for offering frames to anyone who's over age 45:
n Brow line. Whenever possible, follow the customer's brow line at the top of the frame. It softens the face.

Flattering upsweep. In general, upswept frames and temples can lift the face. Avoid deep aviator styles and dark, heavy frames, which pull down the face. That upward slant is especially helpful for problems like drooping eyes or eyes with an overhanging lid.

Decorative carving. Skivving (decorative carving) is another flattering frame enhancement. On the frame's top outer corner, it lifts the face. For that matter, any decorative detail at the top outer corner of frame has an uplifting effect. Even a touch of color on a frame's outside corners will brighten the eyes and offset lines.

Flattering frame colors. Plastic frames in soft, subtle colors flatter the complexion. Dark opaque colors tend to make skin look more pale.

Complementary tints. Cosmetic tinting minimizes signs of age around the eyes. Use the same tint as the eye color above the eye (blue or brown). Keep a clear center, and use a skin tone tint below the eyes to minimize bags and dark circles. Top it all off with polished edges to brighten the face.

Tints in a soft shade of pink or peach conceal fine lines around the eyes. Tints should complement frame color and the patient's complexion.

High Rx. Avoid rimless frames if the person has a strong prescription, since rimless styles make lenses look thicker than plastic frames.

Shortening long faces. Angular faces need curves to soften their shape. A slanting oval shape is a good choice because it has an uplifting and softening effect on faces that look more drawn because of aging.

De-emphasizing jowls. Someone with jowls would benefit from an angular butterfly shape because the sharp corner at the top draws attention away from heavy jowls. Repetition of the same lines on the face causes emphasis.

Thinning bridge. Suggest lightweight frames like titanium. The skin on the nose bridge gets thinner with age, so older people are more likely to develop sores where the nose pads are if the frame is too heavy. This also means proper fit is essential.

Gray hair. If the frames start corroding, they can make gray hair turn green. Therefore, frames that are hypoallergenic-like titanium-are a good choice.