How to Find the Perfect Glasses for Your Face Shape

If you’re reading this article with your very own eyes, take a moment to appreciate the way they’re transmitting these wise words from your screen to your brain. (And maybe also the glasses or contact lenses that are helping them out!) We don’t often think about how much we rely on our vision, at least not until we find ourselves straining to see something that used to be in focus. Everyone’s eyesight naturally deteriorates over time, but here are five habits that can speed up that process. Snap out of them now and keep your eyes in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

1. Smoking: Yes, smokers, we know you probably feel like everyone is nagging you to quit these days, but your optometrist is on that list too. “Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, which cause the lens of the eye to go from clear to cloudy, and age-related macular degeneration, a condition affecting the macula (the part of the eye used for central vision) which can lead to vision loss,” explains Dr. Monica Nguyen, an optometrist practicing in New York City. “There is also research indicating a possible association between smoking and retinal ischemia, where blood vessels that course through the optic nerve to supply the eye are blocked up. Specifically, in central retinal vein occlusion, there is an obstruction of the central retinal vein to the optic nerve of the eye, causing loss of blood flow to the eye and vision loss.” At the very least, she adds, “Smoking also increases dry eye symptoms for the smoker and from secondhand smoke.” Just one more reason to ditch your cigarettes: If you’re struggling to quit, check out resources here. Your eyes will thank you.

2. Refusing to Wear Your Glasses: Maybe you suffered through years of taunts at school, or maybe you just can’t ever seem to remember where you left them. But wearers of glasses who want to protect their current eyesight should be committing to using them as needed to prevent eye strain. Dr. Ming Wang, an eye surgeon in Nashville, TN, urges, “Glasses with the correct prescription provide the most comfortable vision to reduce eye strain and over-focusing. Not wearing glasses can put eyes through unnecessary stress and lead to the development of headaches and eye fatigue.” You might also have heard that wearing glasses makes your eyes weaker, or that not wearing them when you need them forces your eyes to get stronger. “This is not the case,” Wang assures us. “Glasses are generally correcting for a mismatch between the curve on the front of the eye, the power of lens in the eye, and length of the eye. These physical parameters are relatively fixed after adolescence and are not significantly affected by wearing glasses or contact lens.”

You don’t necessarily have to wear your glasses all the time — just when you need them. Nguyen adds, “People who have a low, nearsighted prescription such as -2.00 may find they only need glasses for seeing things at a distance, but not for something close like looking at a computer, whereas people who are farsighted, such as +3.00, will find they need the glasses all the time for seeing things up close, because without them they have increased eye strain and blurry vision.”

While we’re talking about tools that help your eyesight, a bonus bad habit you’re going to want to break is accidentally leaving your contact lenses in overnight. Nguyen recommends taking them out at least an hour before bed: “Sleeping in contact lenses is a problem because it causes oxygen deprivation to the front surface of the eye, the cornea,” she advises. “It also causes corneal edema, or swelling of the cornea, and neovascularization, which is an increase in blood vessels that causes red eyes. These all can result in dryness, discomfort, redness, and blurry vision.” Please remind your 2am self of this, for the sake of your 10am self.

3. Neglecting Your Veggies: Specifically, veggies containing vitamins that provide antioxidants. Wang explains, “Antioxidants may help to delay the formation of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and arugula, and colorful fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and cranberries are excellent sources of these vitamins.” And while we’re sending you to the grocery store, throw in some sources of omega-3, especially if you’re prone to dry eyes. Dr. Jeff Anastasio and Dr. Shelly Anastasio, both optometrists at Louisiana Family Eyecare, confirm, “Omega-3 has a proven positive effect on dry eye. It’s found in a variety of products including fish oil, krill oil, and flaxseed oil. For someone with dry eyes, we recommend 1,000 to 2,000 mg a day, depending upon the severity of the condition.”

4. Forgetting Your Sunglasses: No matter the time of year, do yourself a favor and put on your UV-blocking shades before heading outside. Nguyen cautions, “Long-term exposure [to UV radiation] can cause growths on the front surface of the eyes called pterygiums; cataracts; macular degeneration; and damage to the retina. The sun can also cause cancerous growths on the eyelid and premature aging of skin structures surrounding the eye.” That damage can happen in winter too: 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds, so you still need protection even on gray days. And if you’re somewhere snowy, you’re at risk of keratitis, AKA snow blindness, a temporary but painful condition caused by sunburn on your cornea. Much better to get into the habit of remembering your shades.

5. Staring at a Screen With No Breaks: If you’ve been staring at this screen for so long you can’t remember when you last looked at something in 3D, it’s time you took a break (right after you finish this article, of course). Dr. Justin Bazan, an optometrist and the health ambassador for The Vision Council (TVC), points to research by TVC which found that about 80 percent of American adults surveyed used digital devices for more than two hours a day, and 59 percent reported symptoms of eye strain caused by those devices. “After a couple of hours of looking at a digital device such as your computer or phone, your eyes become irritated and sore and feel fatigued, and vision blurs,” Bazan warns.

It’s not that screens specifically cause these symptoms, as the Anastasios explain: “The computer doesn’t actually create the eye strain; It’s looking at the same close object for such a long period of time.” To solve this, they recommend short but regular breaks: “Every 20 minutes, take a 20- to 30-second break from the screen to look at something further than 20 feet away.”

Another issue caused by regular screen usage is dry eye. “When focusing on your device for a long period of time, your blink rate is dramatically decreased,” the Anastasios caution. “This can cause a significant case of dry eye due to decreased tear production and decreased oil secretion by the Meibomian glands.” Fortunately, Nguyen reassures us, “Staring at a computer screen does not cause permanent damage to the eyes.” Break the habit, and give your eyes a break.

Do you have specs appeal? Show us your eyesight-saving shades @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

Accessories are the key to taking every outfit from basic to bombshell. Sure, our love affair with signet rings and statement earrings runs deep, but we especially live for eyewear for its practicality and fashion factor. And if anyone knows about stylish glasses, it’s identical twin designers Corianna and Brianna Dotson. Better known as Coco and Breezy, the pair launched their eyewear line in 2009 (at just 19 years old!) and have since designed for celebs including Beyoncé and Prince, all the while not-so-casually deejaying on the side. Keep reading to learn how the dynamic duo designed their first pair of frames, their own Parent Trap moments, and the styles people are always asking them about.

B+C: You both have incredible style, so why eyewear?

Coco: Our love for eyewear stemmed from when we were young and used to collect it all the time. Growing up in Minnesota, there were people that were very prejudiced, and we were bullied. Wearing eyewear was a really big shield for us. We wore sunglasses in class because we felt like when we put them on we were our alter egos, Coco and Breezy, who were fearless and ready to conquer the world. But whenever we had to make eye contact with people without glasses on, we were really insecure and super shy. Once we figured out that glasses weren’t just for protection, we not only wanted to make people look stylish but also protect their eyes from UV rays and really focus on eye health.

B+C: What was the very first pair you designed?

Breezy: The very first pair we designed was in our mom’s living room. I took a stud off of one of my personal studded belts with pliers and then glued it onto some safety goggles. I thought it was the coolest sh*t ever at the time.

B+C: Which of your favorite styles are people obsessed with right now?

Breezy: The Chaska ($249). I have these gold transition lenses, so it’s super cool that inside they’re clear and when I go outside they turn into this beautiful, mirrored lens.

Coco: The Richfield ($249). The best part about them is that the frame is so gold that I really don’t have to think about my outfit too much. I can throw on a white T-shirt and some jeans, and then my shiny gold frames are my jewelry piece.

B+C: Which celeb was the most exciting to work with?

Coco: Prince. It was very impactful because we got to spend a lot of time with him. We worked with him to make 200 limited-edition third-eye sunglasses. He wore them on his last few TV appearances and an album cover.

B+C: What personal style mantra do you live by?

Breezy: Do it for yourself. With social media there’s a lot of pressure, especially with young girls, to look a certain way or to have their bodies a certain way, or to feel like they have to wear certain brands.

Coco: Mentally we need to just erase that pressure of social media and truly do things that make you happy. It’s not about the brands you wear but how you mix and match pieces.

B+C: What’s your favorite part about being twins?

Breezy: When you’re going through the journey of being an entrepreneur, you have so many ups and downs and so many emotions going. If you have a twin, you have someone there that can just bring you up and can read you.

What item are people always asking you about? ‘Gram what’s good and tag us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Denzel Golatt)

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

It is that time again. Venus retrograde has arrived, and it has an essential message for those in love or on the quest to find it. The word "retrograde" may sound alarm bells for most people, but I would like to reassure you that it helps you pay attention and recognize what you need whenever a planetary retrograde occurs. With Venus retrograde happening from March 1 to April 12, it will shift the focus on how individualized we are in the realms of love and the way we project our leadership in relationships. The love planet begins its backward dance in the sign of Aries. Its revisitation in Pisces on March 27 will unearth past themes involving connections and the purity of connections in relationships. If retrograde is still a term that makes you nervous, let go of the fear; there's always a way to navigate these times with peace and awareness. Read on and learn more about this Venus retrograde 2025 and how the love planet will impact each astrological sign.

Scroll to find out what your zodiac sign can expect during the Venus retrograde.

What Happens During Venus Retrograde?

Emmanuel Torres

When a planet advances far ahead from its course in our orbit, the Sun pulls it back in line in space so it won't veer off track within the line-up of the other planets. Venus undergoes this backward spin every 18 months, and it actually forms a 5-petaled rose when seen from a geocentric perspective during this orbital dance! We can always count on Venus and its romantic touch.

From a general perspective, Venus in retrograde presents lessons about paying attention to our love life, values, and even how we radiate our inner and outer beauty. Retrogrades present a period of inner reflection, and when Venus is involved, it will involve our inner nature and how it clashes with vanity. It's also recommended to hold off on trying a dramatic hair transformation during this transit or scheduling cosmetic procedures. Although it can be tempting, it may lead to unexpected results. This Venus retrograde period will invoke a review regarding your standards inside and out.

The average time that Venus goes in between signs is about 20 days, but when a retrograde occurs, our love and our inner values will undergo a review within a 2-month range. This Venus in Aries retrograde will help you understand your individuality and name your relationship terms.

If you're single, this is your moment to reflect and celebrate you! This Venus retrograde will allow you to step into self-empowerment and set the stage to attract better relationship connections as you hold yourself on a pedestal. If you're in a relationship, you and your significant other will see each other in a different light, involving leadership and the need for progression. Expressing what you want while understanding the importance of initiating your desired changes will get things moving once Venus Direct occurs on April 13. Everything about yourself and the reasoning behind your connection will come to light.

Another thing to note is that you should look at what house Venus will reside in your birth chart while it retrogrades in the sign of Aries. This will reveal which area needs focus in your life.

What Is Happening During this 2025 Venus Retrograde?

Zyra Brown

Now to better understand how this retrograde will impact you, let’s take a closer look at Venus and its current filter. The love planet entered the Mars-ruled sign of Aries on February 4, and the overall tone will stir themes involving power play and aggression in love and relationships. The cardinal fire sign Aries rules the 1st house of self, identity, and initiation, and with Venus positioned in this house, we are likely feeling the pull to start things up or have the desire to be seen. Backtrack and begin reviewing your organization and paying attention to the details before starting anything. You will be better prepared and attract the desired results when Venus Direct happens. Generally, this energy can be translated as selfish, arrogant, and controlling. Become a leader based on the greater good. Controlling others to yield to your demands will only backfire.

Also, the balancing act beckons as tempers can run high, or you can feel discouraged when your ideas are not being received. The powerful flair of Venus in Aries can also lead to feelings of separation or selfishness. Negotiating and holding space to understand others will keep you balanced during this retrograde period. When Venus backspins into the Neptune-ruled sign of Pisces on March 27, expect to feel more introspective and begin to prioritize relaxation. The mutable sign Pisces rules the 12th house of dreams, subconscious realms, and isolation. It is not an ideal time to push through to make things happen, only inner reflection. Our dreams may get visceral, and our moods may heighten emotionally. Create art, listen to music, or work through any unresolved matters you may have overlooked. Peace follows as you clear out.

What are some things to avoid during this 2025 Venus Retrograde?

victoria harder

• Beginning new relationships
• Getting married/wedding planning
• Major beauty transformations (hair, cosmetic procedures)
• Initiate new business ventures or investments
• Major purchases lead to overspending (car, furniture, art, house, business)

What are some things to do during Venus Retrograde?

Maryam Hanif

• Reflect on your relationship
• Talk to your ex if you need closure (don't rekindle...yet)
• Review the state of your finances, investments, assets
• Declutter your living surroundings and sell quality items for profit
• Beauty and self-care rituals
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Self-Care Routines
• Energy Healing

How Venus Retrograde 2025 Will Impact the Zodiac Signs

Eleanor Lee

Anyone with cardinal sign positions such as the sun, moon, rising, or other astrological placements in Aries, Libra, Capricorn, and Cancer will experience the impact of this Venus retrograde more so than other signs. Also, when Venus ingresses into Pisces on March 27, the mutable signs Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, and Sagittarius will be impacted. Here is the general overview of what to expect during this 2025 Venus Retrograde. Read for your sun and rising sign for extended insight!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

What do you see when you look into the mirror, Aries? Venus retrograde begins in your sign before retreating into your 12th house next month, and the love planet urges you to reflect on your self-worth, beauty, and past relationships. Nostalgia may pull your heartstrings, and hidden emotions resurface. Focus on self-care and healing rather than seeking external validation.

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Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Observe your internal landscape as Venus retrograde unveils, inspires you to go through inner work, and prompts you to beautify your soul. When it progresses into your 11th house later this month, Venus will prompt you to pay attention to your friendships, support systems, and personal dreams. You may re-evaluate certain relationships, realizing who truly stands by your side. If past friendships resurface, reflect on whether they align with your growth. Avoid making impulsive social commitments, as clarity will come after April 12 when Venus moves forward again.

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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your views will alter your feelings in your networks and friendship circles as Venus retrograde will help you see how far you are progressing with your goals and whether you are being given authentic support. Later this month, the love planet moves back into your 10th house, granting you focus on career matters. You may find yourself questioning your professional relationships or re-evaluating your public image. Avoid making major career decisions or committing to new collaborations until Venus moves direct on April 12.

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Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Venus's retrograde encourages you to review your current situation in your career. It may prompt you to pick up on an old endeavor or reflect on who you want to be professionally. Later this month, the love planet will move back into your 9th house. It will help you stand still and observe your inner beliefs. You may question whether your current path aligns with your values. This is a time for internal reflection rather than drastic action, as Venus will move direct on April 12.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

As the prideful sign, Venus retrograde in your 9th house prompts you to look deeper and yet at all angles involving your passions before proceeding. Confidence is birthed as you open yourself to new approaches. Later this month, the love planet moves back into your 8th house, beckoning deep reflection on your intimate relationships and financial matters. Past connections may resurface, urging you to redefine trust and shared resources. Avoid making major financial commitments until Venus moves direct on April 12.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Venus retrograde shakes up your 8th house, granting you space to review your inner needs and views on intimate connections. When the love planet backspins into your 7th house later this month, past relationship dynamics may resurface, allowing you to review commitments and lingering issues. Avoid making long-term relationship decisions until Venus Direct on April 12.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Venus retrograde begins its backspin in your 7th house, and these next few weeks will inspire you to reflect on how balanced you are feeling lately between love and daily responsibilities. To restore your well-being, allow the people-pleasing to take the backseat. Later this month, Venus moves back into your 6th house, helping you rethink how much energy you dedicate to others versus yourself. Hold off on major relationship decisions until Venus Direct occurs on April 12.

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Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Venus retrograde helps you recalibrate your mind, body, and spirit with its sluggish motion in your 6th house. You may feel a little run down, and the best anecdote is through mindfulness practices and continued self-care. Venus' lesson is to observe how much you spend your energy. Intention breathes preservation. When the love planet moves into your 5th house later this month, it inspires you to reflect on your creative pursuits, romantic connections, and personal passions. Past lovers or unfinished artistic projects may resurface. Avoid making major romantic decisions until Venus moves direct on April 12.

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Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Love and the source of your joy grab your attention as Venus begins its backspin in your 5th house of romance and creativity. Your children will be the primary focus, and the love planet will show how you genuinely connect with them. It is also a period for inner child work or revisiting old projects. Later this month, Venus will move into your 4th house, encouraging you to beautify the home and hold off from scheduling renovations. Declutter your home and reorganize your living space.

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Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Venus begins its backward dance in your 4th house, prompting you to reconnect with your roots. Stability can be found as you are open to being vulnerable with your family. As the love planet moves into your 3rd house, it will bring up past matters involving communication and messages exchanged with siblings or close connections. Clear the air by revisiting what has not been resolved.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

It will be time to retrace your steps and observe how you articulate your messages as Venus retrograde slows down in your 3rd house of communication. You may feel overwhelmed and burnt out from brainstorming an endless stream of ideas. Your close connections may have difficulty keeping up, so have a journal handy to look back on when Venus Direct motion happens on April 12. When Venus moves into your 2nd house on March 27, avoid big purchases and focus on re-evaluating how you create stability through money and possessions.

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Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Venus retrograde begins its slow dance in your 2nd house on March 1. Analyze your finances and spending habits. When filing for taxes, look closely at everything before submitting your information to your accountant. As Venus crosses back into your 1st house, luckily, this will be an opportune time to beautify your inner and outer beauty. Avoid booking cosmetic procedures or trying a new haircut. You may question your image or values—take this time to nurture your sense of self before Venus moves direct on April 12.

Want to learn the astrology basics and decode your birth chart? Take a look at Lumi's beginner's astrology workbook!

For more astrology advice, be sure to Ask Lumi here and follow the convo on Facebook!