What does your optical wardrobe say about you?

Find your style with Leightons

How many pairs of shoes do you own? Most people might say 10 or more. How about the number of jackets? About five is the average. How many pairs of glasses do you own? Only 50% of people own more than two pairs. Isn’t it funny how we see our glasses as a medical device (which they technically are) but not as a fashion accessory? Thinking about it, why do we switch up our shoes every day, but wear the same pair of glasses every day, for up to two years?

Some people talk about building up an “optical wardrobe”; different glasses for different looks. Or, the ability to swap to contact lenses for different activities. How extensive might your wardrobe be? Well, you might not buy four pairs of glasses in one day, just like you wouldn’t buy four pairs of shoes in one day (unless you have a mild shoe obsession!), but it’s great to have some flexibility with your look.

What frames do I wear for which occasion, or shall I wear contact lenses to get the most out of my yoga practice, golf game or simply to enjoy gardening?

If we want to play eyewear to our advantage, be fashionable and get the most from our activities, we simply need to expand our optical wardrobe. Then, choose the right look for the right occasion – just as we would with a jacket of our choice, or footwear. There are a huge number of ways that you can find your style with different glasses and contact lenses.

How can different eyewear change your look?

lady wearing full rim glasses

Full-rim glasses

In full-rim glasses, the lenses are covered on all sides with the frames. If you have a round face, rectangle full-rim eyeglasses will suit you the best. These frames will make the face appear longer and thinner. Moreover, full-rim glasses highlight your eyes.

man wearing rimless glasses

Rimless glasses

Rimless frames are eyeglasses with bare lenses that are attached to the temples and the bridge. Rimless frames are best for people who have a small face, and hence wish to focus the onlooker’s attention more on their face, which can make the wearer’s features look more pronounced.

lady wearing contact lenses

Contact lenses

We face enough barriers when it comes to fitness, your vision doesn’t need to be one of them. Whether you’re on the tennis court or the yoga mat, contacts are the most convenient and comfortable option for correcting your vision during exercise.

Fancy having a personal stylist?

Even if you wear glasses most of the time, many patients opt for contacts just for workouts and sporting activities. If you aren’t sure which frames suit your face shape, hair style or skin tone, feel free to use our fully qualified dispensing opticians. Just as you’d have a personal stylist help you find the clothing that best fits your shape, at Leightons our priority is to correct your vision and find the right style for you. You can find a range of looks with the wide selection of frames that Leightons offers, and even swap to contact lenses for the perfect round of golf or downward dog in yoga.

gurpreet singh

How can we help you to find your style?

Gurpreet Singh, Branch Manager & Dispensing Optician at Leightons Camberley, explains everything that goes into helping people discover their perfect look:

“Picking out frames is about so much more than someone’s face shape. Yes, I look at skin tone, hair colour and clothing too, but it’s also about your character.

“I’ll have a chat with you, really listen to what you’re saying – perhaps you’re starting a new job and want to look very professional, or you want to brighten things up and go very colourful. Or perhaps you have no specific look in mind at all!

“While we’re talking and looking at frames, I’ll watch your reactions to help shape the direction we need to go in. There are 100 different processes going on in my head, and no single one is more important than another, they’re all happening at the same time. By the time I show you my first suggestion for your new frames, I’ll have already thought of 20 or 30 different ones, and probably then dismissed some too. We really are your optical personal stylists; seeing people’s delight when they’ve found their perfect glasses is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

Book an appointment

Whether you’d like an in-depth eye examination to check your prescription, a style consultation with one of our qualified dispensing opticians, or would like to find out more about contact lenses, book an appointment with us today. Select an option to book online below, or call our Dedicated Patient Support team on 0800 40 20 20.

Book an eye examination

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Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
If you experience migraines or frequent headaches, you may have noticed that light can make symptoms feel worse. Bright environments, glare or certain patterns can trigger discomfort and make it harder to focus. Many people searching for migraine glasses in the UK are looking for ways to reduce these visual triggers. While glasses cannot treat migraines themselves, certain lenses, including carefully selected tinted lenses, can help improve visual comfort and reduce the impact of light. If you are exploring your options, it can also help to understand how tinted lenses for everyday comfort and clarity and everyday use.   Why light can trigger migraines and headaches For many people, migraines are closely linked to how the brain processes light. Bright or flickering light, glare from screens, or high-contrast environments can place extra strain on the visual system. This can lead to: Increased light sensitivity (photophobia) Eye strain and visual discomfort Difficulty focusing Headaches triggered or worsened by bright environments Some people may also experience visual stress, where patterns or contrast make text or surroundings feel uncomfortable or unstable.   What are migraine glasses? The term migraine glasses is often used to describe glasses designed to reduce light sensitivity and visual discomfort. In many cases, these involve tinted lenses that help soften brightness and reduce the intensity of certain light wavelengths. One commonly referenced option is FL-41 tinted lenses, which use a rose-based tint designed to filter specific parts of the light spectrum. Some people find this type of tint more comfortable, particularly in environments with artificial lighting or screen use. However, there is no single tint that works for everyone, and results can vary.   Do FL-41 lenses work for migraines? FL-41 lenses are often discussed in relation to migraines, and some people report improved comfort when using them. They are designed to reduce certain wavelengths of light that may be linked to visual discomfort. However, it is important to understand that: They do not prevent or treat migraines Their effectiveness varies between individuals They are one of several tinted options, not the only solution For many people, a personalised approach to tinted lenses can be more effective than choosing a single standard tint.   How tinted lenses can help Tinted lenses work by reducing overall brightness and improving how your eyes respond to light and contrast. For some people, this can help: Reduce visual discomfort in bright environments Soften glare from screens and artificial lighting Make reading or focusing feel easier Create a more relaxed visual experience If your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity or visual stress, you may also benefit from understanding the different types of tinted lenses and colours available, as some tones feel more comfortable than others.   Tinted lenses vs blue light glasses You may also come across blue light glasses when searching for migraine solutions. Blue light lenses are designed to filter a portion of light from digital screens and may help reduce glare for some people. However, there is currently limited evidence to show that they reduce migraines or prevent headaches. These lenses can enhance warmer tones, meaning a white background may appear slightly softer or more sepia in tone, similar to the setting often used on e-readers. Tinted lenses tend to offer a broader approach by reducing overall brightness and improving contrast, which may feel more beneficial if your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity rather than screen use alone. Compare blue light lenses vs tinted lenses to understand which is right for your needs.   Finding the right tint for you There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to migraine glasses. The way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. Some people find relief with softer tones such as rose or grey, while others benefit from more specific colours tailored to their visual response. If visual stress is a contributing factor, a personalised assessment such as a colourimetry visual stress test can help identify which tint feels most comfortable for you.   Start with a full eye examination Before choosing tinted lenses or migraine glasses, it is important to understand what is causing your symptoms. A comprehensive eye examination allows us to assess your vision, check for underlying eye conditions, and understand how your eyes respond to light. From there, our qualified dispensing opticians can guide you towards the most appropriate options for your needs.   Takeaway Migraines and headaches can affect everyone differently, and the way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. While glasses cannot treat migraines, the right lenses can help reduce visual triggers such as brightness and glare, making everyday environments feel more comfortable. Tinted lenses, including options similar to FL-41, may help some people by softening light and improving visual comfort, particularly where light sensitivity or visual stress is a factor. However, there is no single solution that works for everyone, which is why a personalised approach is so important. At Leightons, we take the time to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle and how your eyes respond to light. Starting with a comprehensive eye examination by one of our optometrists, our qualified dispensing opticians can advise on the correct lens solution or you, whether that involves tailored tinted lenses or further assessment such as colourimetry. Book an appointment Find your nearest branch
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