Whether you’re picking your first pair or updating your look, understanding how frame shapes interact with your face’s unique contours makes all the difference. And if you’d rather skip the research and try frames on in person, our team at any D.I.Blow practice will talk you through it for free – no appointment needed for a browse and try-on.

Quick Reference Table

Why Face Shape Matters (But Isn’t Everything)

Whilst face shape gives helpful direction when choosing glasses, fit and personal style matter just as much. Frames that contrast your face’s natural features typically bring balance; for example, angular frames can define soft contour, and rounded frames can soften strong angles. Think of face shape as a starting point for narrowing down styles, not a strict rulebook: the best pair is always the one that fits properly and feels like you.

Identifying Your Face Shape

Before choosing frames, take a good look in the mirror or ask a friend to help you identify your face shape. The most common ones are:

• Oval: Balanced proportions, slightly wider cheekbones, gently tapering jawline.
• Round: Full cheeks with softer lines and similar width and height.
• Square: Strong jawline, broad forehead, angular features.
• Heart: Wider forehead with a narrower chin.
• Diamond: High cheekbones with a narrower forehead and jawline.

Not sure which one you are? Our team can help you work it out in a second during a fitting – just ask.

Best Glasses for Each Face Shape

Oval Faces

Oval faces have balanced proportions, cheekbones slightly wider than the forehead and jawline, with a gently rounded chin, which is why this shape is considered the most versatile of all. There’s very little a frame can do to unbalance an oval face, so this is your chance to have fun with style rather than worry about correcting anything.

Ideal Frames:

• Almost anything works, from round to rectangular to geometric.
• Try slightly wider or bolder frames to maintain your natural facial balance and avoid your glasses looking too small for your face.
• Aviator and browline styles are a particularly flattering classic choice.

Why It Works:

Because your proportions are balanced, frames don’t need to correct anything. They can simply express your personal style.

Brand Pick:

Ray-Ban’s classic Wayfarer and Clubmaster-style shapes were practically designed with oval faces in mind, clean, simple lines that don’t fight your natural symmetry. If you want something with a bit more presence, Tom Ford’s bolder acetate frames add more personality without overwhelming balanced features.

Round Faces

Round faces have full cheeks, soft lines, and roughly equal width and height, with few sharp angles. The goal here is to introduce some structure and add the appearance of length.

Ideal Frames:

• Angular, rectangular, or geometric shapes.
• Frames that are wider than they are tall to elongate the face.
• Avoid small, narrow, or perfectly round styles, which tend to emphasise roundness rather than balance it.

Why it Works:

Angular frames add definition and help create the illusion of length and structure that a round face naturally lacks.

Brand Pick:

Hugo Boss’s sharper, more geometric frames are a strong match here, and Prada’s more angular acetate styles help add definition without ever looking harsh.

Square Faces

Square faces are defined by a strong jawline, broad forehead, and generally angular features of a similar width top to bottom. The aim with frames is to soften those strong lines rather than double down on them.

Ideal Frames:

• Rounded, oval, and curved styles.
• Frames with thinner, lighter rims to avoid adding extra bulk to an already strong jawline.
• Avoid overly square or heavily geometric frames, which echo the face’s shape rather than balancing it.

Why it Works:

Curved frames counterbalance angular features, softening the overall look without hiding your bone structure.

Brand Pick:

Maui Jim’s rounded polarised sunglasses and Silhouette’s ultra-light rimless styles both soften a strong jawline beautifully, Silhouette particularly if you want something barely-there for everyday wear.

Heart Faces

Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and cheekbones that narrow down to a smaller, sometimes pointed chin. Frames that add width or detail lower down help bring the face back into balance.

Ideal Frames:

• Cat-eye styles, which draw the eye outward and balance a wider forehead.
• Frames with detailing around the bottom rim or mid-section.
• Lighter-coloured or rimless bottoms, to avoid drawing extra attention to a narrower chin.

Why it Works:

These styles widen the appearance of the lower face, bringing harmony to the natural taper from forehead to chin.

Brand Pick:

Michael Kors and Ted Baker both do excellent cat-eye and lightly-detailed lower-rimstyles that balance a narrower chin against a wider forehead beautifully.

Diamond Faces

Diamond faces have high, prominent cheekbones with a narrower forehead and jawline, a striking, well-defined bone structure that frames should complement rather than compete with.

Ideal Frames:

• Oval or rimless frames, which soften angular cheekbones.
• Semi-rimless styles with detailing weighted towards the top of the frame (brow line).
• Avoid frames that are narrower than your cheekbones, which will look pinched.

Why it Works:

These shapes enhance your natural bone structure without overwhelming it, drawing attention to the eyes rather than the cheekbones.

Brand Pick:

Tiffany & Co.’s oval and rimless styles add elegant detail exactly where diamond faces need it – around the brow and cheekbone – without competing with your bone structure. Silhouette’s rimless designs work just as well if you’d prefer something almost invisible.

Remembering Frame Fit

Whilst face shape matters, fit matters equally – this is the job of a dispensing optician rather than an optometrist (read our guide to opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists if you’re not sure who does what). At D.I. Blow Opticians, our fittings are carried out by dispensing opticians registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) and ABDO-trained to make sure that every pair sits perfectly, taking into account your face shape, nose bridge, and temple width. No amount of the “right” shape will look good if the fit is wrong.

Here are a few fitting basics:

• Width: Glasses should align with the broadest part of your face. If they’re narrower, they’ll look pinched; if wider, they’ll slip and look oversized.
• Bridge Fit: The frame’s bridge should rest comfortably on your nose without slipping or leaving marks.
• Temple Length: Arms should comfortably reach behind your ears without pinching at the temples or behind the ears.
• Eyebrow Line: As a general rule, the top of the frame should sit at or just below your eyebrows.

At D.I. Blow Opticians, we’re proud to offer one of the widest selections of frames in the Midlands, from everyday value options to designer brands, all tailored with expert advice and precise fitting.

Whether your face is round, oval, square, heart-shaped or diamond, the right glasses can highlight your best features and elevate your look. So come in, try on a range of styles, and let our team guide you to frames that fit not just your face but your personality, too.

Once you’ve found your ideal frame shape, it’s worth thinking about lenses too – our guide to thin vs standard lenses explains your options, and if sunglasses are next on your list, see our polarised vs non-polarised sunglasses guide. If you’re curious what’s trending right now, our roundup of the latest eyewear styles is worth a look too, or browse what to look for in a glasses shop before you visit.

Book a free frame-fitting consultation at your nearest D.I. Blow practice and let our team match you with your perfect pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Glasses Suit Me?

The quickest way to find out is to identify your face shape first – oval, round, square, heart, or diamond – then match it against our quick reference table above. For a definite answer, our team can identify your face shape and recommend frames for free during a fitting at any D.I. Blow practice.

How Do I Choose Glasses for My Face Shape?

Start by identifying whether your face is oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or diamond, then look for frames that contrast rather than copy your natural features. For example, angular frames for a round face, or curved frames for a square jawline. Fit (width, bridge, and temple length) matters just as much as shape.

What Shape Glasses Suit a Round Face Best?

Angular, rectangular, or geometric frames work best for round faces, since they add structure and help elongate softer, rounder features. Avoid small or perfectly round frames, which tend to emphasise roundness rather than balance it.

Do My Glasses Have to Exactly Match My Face Shape?

No. Face shape is a helpful starting point, not a strict rule. Personal style, colouring, and how a frame feels when you’re wearing it all matter too. Many people find frames outside their “ideal” category still suit them once fit and personal style are taken into account.

Can I Try on Frames Without Booking a Full Eye Test?

Yes. You’re more than welcome to come into any D.I. Blow practice and try on frames from our full range at any time – no appointment or eye test required. If you do need an updated prescription, we’re happy to combine both in one visit.

Where Can I Get Expert Help Choosing Glasses in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire?

D.I. Blow Opticians has practices across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Mansfield, including Alfreton, Bulwell, Eastwood, Hucknall, Ilkeston, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Wollaton. Find your nearest practice here and our team will help you find frames that suit your face shape, lifestyle, and budget.

The post What Glasses Suit My Face Shape? A Complete Style Guide appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

What is Astigmatism?

Typically, our eyeballs are round, but those with astigmatism will have an eye shape more akin to that of a rugby ball. This means that light entering your eyes bends unevenly, not focusing correctly on the retina, and affects your vision at all distances. You can either be born with astigmatism or it can develop over time.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is usually hereditary. It can also be caused by your eyelids putting too much pressure on your cornea. Health conditions don’t usually cause astigmatism; however, some conditions that can cause astigmatism include:

• Eye injuries
• Keratoconus
• Complications after eye surgery

Types of Astigmatism

A standard eye has a spherical cornea or lens, meaning the curves around the eye are the same. An eye with astigmatism has a steep curve and a flat curve, also known as the two principal meridians.

Regular Astigmatism

Regular astigmatism occurs when the two principal meridians are 90 degrees apart, with one meridian steeper than the other.

This type of astigmatism is the most common and can be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.

Irregular Astigmatism

Where regular astigmatism occurs when the two principal meridians are always at right angles, irregular astigmatism happens when the two principal meridians are not symmetrical. The curvature of your cornea is uneven. This type of astigmatism is harder to correct than regular astigmatism.

Irregular astigmatism is typically caused by eye diseases such as keratoconus, corneal degeneration, corneal scarring, or ocular surface disease.

What are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?

The most common symptoms of astigmatism are blurred vision and the inability to see details on objects, such as the words printed on a menu in front of you or letters on a road sign in the distance.

Other astigmatism symptoms include:
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Squinting to see clearly
• Seeing a glare or halos around lights

Young children might not know that there’s anything wrong with their vision, even if they’re experiencing symptoms. Take your child to the optometrist if you notice them squinting, rubbing their eyes, or having frequent headaches.

Astigmatism in one eye may cause amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. It’s important that this is spotted early so it can be treated.

How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

Your optometrist can diagnose astigmatism during an eye exam. Your optometrist might use a few tests to diagnose astigmatism, including:

• Visual Acuity Test: A visual acuity test is a test that checks your vision. You’ve had a visual acuity test if you’ve ever looked at a wall chart of letters or symbols during an eye exam.
• Refraction Test: Your optometrist will measure how much light is focused and is bent as it enters your eye.
• Keratometry: Keratometry measures your cornea’s curve.
• Slit Lamp Exam: A slit lamp is a special microscope with a bright light that your optometrist shines into your eye. They’ll adjust the brightness and thickness of the light’s beam to see the different layers and parts of your eye.

Treatments for Astigmatism

Astigmatism doesn’t always require treatment, but treatment options may include glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.

Glasses Pros:

• The cheapest option
• May be available free or discounted on the NHS

Glasses Cons:

• Could get lost or broken

Contact Lenses Pros:

• Choice of soft or hard lenses
• It can be a good choice if you have an active lifestyle
• May be free or discounted on the NHS

Contact Lenses Cons:

• It may not be suitable for everyone
• Risk of eye infection through poor contact lens hygiene

Laser Eye or Lens Surgery Pros:

• May be permanent
• It may be better for people with more severe vision problems

Laser Eye or Lens Surgery Cons:

• Risk of complications during or after surgery
• Not available on the NHS
• Can be expensive
• Possible side effects

–

Astigmatism is a common vision problem, but it can be easily and effectively corrected. For more on this and other common eye conditions, see our full eye health guide. If you suspect that you may have astigmatism or have experienced a change in your vision, get in contact with your local D.I. Blow Opticians today.

The post What Is Astigmatism and How Is It Corrected? appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Your eyes don’t just help you see; they can also reveal signs of broader health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or even neurological issues. Therefore, regular eye exams are not just about getting a new prescription; they’re an essential part of your overall health check-up.

Your Eyes and General Wellbeing

Just as eye exams can reveal issues with your overall health, your general wellbeing can also impact your eyes. Poor lifestyle choices and unmanaged health conditions can increase the risk of:

• Dry Eyes: From dehydration or excessive screen use
• Blurred Vision: Due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Linked to poor diet and smoking
• Cataracts: Accelerated by UV exposure and lack of antioxidants

Your Eyes and Chronic Health Conditions

Many chronic health conditions can impact your eye health and vice versa. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affect the blood vessels in the retina. High blood pressure can cause hypertensive retinopathy.

To find out more about the link between diabetes, your eyes, and diabetic retinopathy, read our blog on the topic here.

By managing chronic health conditions and keeping them under control, you can preserve your eye health. Hormonal changes are another internal factor worth knowing about — see our guide on how hormonal changes can affect your vision for more detail.

Your Eyes and the Correct Nutrients

Your eyes need the proper nutrients to stay healthy, just like the rest of your body. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins C and E, and zinc play a crucial role in maintaining good eye health.

Including foods like leafy greens, fish, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds in your diet can provide you with these essential nutrients. Additionally, staying well-hydrated is important for keeping your eyes lubricated and preventing dryness.

To find out more about how our diet affects our eyes, read our blog on the topic here.

Your Eyes and Your Mental Health

You might not think it, but there’s a big connection between the health of your eyes and the wellbeing of your mind. A CDC study found that 1 in 4 adults with vision loss reported anxiety or depression. Your eyes are also closely connected to your brain through intricate neural pathways, making them a direct reflection of our emotional and mental health.

Stress

When you’re stressed your pupils dilate, your blink rate increases, and your eyes can twitch. Chronic stress can take a toll on your eye health and could even lead to eye conditions like glaucoma. It’s important to manage stress not only for your own peace of mind but also for the sake of your eye health.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression can show up in physical eye symptoms. Changes in vision, sensitivity to light, and eye pain are just a few examples of your eyes being impacted by your mental health.

Brain Fog

Brain fog comes from digital eye strain. Prolonged screen time can make you feel mentally drained and harm your eyes.

Cognitive Decline

We know that eye exams can help diagnose other health issues like cardiovascular disease, risk factors for stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers. Now, several studies show a link between changes in the retina and people with Alzheimer’s.

The retina, a layer of tissue at the back of the eye, contains cells directly connected to the brain, which means diseases that affect the retina can affect brain health.

–

Your eyes are more than just a window to the world; they’re an indicator of your overall health. At D. I. Blow Opticians, we provide expert eye care to help you stay well, see clearly, and live fully.

The post The Link Between Eye Health and General Wellness appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

There’s no correct answer. It will depend entirely on your lifestyle and preferences. This guide is to help you decide which is the most convenient option for you.

Glasses, The Obvious Choice

You’re in an optician’s and surrounded by glasses displays. Naturally, glasses are the most obvious choice. More recently, glasses have become not just a tool to help with vision but also a fashion accessory.

Glasses have lots of benefits:

• They’re Easy To Use: Just place them on your face and you’re good to go. They also don’t require much care – you can just use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any dust or smudges.
• They Are Available in Many Styles and Colours: You can find a pair that suits you and your personality with lots of different shapes, sizes, and colours to choose from.
• They Don’t Need to be Replaced Often: Unless your prescription changes every eye test, there’s no need to replace your glasses.
• They Don’t Increase Your Risk of Eye Infections: Glasses don’t touch your eyes, so they don’t pose any increased risk of eye infection.

However, glasses also have their drawbacks:

• They Might Distort Your Vision: If you have astigmatism or a strong prescription, your field of vision with glasses may be distorted.
• They Might be Uncomfortable: You might not like how glasses feel on your face – the weight of your frames and lenses can cause pressure on the bridge of your nose and your ears.
• They Can Become Foggy or Dirty in Certain Conditions: The lenses in your glasses can also become foggy or dirty in certain conditions, such as outside in the rain or a dirty or dusty environment.
• They May Not Be Good For Sports or Certain Activities: Glasses can fall off your face or get broken more easily during sports or other physical activities.
• They’re More Expensive to Replace: Having a single pair of glasses means you’ll have to buy new ones if those frames get lost or irreparably broken.

Contact Lenses, The More Practical Choice?

You can get a variety of types of contact lenses nowadays, they’re much less limited than they had been in the past. You can get contacts for daily, monthly, or fortnightly use. There are also different types of contact lenses depending on your vision problems. You can use toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, or spherical lenses for myopia and hyperopia — if presbyopia affects both your near and distance vision, our guide to varifocal contact lenses covers this option in more detail.

Thinking of trying contacts? Here are some benefits:

• They Provide Better Peripheral Vision: An advantage of contacts is that they sit right on the eye and move with it. For that reason, contacts are a great choice for people who lead active lifestyles.
• They’re Difficult to Damage: Contacts can’t be damaged in the same way as glasses by sitting on them, falling off your face, or being stepped on.
• There Are Different Options Based on Your Needs: You are able to decide which type of contact lenses work best for you.
• They Aren’t Obvious on Your Face: It’s hard to tell if you’re wearing contact lenses, so they can be a good option for those who want to have a natural appearance or highlight their makeup.
• You Don’t Need to Buy Prescription Sunglasses: When wearing contacts, you can choose any standard sunglasses you like as opposed to buying a special prescription pair.

However, there are certain disadvantages to contact lenses:

• There’s a Chance of Infection: The biggest risk with contact lenses is an eye infection. Infection risks are lowest with daily disposable lenses because you are using a fresh pair every day. For all other lens types, you need to follow good hygiene practices to reduce the risk.
• They Require Special Cleaning: You need to clean your contact lenses every night with a contact solution and store them properly in a case.
• They Require You to Touch Your Eye: For some people, it can take a while to get used to placing and removing your contact lenses from your eyeballs. Some people might never be comfortable with this.
• They May Blur Your Vision at Times: If you have astigmatism, your lenses are typically designed not to move around a lot, but in some cases, your vision may become blurry if your lenses rotate.
• They Can Cause Dryness and Irritation: Some people may experience eye dryness and irritation whilst wearing contact lenses.

To learn more about the contact lenses we offer at D.I. Blow Opticians, click here.

–

Alternating between glasses and contacts gives you the best of both worlds. Each kind of eyewear compensates for the drawbacks of the other and gives you the flexibility to do whatever you like during the day with the clearest vision possible.

The most important thing to remember overall though, is to always follow the advice given by your optician.

The post Contact Lenses vs Glasses: Which Is Right For You? appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

At D.I. Blow Opticians, we’re here to keep you informed about the hottest trends in eyewear for 2024.

From Innovative Designs To Stylish Silhouettes, Here Are The Top Trends You Need To Know About:

Sustainable Frames

Embrace eco-friendly fashion with frames made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic, bamboo, or wood. These environmentally-conscious options combine style with sustainability for a guilt-free accessory choice.

Oversized Sunglasses

Make a statement with oversized sunglasses that exude glamour and sophistication. Whether you prefer classic aviators or bold cat-eye frames, oversized sunglasses add instant flair to any outfit.

Transparent Frames

Embrace the translucent trend with transparent frames that offer a modern twist on traditional eyewear. Clear acetate frames are versatile and effortlessly chic, perfect for everyday wear.

Vintage-Inspired Styles

Channel retro vibes with vintage-inspired eyewear featuring classic shapes and retro details. From round frames to brow-line glasses, these timeless styles add a touch of nostalgia to your look.

Bold Colours

Make a bold statement with eyewear in vibrant hues and bold patterns. Whether you opt for bright red frames or playful animal prints, bold colours are sure to turn heads and showcase your unique sense of style.

Tech-Enhanced Lenses

Stay ahead of the curve with tech-enhanced lenses that offer advanced features like blue light filtering, anti-glare coatings, and UV protection. These innovative lenses prioritise both style and functionality for a seamless eyewear experience.

Minimalist Designs

Embrace the beauty of simplicity with minimalist eyewear designs featuring clean lines and understated details. These sleek and sophisticated frames are perfect for those who appreciate timeless elegance and effortless style.

Not sure which of these trends would actually suit you? Our guide to choosing glasses for your face shape can help you narrow it down before you buy, and our tips on finding the best glasses shop near you will help you find somewhere to try styles on in person.

Ready to upgrade your eyewear collection with the latest trends for 2024?

Visit your local D.I. Blow Opticians today to explore our selection of stylish frames and find the perfect pair to stylise your look.

The post Top Trends in Eyewear for 2024: What’s Hot Right Now appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.