OPHTHALMIC FRAME MATERIALS
Ophthalmic frames come in thousands of shapes, styles and colours with new products entering the market on a daily basis. The bottom line is that they are made essentially the same, but like all things there are quality products and less expensive version. Hopefully the information contained below can better help to educate you on your next purchase.
Frame Materials
In general, frames are made out of 2 materials, metal or plastic. Plastic frames tend to be bolder and heavier looking in style, while metal glasses tend to be thinner and more light weight. However manufacturers are now trying to blur the boundaries between the two and often fit and fashion make the final decision. However, allergies to materials should always be considered prior to starting frame selection. Certain products such as titanium and gold are considered hypoallergenic, while other products like silver offer natural antibacterial benefits.
Common materials include:
Plastic Frames
- Cellulose Acetate - Light / Available in numerous sytles and colours
- Propionate - Light / Hypoallergenic / Delicate material
- Nylon - Slightly Heavier / Very Durable / Limited Colours
Metal Frames
- Titanium - Strong / Light / Hypoallergenic
- Stainless Steel - Strong / Light / Thin
- Nickel Monet - Pliable / Won't crack
Styles of Frames include:
- Metal Frames - the entire frame is made out of metal
- Plastic Frames - the entire frame is made out of plastic
- Combination Frames - the frame is a combination of plastic and metal, this is very trendy these days.
- Rimless Frames - these are also often called drill mount frames, as their is no frame surrounding the lens, only 2 arms and a nose piece.
- Semi-Rimless Frames - these frames have either a frame above the lens or below the lens, the other side of the lens is actually held in place with high tensile fishing line.
- Half Eyes - these are typically used as reading glasses, as they sit low on the nose and they look like someone has chopped the top off of the lens.
Shape
Lots of factors play a role when choosing the shape of your next eye glasses, but never choose a shape because its trendy or because of the designer label on the side. Always choose a frame shape that compliments your facial features.
