It’s often said that eyes are the windows to the soul, the secret doorway to read innermost thoughts, the way to get some indication of what someone else is thinking. When we’re choosing glasses, do we give enough thought to the fact that specs are a barrier to our inner selves – and what should we take into account in our home and work lives?

It may sound pretty obvious, but many people do not think about how others will see them in their glasses. As an example, what if you’re in a caring profession, such as a counsellor or a nurse, what impact will your glasses have on your patients? A dark, heavy frame with a tinted lens would mask your eyes, and may create a block between you and your client. You won’t appear to empathise if your thoughts are hidden. A tinted lens will increase this distance between you and the vulnerable person who’s seeking your help. You would be wise to choose a light frame, which doesn’t create that hurdle for your patient to get over, and add an anti-reflection coating to let them see your eyes clearly.

If you’re in a position where intimidation is useful (Anne Robinson – you know who you are!) then the right pair of glasses could be very beneficial to you! A small frame that you can peer over the top of will terrify your victims! Snootily looking down your nose at people is much easier if you have specs on! Likewise, a chunky frame with a tint will put distance between you, and make your thoughts unreadable.

Some people wear glasses to help create their work persona, or at least to enhance the image they have carefully been crafting. The lens coating and the style of the frame can all add to this image, and knowing that first impressions count, remember that glasses are one of the first things that people will see and therefore remember about you.