FRAMES

Sizing Them Up

Making presbyopes and high myopes comfortable with frames that flatter AND fit specific lenses

by Amy Spiezio

getting frames just right can be a blend of art and science, and in the case of some specific prescription demands, reaching the proper balance point takes the challenge to a higher level. Two of the red flag Rx’s in terms of frame selection are presbyopia and high myopia.

BIG AND SMALL AND CHANGE

What makes these two fits a challenge is the need to meet demands that require frames on both ends of the size spectrum. Emerging and existing presbyopes need frames with deep B measurements allowing room for their Rx’s to sit correctly. Whether opting for the progressive addition lens or flat-top bifocals and trifocals, fitting patients with these prescriptions demands space for the visual channelling of power progression.

Frame styles of the day are responding—in part for fashion and in part for function—to the needs of the presbyope with the deeper B in the still-prevalent geek chic eyewear as well as the ongoing deepening of cat-eye styles and other larger, ’80s-inspired panto looks.

The other end of the spectrum is the high myope. Fighting the Coke bottle lens issue, these patients are typically flattered by smaller round, square, and oval frames in which the lens can meet the patient’s needs and be tapered on the edges to downplay the thickness of the lens.

High Myopes

Typically in a correction of -6.00D or more, the lenses of patients with high myopia can have a Coke bottle effect, creating a wealth of frame fitting challenges so patients can see well without the lens looking excessively thick or the eye overly magnified.

Ahead of aesthetic concerns, however, are ongoing vision issues. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), “In high myopia, the eyeball stretches and becomes too long. This can lead to holes or tears in the retina and can also cause retinal detachment. Abnormal blood vessels may grow under the retina and cause changes in vision. People with high myopia need comprehensive dilated eye exams more often.”

No. 1
BEVEL
Style Ace (number 8657) is a smaller model with lens-flattering construction.

No. 2
CLAIRE GOLDSMITH
Style CG-Ferris is an acetate mix with squared corners.

No. 3
L.A.EYEWORKS
Metal frames aren’t typical for high Rx’s, but Jumbo Shrimp provides a shield for the lens edge thickness.

No. 4
OGI
Style 7144 is a high-Rx-friendly, lightweight zyl inspired by artists’ brushstrokes.

No. 5
TURA
Lulu Guiness style L876 is a petite cat with multilayer acetate that provides thickness concealment.

The frame universe for this audience is expanding thanks to new lens options. “Better lens technology has greatly impacted the selection process for eyewear because it has given the patient more variety,” notes Marissa De La Mora, optician/manager at Contacts and Specs in Chicago. “For example, a high presbyopia prescription can make someone’s eye look very large, but with the new lens technology your eyes look more normal in size.”

So while patients can still benefit from specific shapes and sizes, that range is expanding to be more inclusive of contemporary styles. “Patients now have more options to go bigger and select more angular shapes because lenses are being surfaced digitally, which make prescriptions more accurate and better looking,” De La Mora says.

She adds: “Digitally surfaced lenses have less distortion and make the patient’s eyes look more natural. Frames are now a major accessory and most people are looking for bolder and bigger looks. Along with great design, patients are now looking for better function.”

Who’s Who: Presybopes

As human beings get older, their arms get shorter, making reading and near-distance tasks difficult. Well, maybe not.

According to the American Optometric Association, “Though not incapacitating if corrected, presbyopia without optical correction results in an inability to perform once-effortless near tasks at a customary working distance without experiencing visual symptoms.”

No. 1
ALTAIR
Masculine Joseph Abboud style Joe 4030 provides room for a multifocal lens.

No. 2
OLIVER PEOPLES
Gregory Peck style boasts a keyhole bridge and deep B measurement.

No. 3
KENMARK
Feminine depth is the order of the day in Kensie style Individual.

No. 4
SAFILO
More chic than geek, Saint Laurent style SL 9 offers a fine eyewire and chunky browline.

No. 5

WESTGROUPE
Fysh style 3507 has an upswept corner to balance a larger lens.