Apr 03 2008
Do glasses make a midlifer look older?
I’ve got lousy eyesight. Been wearing glasses since I was twelve years old. Loved them then. I thought they made me look older and sophisticated. They did. Now, in midlife, I hate them, but can’t do without.
Do glasses really make you look older?
The ads on tv try to make wearers of the lens look hip and sheek… but they seldom do. To me, most people who wear glasses look, well… older. If the frames are dark and thick, perhaps “intelligent” or “smart” could be thrown into the mix. If they are too thick, then “dork” is the answer.
I’d love to get rid of the things. I drop them, scratch them, forget them, but can’t live without them. Laser surgery won’t work for me for reasons I can’t fathom. So I’m stuck with them. So I look older.
Reality I guess.
Well …… having been an Optician and owner of several Optical shops, I believe I can give you a definative answer to that question. The answer is …. maybe.
There are several factors to consider. One of course is style. The header of this blog is comprised of photos of people, two of whom are wearing glasses, which I don’t believe make them look older. The styles are appropriate for them.
And another consideration, wearing habits, can make a big difference. Wearing glasses down on your nose, looking over the top is a dead giveaway to age. Better to get a good pair of well styled glasses with invisible bifocal line (progressive addition lenses) and wear them up where they belong.
I have, as you might guess, have several pairs of glasses for different occasions and uses. Some do make me look older (according to my wife) and I wear them around the house in the evenings and on days when I don’t shave either because they are extremely light weight and comfortable.
The pair I wear the most I get compliments on daily. They are Belgian made and very stylish. They work as well on a twenty something as they do on this seasoned citizen. I look younger in them (confirmed by my aforementioned wife) because the shape, color and materials are right for me. They are relatively shallow in depth, the bottom of the rim hides some fairly severe bags under my eyes, but easily handle my short corridor progressive lenses, giving me excellent vision at any focal length from about 8 inches to infinity. A deeper frame with a larger lens actually magnifies those bags.
I don’t really want to look my age, because I know people who look my age and they look terrible!
Go to an good Optician (not those discount store shops) and get a really good fitting, appropriately styled pair of glasses.
Don’t be afraid to try on something wild or different. You might find a gem.
Dear Tom… you gave such a thorough answer, I wish you were my optician! Where arey you located??? Do you make house calls?
Thanks for the info in any event. – mtee
Hi mtee. Thanks for the kind remarks. I live in northern California and have sold my optical stores. I might still make a housecall though if it is in a beautiful, interesting location. Please check out http://www.platinumpearls.com for continuing fun and enlightenment. (that was an ad)
Tom
I tend to agree with Tom Hays – specs don’t necessarily make you look older – although the criteria is dependent on several things – not forgetting that some of us see ourselves differently than those looking at us. I’ve been using specs and lenses since way back when glasses weren’t particularly smart and lenses weren’t even heard of in their present state. Can’t see the monitor without.
Be bold, be fun, make a statement with your specs, just as you would with your clothes. I have several that suit the mood – whatever that may be at the time. Specs are great, one more accessory to enhance your look. If that’s dorky – then so be it, but dorks are cute too