When choosing glasses frames, your first instinct might be to reach for the pair that looks the prettiest. But, there are things other than color and logos to keep in mind when shopping for glasses frames. Keep these other factors in mind, and you'll emerge from your eye doctor's office with a pair of specs that not only looks good, but also serves you well.

Size of the Lenses

Certain lens sizes tend to go in and out of fashion. One day, large lenses are in style, and the next, tiny lenses are all the rage. It's important, however, that you choose lenses that are wide enough for your face. If you put on a pair of glasses and are constantly aware that you can see out past the sides of them without trying, they are not wide enough for you. If you can see over the top of them or out the bottom without trying, they are not "deep" enough for you. Try on a few pairs of glasses with different lens shapes, and you're sure to stumble upon a few pairs that give you more side-vision and a magnified visual field. This simply makes it easier to see and may even reduce your chances of headaches.

Type of Nose Pads

Some glasses have adjustable rubber or plastic nose pads, while others have non-movable, plastic pads that are fixed permanently onto the rest of the frame.

If you find a pair of glasses with non-movable pads that instantly fits very well, then there should be no issues. However, since the pads are not adjustable, it's tough to find a good fit -- many of the pairs you try on might press too firmly against your nose or always feel like they are sliding down. It's easier to find a better fit with adjustable nose pads, since if they feel too wide or narrow, your optician can simply adjust them for you.

Comfort of the Ear Pieces

How sensitive are the backs of your ears? If your skin is easily irritated by pressure and friction, then you'll want to look for a pair of glasses with wide, padded ear pieces. Thinner ones and ones made from non-padded plastic tend to jostle around a lot more as you wear them, and they may cause irritation to the backs of your ears. On the other hand, if you know your skin to be very tough, you have a bit more leeway and might be fine with a thinner, plastic ear piece.

For an optometrist in your area, contact a company such as Focus West Optometry.