Choosing a small lens opening is different from choosing a frame whose effective wearing width is too narrow. An overly narrow frame can cause temple pressure and repeated load on the hinges and temples.
01 · FRAME WIDTH
Check the effective total width before lens size alone
A frame can have small lens openings yet still provide enough wearing width if the endpieces and hinges are positioned appropriately.
Conversely, the printed lens size may look reasonable while the actual wearing width is narrow because of the endpiece and hinge geometry.
If the temples flare strongly outward as soon as the frame is worn, inspect the front and endpiece width together.
02 · TEMPLE PRESSURE
A narrow frame can create pressure at the temples
If the effective wearing width is narrower than the wearer, the temples can press continuously on both sides of the head.
The frame may feel acceptable for a few minutes but become painful or leave marks after longer wear.
03 · HINGE LOAD
The hinges and temples can also be repeatedly loaded
Opening a narrow frame far enough to fit the wearer repeatedly places outward force on the hinges, endpieces and temples.
A spring hinge provides extra movement within its design range, but it does not replace correct base frame width.
04 · EYE POSITION
If the eyes sit very close to the outer lens edges, review the overall structure
A small frame does not require the pupils to sit exactly at the geometric center of the lenses.
However, if a pupil lies unusually close to the outer edge or the relationship between frame center distance and monocular PD is very mismatched, frame size and bridge position are worth reconsidering.
Optical reference points are still determined from the actual PD, prescription and lens design.
05 · FITTING LIMIT
There is a limit to how much width fitting can add
Metal and acetate frames can both allow some adjustment of temple direction or the front, depending on construction.
If the frame is genuinely much too narrow for the wearer, choosing a frame with more appropriate wearing width is more stable than continually forcing it wider.
SOLUTION GUIDE
Solutions at a glance
Check whether the effective wearing width is too narrow.
Check front and endpiece width.
Reconsider the base frame size.
Small lens openings alone are not a problem.
GLANOS FITTING CHECK
GLANOS fitting check order
- Front
Separate lens-opening size from total external width. - Nose pads / bridge
Check where the frame sits on the nose. - Width
Check temple pressure and spread. - Temple bend
Do not use the rear fit to compensate excessively for a width problem.
CAUTION
Needing small lenses does not mean needing a narrow frame
Choosing a small lens opening for prescription or thickness reasons and choosing an overall frame width that fits the face are separate decisions.
GLANOS EYEWEAR
There is a reason glasses feel uncomfortable.
small glasses · frame width · temple pain · temple spread · glasses size · frame selection