Getting a new eyeglass prescription doesn’t have to be boring. Your glasses aren’t just a medical device; they’re part of how you look and how you feel about yourself.
The problem: most people walk into an optometrist’s office, grab whatever is in the display case, and call it done. Then they spend the next year wearing frames they don’t actually like.
That’s a waste.
Your prescription glasses can be stylish, actually flattering to your face, and come with real features that make your eyes more comfortable. You don’t have to choose between looking good and seeing clearly. You can have both.
This guide walks you through exactly how to find prescription glasses you’ll love, the kind you’ll actually want to wear.
QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
STEP 1: KNOW YOUR FACE SHAPE (IT MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK)
When you’re picking glasses, face shape is your north star. It determines whether frames will look balanced or weird.
There are four main face shapes: round, square, oval, and heart-shaped.
- Round faces benefit from angular frames. Square shapes break up the softness of your face and add definition. Try rectangular or geometric styles.
- Square faces work better with rounder frames. Circles, cat eyes, or rounded rectangles soften your jawline and balance out your strong angles.
- Oval faces are the lucky ones; anything works. You can experiment more freely because your face is already proportional.
- Heart-shaped faces (wider forehead, narrower chin) benefit from frames that are wider at the bottom. Aviators and cat eyes work well here.
These aren’t hard rules. They’re guidelines that usually point you in the right direction. But the most important thing is that the frames feel right when you wear them.
Also consider frame size. If you’ve always felt like options are oversized, you’re not alone. Some people need standard sizing, some need minis, some need low-bridge fits. Sizing matters just as much as shape.
The easiest way to figure this out? Use a Virtual Try-On Tool. You can see what different shapes and sizes actually look like on your face before you commit.
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR STYLE (THIS IS WHERE YOU HAVE FUN)
Once you know your face shape, it’s time to pick a style that speaks to you.
There are tons of options: rounds, squares, cat eyes, aviators, shields, pantos, geometrics, and more. You’re not limited to boring choices.
Cat eyes are having a huge moment, and they work on most face shapes when sized right. They add personality and sophistication.
Aviators are timeless for a reason. You might want a matching pair of polarized aviator sunglasses for everyday wear. They work for men and women and fit most face shapes.
Rounds are retro-cool and work exceptionally well for square or angular faces.
Geometric and geometric-ish frames are trendy right now and add character without being too bold.
Color matters, too. Some people stick with neutrals, tortoise, black, and crystal clear. Others go bold with pink, blue, or deep jewel tones. You don’t have to pick a safe color. Pick what makes you happy. You’re looking at these frames every day.
And the details? Luxe gold embellishments, two-toned frames, interesting bridge designs, these small touches can elevate a frame from basic to “wow, where’d you get those?”
STEP 3: UNDERSTAND YOUR PRESCRIPTION
Before you order, you need three things from your eye doctor: your prescription, your pupillary distance, and confirmation that your prescription is current (usually valid for 1-2 years).
What’s in Your Prescription?
Your prescription looks something like this:
- Sphere (SPH): Your main prescription (-3.50, +2.00, etc.)
- Cylinder (CYL): Correction for astigmatism
- Axis: The angle of astigmatism correction
- Pupillary Distance (PD): The distance between your pupils
Online retailers like Quay fill single-vision prescriptions ranging from +4 to -6, with astigmatism up to ±4. Single vision means one prescription strength throughout the entire lens, whether you’re correcting distance vision, intermediate, or reading.
Finding Your Pupillary Distance
Pupillary distance is the distance from the center of one pupil to the center of the other. This is critical because it tells the lab where to center your prescription on your lenses.
Some optometrists write it on your prescription. If yours didn’t, you can measure it yourself:
- Grab a ruler
- Align the zero mark with the center of one pupil
- Measure to the center of your other pupil
- That number in millimeters is your PD
It should be somewhere between 54mm and 74mm. If your number seems way off, measure again.
You can also use a Virtual Try-On Tool to measure your PD with your phone camera. It takes about 30 seconds.
STEP 4: THINK ABOUT LENS FEATURES
Once you’ve picked your frames, you need to think about what’s happening with your lenses.
Lens Thickness Matters
If you have a stronger prescription (especially a harmful one), thicker lenses become more noticeable, especially with thin or delicate frames. High-index lenses are thinner and lighter than standard polycarbonate lenses. They use less material, so your glasses look better and feel more comfortable to wear.
The good news: Quay includes high-index lenses at no extra charge. You’re not paying extra for better aesthetics and comfort.
Blue Light Protection
Blue light is high-energy visible light (HEV) emitted from digital screens. For some people, it’s associated with disrupted sleep and eye strain, which people call “digital eye fatigue.”
All Quay prescription lenses come in a wide range of trendy sunglasses for women styles with blue light technology that filters out specific HEV wavelengths. If you spend 8+ hours a day looking at screens (phone, computer, tablet), this actually makes a difference.
Coatings
Your lenses come standard with:
- Anti-reflective coating: Reduces glare and reflections
- Scratch-resistant coating: Protects against daily wear
- Smudge-resistant coating: Makes cleaning easier
- 100% UVA/UVB protection: Protects your eyes from sun damage
None of these cost extra. They’re just included.
STEP 5: ORDER AND DOUBLE-CHECK EVERYTHING
When you’re ready to order, here’s what you need:
- Unexpired prescription (usually valid for 1-2 years)
- Pupillary distance (measured or from your optometrist)
- Frame choice (size and color)
- Lens preferences (already selected, blue light, high-index, coatings)
Upload your prescription to the Quay’s website. Double-check your PD. Confirm your frame size. Hit order.
The entire process takes 5 minutes if you already have your information ready.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I know if I’m ordering the right size?
A: Face shape and the Virtual Try-On Tool are your best friends. Measure your current glasses if you have ones that fit well. Or order once, try them on, and if the size is wrong, return them and order again.
Q: Will my prescription glasses actually look good?
A: Yes, if you pick a frame style that works for your face shape. The Virtual Try-On Tool shows you exactly what the frames look like on your face before you commit money.
Q: Do I really need blue light protection?
A: If you spend all day on screens, yes. It’s free. Your eyes will feel less tired at the end of the day.
Q: Can I order prescription sunglasses, too?
A: Yes. Same process. Pick a sunglass frame style, upload your prescription, and get tinted prescription sunglasses.
Q: How often should I get a new prescription?
A: Generally every 1-2 years, or whenever you notice your vision changing. If you’re having trouble seeing the board at work or can’t read clearly, that’s a sign to get checked.
