Prescription glasses and sunglasses are not only a functional necessity for many, but also a stylish accessory that showcases the wearer's personal style.

Is it time to start seeing things more clearly? Discover all the opticians, spectacle and sunglasses shops in Malta and Gozo on Yellow.

Types of Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses

Some of us need to wear their glasses all the time; while some need spectacles specifically for reading, the computer or night time driving.

Indeed, short-sightedness (difficulty in seeing objects in the distance) or long-sightedness (difficulty in seeing objects that are relatively close) require prescription eyewear to correct visual imbalances and allow the wear to conduct normal day-to-day tasks. Moreover, eyewear is increasingly being seen as an important source of protection from digital screens and UV rays.

There are various prescription frame styles and sunglasses to choose from with the most popular being aviator, cat eye, round, square, oval, retro and rimless. These are usually available in either metal or plastic and can include various embellishments (such as patterns, rhinestones, metallic accents or brand logos).

Services provided by glasses and sunglasses stores in Malta

There is a large number of optician stores distributed across the Maltese Islands and so it is very easy to find an outlet close by. All opticians are equipped with a vast range of fashionable prescription frames and trendy sunglasses from various well-known designers and brands. All opticians also sell a broad range of daily and monthly contact lenses in various powers, eye drops and spectacle cleaning sprays.

It is recommended to update your prescription before you order any new prescription eyewear. Conveniently, ophthalmologists are often in attendance at many optician shops, which makes it very simple to do a routine eye test before checking the selection of frames available.

Prices for spectacles and sunglasses vary broadly according to the frame brand, the power of the lenses and any other additions (such as Anti-Reflective and UV coats or tinted or photochromic lenses) that one may wish to include.

You don't need to worry if your glasses have broken unexpectedly and you need to fix them urgently since many opticians provide spectacle repair services. However, if your frames are broken beyond repair or the lenses are completely cracked, you can ask if same day service is available and get a new pair of specs in the blink of an eye!

What's In a Shape - Choosing the Best Eyewear for Your Face

Different frames suit different face shapes and it is a good idea to identify which frames suit you best. Start off by looking in the mirror and taking a look at your overall face shape. There are seven principal shapes, that is, oval, heart-shaped, oblong, square, diamond, round and inverted triangle. As a rule of thumb, it is usually recommended to choose a frame that contrasts your natural features. For example, a narrow angular frame will help to elongate the face while an oval pair will soften the angles of a square face. It is also worth keeping in mind that cool skin tones look their best with frames in shades with cool undertones (such as silver, greyish blue and pink) while warm skin tones are complemented by specs in warm colours (for instance gold, brown and olive green).

Apart from choosing a frame that suits your face it is important to go for an option that will guarantee maximum comfort. For instance, thick or heavy frames may lead to headaches for some glass wearers. So, if you are sensitive or easily prone to headaches, choosing a light frame will help to reduce discomfort. 

Sunglasses are a fashion staple that have gained iconic status and so it is important to find a style that suits your face and conveys your personal style (we have a whole article dedicated to fashion essentials if you'd like to know more). All opticians carry designer sunglasses for women and men with many offering polarised sunglasses for maximum visual comfort. Aviator or wayfarer are timeless shapes that are perfect for both men and women while large oval sunglasses are a classic that will suit many ladies. 

Prescription sunglasses sports glasses are also a widely available options for glass wearers who practise sports frequently or who are outdoors very often.