It’s not new information that Black or African American people are at higher risk for certain eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy—the last of which affects more than 850,000 African Americans. 

However, gradually losing your ability to focus on things up close with age is an issue that doesn’t discriminate. This is called presbyopia, a common part of aging that begins to show signs in your early 40s. You’ll need a pair of reading glasses to help you see near objects. Readers are a must for anyone with presbyopia, but they can affect your confidence if you’re not used to wearing them. Instead of feeling conscious about your frames, here’s how you can wear your reading glasses confidently:

Match your personality

Reading glasses don’t have to be drab and plain. You can find frames that match your style and personality to make it a fashionable addition to your regular looks. By finding a frame that suits who you are, you’ll feel less self-conscious about rocking them everywhere. Rather than picking up one of the stocked pairs at a drugstore or grocery, you can explore a wide range of styles online. 

Online retailer Readers.com has no shortage of eye-catching reading glasses for women in different colors, shapes, and sizes. So, if you want to appear elegant and put-together, styles like The Carina could be a good match. The glasses are sleek with a thin frame but add a touch of glam with the cat-eye shape. They are also great for work because they help create a professional look. The Beatrix model is ideal for a playful and fun vibe. They come in various bright hues for an eye-catching pop of color that can suit your bubbly personality and style. The sky is the limit with your frame design, so go for reading glasses that feel the most like you!

Image source: Unsplash.com

Accessorize your frames

Your reading glasses can work as a fashionable accessory on their own, but you can even accessorize them further to make them look more fashion-forward and eye-catching. Glasses chains are both practical and fun. 

These geek-chic pieces ensure you’ll never lose your frames. You can think of them as something similar to a necklace, so you can look for dainty metallic chains, pearls, or chunky beads to give them an elevated and youthful touch. You can even consider attaching glasses charms that dangle off the temples or bedazzling them with rhinestones. This can help if you’re still a bit apprehensive about wearing your frames; if they look like your other accessories, you might feel more confident in them.

Image source: Freepik.com

Find what flatters

There are no rules to choosing a pair of reading glasses, but some styles may be better for your features than others. Your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and face length can tell you which styles will emphasize or minimize them. For instance, round frames may work better on square faces to soften sharp angles, while square styles can balance out a round face. 

The color of your frames also plays a role in flattering your look. Your skin undertone, whether warm, cool, or neutral, may look best in colors with the same tone to highlight your face instead of making you look washed out. You can even explore eye wear designed for Black features, which can ensure your frames are a perfect fit for your face. Brands like Vontelle Eyewear have glasses for diverse face shapes and designs that honor African culture. You can use these models as a guideline to help you find the measurements you need for a flattering fit.

Source: Article written by Rose Henderson, exclusively for BlackMenInAmerica.com