For many years, I've been wearing metal frames with side nosepads. My last pair had lighter lenses, and the pair before had larger pads (which looked OK because it was a large frame), which probably distributed the weight better. But my current frames are driving me absolutely nuts. I've been traumatized by a pulling sensation in the eyes, I feel like I just want to stare. My eyes don't seem to move as easily, they hurt when they move, harder to refocus and concentrate, hard to concentrate when reading and scanning text...especially on the computer. My eyes basically go slightly berserk. I perceived this as due to distortions and lack of optical acuity. Certainly not presbyopia, I'm only 25, and my doc said my eyes are quite healthy, aside from being quite myopic (-4 -1.25 180). But I've noticed that elevating my current stylish rectangular metal half-rim frames off the sides of my nose with a cotton ball is really relieving my headaches. This is true whether my eyes are open or closed. Of course I notice it more when I'm actually trying to see, and everything feels locked up. I noticed this before, just lifting them off the nose with my hands. But I felt my improved comfort was simply because of the increased vertex distance relieving accommodation stress, and averaging out errors that need redoing--astigmatism too high in one lens, an overly narrow PD, and the OC's being raised up into place. Certainly, these corrections will probably help also. But I believe perhaps discomfort is actually contributing moreso to my visual difficulties. I don't trust my current optical. They wouldn't even replace my acrylic nosepads with silicone to stop the slipping on my oily skin...I complained and they said that replacing them would not help. Either they are actually very stupid, or just provide poor service--especially for an independent. (I have had similar problems previously at Sears). Exasperated, I took my new frames to a Sams' Club while shopping and had round silicone nosepads fitted...now they stay in place, at least. They aren't really leaving marks. But they still give me a headache. Why do they even sell frames with pads on the sides? Am I in a minority of people who experience discomfort there? I've read a few accounts of how a "unifit" or "strap" bridge is more comfortable, because of the way it distributes the weight. Using the cotton ball between the pads produces a similar effect, but certainly isn't the best permanent solution. What would be the best way to get the weight away from any sinus areas or sensitive nerves, and distribute it well, regardless of cosmetic value?...for times I really need to look good, I'll wear contact lenses anyway. My theory for why I might be particularly sensitive--the ethmoid sinuses are located in this region between the eyes. Perhaps most people's might not fall in that region, or be so sensitive. But I come from a family of opera singers, and vocal resonance is enhanced by the sinuses...we are trained to notice this and focus the sound there...so because of a combination of training and genetics, mine are probably more developed and sensitive than the average person. I do notice that my singing does not sound as good with glasses. Sound, from a performer's perspective, is actually highly influenced by tactile sensation from internal vibrations, a feedback loop to help refine and adjust one's technique. It doesn't take much weight to dampen vibrations on a thin, resonant surface. This region is also tied into the optic nerve. So it seems a pain message could cause eye muscles to lock up, resulting in strain and reduced eye motility. Anyone with a bad sinus headache can note similar symptoms. Please refer to the following link for a more in-depth reference: http://www.myentphysician.com/scripts/content/anatomy/index.php?doctor=davidson "The ethmoid structure is highly variable; in fact, every person's ethmoid structure is unique, like a fingerprint." And again, optical professionals in the Detroit area, I don't have insurance, but I'll pay your worth for top-quality help.