How do I choose glasses for my face shape?

Choose a frame shape that contrasts with your face shape for balance. Round faces suit angular square or rectangular frames; square faces suit round or oval frames; oval faces suit almost anything; heart-shaped faces suit frames wider at the bottom; and long faces suit deeper, bolder frames. Fit, colouring and your prescription matter just as much as shape.

What glasses suit a round face?

Angular frames add definition to a round face. Rectangular, square and geometric shapes lengthen and structure the face, and thin angular metal or titanium frames add contrast. Avoid small round frames that echo the face's curves.

What glasses suit a square face?

Curved frames soften a strong, angular square face. Round and oval frames and gentle cat-eyes balance the jaw and forehead, and thin or rimless styles take the edge off strong angles.

Does face shape really matter when choosing glasses?

Face shape is a useful starting point for finding flattering frames, but fit, colouring and your prescription strength matter just as much. Trying frames on in person, with a dispensing optometrist to adjust the fit, is the best way to find the right pair.

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes?

There is no single “best” eye drop for dry eye, as treatment depends on the underlying cause. According to the TFOS DEWS III framework, dry eye is a multifactorial disease involving tear film instability, inflammation, and ocular surface damage. For many patients, preservative-free lubricating eye drops are recommended as first-line therapy, particularly for frequent or long-term use. An optometrist can help select drops based on tear quality, evaporation rate, and ocular surface findings.

How often should I use eye drops for dry eyes?

The frequency of eye drop use depends on symptom severity and the type of drop used. Preservative-free drops may be used multiple times per day, whereas preserved drops should be used less frequently to avoid ocular surface irritation. If drops are needed more than 4–6 times daily, clinical guidance generally recommends preservative-free formulations and a dry eye assessment.

Can you use eye drops too often?

Yes. Overuse of preserved eye drops can worsen dry eye symptoms by disrupting the tear film and irritating the ocular surface. DEWS III emphasises minimising preservative exposure and addressing underlying causes—such as meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation—rather than relying solely on frequent lubrication.

What is the difference between Polytears, Systane, and Hylo eye drops?

Polytears, Systane, and Hylo are lubricating eye drops, but they differ in formulation, viscosity, and preservative status. Some are better suited for mild, intermittent dryness, while others are designed for more persistent symptoms or contact lens wear. Brand name alone does not determine suitability; clinical evaluation does.

Are preservative-free eye drops better for dry eyes?

For many patients, yes. Preservative-free eye drops are commonly recommended for moderate to severe dry eye, frequent use, contact lens wear, and sensitive eyes. DEWS III highlights that long-term preservative exposure can contribute to ocular surface irritation in some people.

Can contact lens wear make dry eye worse?

Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by disrupting tear film stability and increasing evaporation. However, with appropriate lens materials, care systems, and compatible eye drops, many contact lens wearers can remain comfortable. Drops labelled as safe for use with contact lenses are typically preferred during lens wear.

How do I know which eye drops are right for me?

Dry eye is not a single condition. Effective management requires identifying whether symptoms are driven by evaporation, aqueous deficiency, inflammation, or eyelid disease. A dry eye assessment—including tear stability, ocular surface staining, and meibomian gland evaluation—helps guide targeted treatment rather than trial-and-error.

Are thicker eye drops better than watery ones?

Not always. Thicker drops may provide longer relief but can blur vision and may not be ideal for daytime use. Thinner drops may be better tolerated but may require more frequent application. DEWS III supports matching drop viscosity to symptom pattern and lifestyle needs.

Can dry eye be treated without eye drops?

Yes. While lubricating drops are commonly used, DEWS III emphasises a stepwise approach that may include eyelid hygiene, heat therapy, management of meibomian gland dysfunction, environmental modification, and lifestyle changes such as reducing prolonged screen use. Eye drops often remain part of treatment when symptoms affect comfort or visual quality.

When should I see an optometrist for dry eyes?

Seek professional assessment if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting activities such as reading, screen use, or driving. Ongoing reliance on eye drops without improvement suggests an underlying issue that may require targeted treatment.

How to Choose Glasses for Your Face Shape: An Optometrist's Guide

Author: Jacqueline Rowe, BSc Chemistry, BOptom. Partner Optometrist, Rose Optometry; New Zealand Eye Research Centre.

General styling guidance from our Hamilton dispensing team — the best way to find your frame is to try a few on with us.

The right pair of glasses does two jobs at once: it sharpens your vision and it flatters your face. After years of dispensing designer frames at Rose Optometry, the single most useful starting point we give people is their face shape. The classic principle is balance and contrast — choose a frame shape that complements your natural lines rather than echoing them. Here's how it works, shape by shape.

First, find your face shape

Pull your hair back, look straight into a mirror, and notice the widest part of your face and the line of your jaw. Most people fall into one of five groups: round, oval, square, heart, or oblong. Don't overthink it — it's a guide, not a rule.

Round face

Soft curves, similar width and length, fuller cheeks. Add definition with angles. Rectangular, square and geometric frames lengthen and structure a round face, while thin, angular metal frames add contrast. Steer away from small round frames that echo your curves.

Explore: Square Glasses NZ and Titanium Glasses NZ.

Oval face

Balanced proportions with a gently narrower forehead and jaw — the most versatile shape. Almost anything works, so choose for personality. Bold acetates, browlines and statement frames all suit an oval face; just keep the frame width close to the widest part of your face.

Explore our full frames and sunglasses range.

Square face

Strong jaw, broad forehead, angular lines. Soften with curves. Round and oval frames, and gentle cat-eyes, balance a square face beautifully, while rimless or thin frames take the edge off strong angles.

Explore: Round Glasses NZ and Cat-Eye Glasses NZ.

Heart-shaped face

Wider forehead narrowing to a delicate chin. Balance the top with the bottom. Frames that are wider at the bottom, light rimless styles, and round or oval shapes draw attention downward and soften the forehead. Cat-eyes can work well too when kept light.

Explore: Round Glasses NZ and Aviator Glasses NZ.

Oblong / long face

Longer than it is wide, with a straight cheek line. Add width and break up the length. Deeper frames, bold shapes and decorative or contrasting temples make a long face appear more balanced. Oversized and aviator styles are natural fits.

Explore: Aviator Glasses NZ and our designer frames.

Beyond face shape: three things that matter just as much

Fit. A frame that slips, pinches or sits crooked will never look or feel right, however flattering the shape. This is where in-person dispensing earns its keep — we adjust every frame to your face.
Colouring. Warmer skin tones tend to suit golds, tortoiseshell and warm browns; cooler tones suit silver, black, blue and rose. Your optometrist can help you read this.
Your prescription. Stronger prescriptions look best in smaller, well-centred frames that keep lenses thin. We factor this in when we help you choose.

Try before you commit

Face-shape guidance gets you to the right neighbourhood, but the perfect frame is the one you try on. At Rose Optometry in Hamilton we dispense and fit designer eyewear from Ahlem, Garrett Leight, Tom Ford, Blackfin, Akoni and more — with honest styling advice and no pressure. Browse online and we'll ship nationwide, or come in and we'll help you find the one.

Explore by brand

Ahlem · Garrett Leight · Tom Ford · Blackfin · Akoni · Anne et Valentin

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