Reviewed by Roger D. McCarthy, O.D., F.A.A.O.

Frames should fit properly and be durable.

What's the key to selecting eyeglass frames that will enhance your prescription lenses while providing durability, a stylish appearance and a reliable fit?

Greg Jones, O.D., a VSP doctor from Jamestown, N.Y., and frame and lens consultant Kathy Parsons, a fitting specialist in Dr. Jones' practice answer a few of your most frequently asked questions.

Q: What is the most important factor in making the right choice of eyeglass frames?

Dr. Jones: The first thing is to make sure that the frames you choose are suited for your prescription. The doctor should make certain they will keep the prescription lenses at the correct distance from your eyes.

Second, you want to ask: Do the frames fit the patient's face? Are they a good, close and comfortable fit?

And finally, you need to think about the durability and aesthetics involved. What materials are in those frames and how durable are they? What about style? Will the patient walk out of there really feeling good about the way he or she looks in the glasses?

Ms. Parsons: Fit and durability come first, but style is very important, too. For example, we're seeing a huge resurgence of plastic frames these days. It's a fun, retro look that flashes back to the 1950s and 1960s. That look is quite popular with a lot of teenagers and people in their 20's right now.

Q: What factors affect the fit of the frames?

Dr. Jones: Obviously, their size is most important. You have to match the frames correctly to the face. But you also have to be sure that the nose pads fit snugly against the nose so that the glasses don't slip, and that the temples fit the ear closely. I can't emphasize enough that a patient should refuse to accept new glasses until the fit feels absolutely perfect.

Q: How important is the consumer's lifestyle in choosing the right frames?

Dr. Jones: It's extremely important. If you're fitting frames on a person who's very active, for example, then you wouldn't want to pick a frame that's thin and fragile. Instead, you might select a frame made of a stronger material that's also lightweight - just right for somebody who's really active.