Nose Bridge Types for Glasses

The oft-overlooked nose bridge is a small but mighty component of eyewear frames. The proper nose bridge not only affects how certain frames look on your face, but it also impacts their fit and comfort.

In this article, we’ll give you the scoop on exactly what a nose bridge is and why it’s important. Then we’ll explore the main nose bridge types found on eyewear, so you can get a better idea of which bridge will work best for you.

What Is a Nose Bridge?

On a pair of glasses or sunglasses, the nose bridge—also sometimes referred to as simply the bridge—is the piece in the center connecting the lenses. The nose bridge often rests right on your nose and supports most of your frames’ weight.

“Nose bridge” can also refer to part of your face. This nose bridge—also sometimes called the nasal bridge or nasal dorsum—is the bony ridge between your eyes where the top of your nose meets your face.

To keep things clear, this article refers to the eyewear component as the “nose bridge,” and the part of your nose as the “nasal bridge.”

Why Your Eyewear’s Nose Bridge Is Important

Your eyewear’s nose bridge is one very important element. That’s because the bridge style, width, and location (we’ll highlight these features in a bit) contribute greatly to the comfort and fit of your frames. So if your eyeglasses or sunglasses are uncomfortable, unbalanced, or don’t stay put, there’s a good chance the problem is the nose bridge.

Common issues related to the nose bridge include:

• Red marks: Glasses resting on your nose too heavily can create red marks or indents.
• A painful or sore nasal bridge: The weight of glasses on your nose can cause pain where the frames sit.
• Headaches: A too-tight bridge could pinch your nose and lead to a headache.
• Slipping glasses: A too-loose bridge can cause glasses to slip down your nose.
• Frames that move up: A poorly fitting bridge can cause your frames to shift upward when you make a facial expression (like smiling) that lifts your cheeks.

Nose Bridge Types for Eyewear

The nose bridge on a pair of glasses or sunglasses can take numerous forms. Most eyewear frames tend to sport one of three main bridge designs: the keyhole bridge, saddle bridge, or double bridge.

In addition to its design (or style), the nose bridge of eyeglasses or sunglasses can be known by other characteristics—namely, the width of the bridge and its vertical placement on your face.

Saddle Bridge

Saddle bridges are a standard style on both acetate and metal frames. This bridge type follows the lines of your nasal bridge in a simple line or arc. Saddle bridges distribute weight evenly across the nasal bridge, helping the frames stay comfortable and still.

Keyhole Bridge

This type of bridge resembles an old-fashioned keyhole stretched slightly from side to side. The design distributes the weight of the frames to the sides of the nose, making it a popular bridge style for someone with a wider nose. Plastic and acetate frames often feature keyhole bridges.

Double Bridge

A double nose bridge is actually two bridges—a lower one and a second one above it. Sometimes associated with ‘70s glasses and sunglasses, double bridges have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity for both retro-style and contemporary eyewear.

Just about any frame style or material can incorporate a double bridge. Sometimes interpreted as more of a brow bar (like on aviator glasses and sunglasses), a double bridge contributes to a frame’s stability and adds a distinctive design element.

Wide Bridge and Narrow Bridge

Some frames feature a nose bridge made specifically to accommodate either a wide or narrow nasal bridge.

You can determine if your nasal bridge is wide or narrow by looking in the mirror and observing whether the space between your eyes is broad or limited. Or you can measure the width of your nasal bridge in millimeters, being sure not to curve the measuring tool down either side.

For most people, this measurement falls somewhere between 14 and 24 millimeters. A smaller number means you have a narrower nasal bridge, while a larger number points to a wider nasal bridge.

(Read our guide for more directions on how to measure your face for eyewear.)

Low Bridge and Standard Bridge

In addition to knowing the width of your nasal bridge, consider its placement on your face—that is, if it sits high or low in relation to your eyes. This can help you decide whether to try frames with a standard bridge fit (usually the same as a high bridge fit) or a low bridge fit.

Watch this video to find out the difference between standard and low nose bridge glasses:

Low bridge fit frames tend to be a good option for people with one or more of these facial characteristics:

• A lower nasal bridge that lines up at or below the pupils
• A wider face
• High cheekbones

Standard bridge fit frames might work best if you have:

• A higher nasal bridge that lines up above the pupils
• A narrower face
• Lower cheekbones

What Are Adjustable Nose Pads?

Usually found on metal frames, adjustable nose pads fine-tune the fit of the nose bridge. The nose pads are typically attached just under the bridge and can make your frames more comfortable.

If you’re having trouble getting your nose pads positioned just right, an optician can adjust them—or possibly replace them if they’re lost or damaged.

Finding Your Best Nose Bridge: Try On Frames

Hands down, the best way to find the ideal nose bridge for you is to try on frames. The “right” frames are the ones that fit well and are comfortable—with a look you like and feel good in.