How to make eyes look brighter and bigger with glasses

Glasses can either shrink your eyes or make them pop

Glasses can change how big your eyes appear to be and can change your look completely! They can either highlight your eyes and make them look brighter / larger or shrink them, well, not actually shrink them but they can make them appear smaller. It doesn’t matter if you have just started wearing glasses or have been wearing them for years, we have put together some tips on how you can change your eye appearance by stepping up your glasses game and feeling more confident in the process.

Tips to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger with Glasses

1. Frame Shape: The shape of your frame is crucial when it comes to showing off your eyes. Round or oval frames normally make your eyes look larger, while square or rectangular frames usually make them look smaller. Choose a frame shape that suits your facial structure and enhances your eyes.

2. Frame Size: Oversized frames can make your eyes look smaller in comparison. Choose a frame size that is in proportion to your face and does not overshadow your features.

3. Frame Colour: Go for colours that complement your skin tone and eye colour. Bright colour frames will draw attention to your eyes and make them stand out. For example, if you have blue eyes, choosing a blue or grey frame can make your eyes really pop.

4. Lens Type: High-index lenses (which are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses), can help prevent the “bug-eyed” look that can sometimes happen with higher prescriptions.

5. Makeup: Makeup can help you make your eyes appear larger behind your glasses. Applying a bit of white eyeliner on your waterline can make your eyes seem bigger. If you use an eyelash curler before putting on mascara it can also help your lashes stand out more.

Why Do My Eyes Look So Small with Glasses?

The main reason why your eyes might look smaller with glasses is because of the lens prescription. Minus-powered lenses, normally prescribed for myopia or short-sightedness, make the eyes appear smaller because they diverge light. Moreover, the thicker the lens, the more extreme this effect is.

Also, wearing glasses that are too large for your face can make your eyes seem smaller by comparison. It's all about proportion! Glasses should always balance your features and not overpower them.

What Prescription Glasses Make Your Eyes Look Bigger?

Plus lenses, which are normally prescribed for hyperopia or long-sightedness, converge light and can make the eyes seem bigger than they really are. These lenses are thicker in the centre and thinner at the edges.

It doesn’t matter what prescription you have, there are steps that you can take to minimise the effects that glasses can have on how big or small your eyes may appear:

1. Choose High-Index Lenses: If you have a high prescription and want your eyes to appear smaller, these can help, they are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses

2. Anti-Reflective Coating: Applying an anti-reflective coating to your lenses will help prevent glare, which in turn will make your eyes more visible and make them appear brighter behind your glasses.

3. Aspheric Lenses: These lenses have a thinner, attractive profile and a flatter curvature compared to traditional lenses. They minimise distortion and magnification effects, making your eyes look more natural and larger. 

There are several factors that play a role in how your eyes appear behind glasses, which include the lens prescription, frame shape, frame size and even makeup. By incorporating the tips above you can choose glasses that help your natural beauty pop more, and make your eyes look brighter and bigger. After all, glasses should highlight your eyes, not hide them. It's worth spending some time with different options and styles to find the perfect pair that makes you feel your most confident self. If no option makes you feel confident, you could always make the switch to contact lenses.