Delving into the World of Frames, Lenses and Glasses

Eyeglasses, sunglasses, frames of glasses, materials of glasses, lenses, and so much more. In the world of vision aid, eyeglasses come in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials. Are you a first time buyer? Or perhaps, you have been wearing your glasses since primary school. In any case, with advancement of technology at such a rapid pace, you will find a new frame or a new material of eyeglasses in the market every month. If you are confused about the frames, lenses, materials of glasses available, then this is just the right place.

Further down, the types of frames, types of lenses and how you can better take care of your eyeglasses will be explained with detailed and informative contexts. Check it out.

Types of Frames

Understanding the types of frames comes in a number of sections, which include the frame styles, the frame materials and the types of frames available as per the face structure of the customer. Whether you are a first time buyer of frames for your glasses or someone wearing specs for years, with the constantly updating styles and reinvention of frame materials, the need to update yourself with the types of frames available is imperative.

When you set out to look for frames for your eyeglasses, one cannot ignore the relevance of style, fit and comfort in the choice they make. Most people will not have the luxury of changing their eyeglasses frames every so often so the choice they make would have to stick with them for a long time. When choosing a frame for your eyeglasses, it is important to consider the type as well as material used.

The type of frame complements the shape and structure of the face, allowing the glasses to naturally blend in with the person wearing them. In this regard, there is a choice for a full rim for those eager to make a statement, rimless for long-term users who have sensitive skin, half eye for those who need eyeglasses for specific tasks and semi-rimless which provide a wide range of color options for those who want.

Without further adieu, let us check out the kinds of frames available.

Types of Frames as it Relates to Styles

Types of Frames as per Styles

1. Full Rim- Full rim glasses are covered on all the sides with the frames, thereby accentuating the eyebrows and highlighting your eyes. This is one of the most sought for frame types as it is compatible for most prescriptions as well as help to make strong fashion statements.

2. Semi- Rimless- The semi- rimless glasses, otherwise known as nylon frames act as a hybrid between full rim and rimless frames. While being suitable for women and men of all ages, the durable semi- rimless frames offer the advantages of a full rim frame but with a lighter weight. While these come in titanium and metal as well, the styles range from extra small (XS) size to large (L). The fashion statement associated with this is of timelessness, elegance and chic.

3. Rimless- Rimless frames, one of the recent trends witnessed within takers, have bare lenses attached to the bridge and the temples of the eyeglass. Rimless frames, due to being the lightest in weight are usually recommended to those who require wearing glasses for a longer period of time, having sensitive skin conditions, for cosmetic benefits and those who are going for a minimalistic fashion look.

4. Half- Eye- The half- eye frames are suitable for those having an eye power in plus, that is for a vision imparity of near sighted objects. These sit low on the bridge of the nose, therefore are used in case of reading, hobbies that necessitate detailed views such as sewing. Half- eye frames offer unrestricted distance vision and are often taken up as a second pair.

The material that is used in making the frames of eyeglasses is a choice dictated by climatic conditions, allergic predispositions to certain substances, lifestyle, nature of use and occupation. Monel metal is the most widely used material for its corrosion resistance, titanium or stainless steel is used in cases where the wearer is allergic to other materials, plastic offers comfort especially for people who use eyeglasses throughout and there is also carbon fibre used to address personal preference of people in active lifestyles or desire for quality.

Types of Frames as per Face Structure

There are four basic face structures, which are oval, round, heart and square. You will find the frames as per the following:

1. Oval- The key identifiers of an oval face will include a balance feature complimented with a narrower chin than the forehead. Oval face structure compliments semi- rimless frames greatly as the attention from the forehead is taken away.

2. Round- The round face is indicated by the shape of a face having almost equal width and length while being circular and soft in nature. Full- rim frames are best for this type as it makes the face appear thinner and longer.

3. Heart- The heart shaped face can be understood through comparison of the forehead with the jawline and the chin. The jawline and chin, both are narrower than the broader forehead. Rimless are perfect for this type.

4. Square- The square shaped face structure can be understood with the well- defined angles that produce a strong cheek, jawline and forehead structure. Half- eye as well as full- rm glasses will suit this type of face.

Types of lenses

Besides the frame, the choice of lens will, in the long run, determine the level of satisfaction the wearer has with their glasses. Most people, however, ignore this step because they assume that once a prescription has been made, it covers all aspects of the lens. Well, your optician has experience with all lens materials and will offer sound advice based on the benefits one is looking to gain. When eye correction became a branch of medicine, all lenses were made out of glass but the glass is rather fragile. Imagine if they broke and the fragments got inside the eye

Lenses advance with the advancement of technology. So, let’s check out the types of lenses.

1. Polycarbonate- impact- resistant and with built in UV protection, this is perfect for kids or those who are into sports.

2. Tivex- Made from a newer plastic, these are thin, impact- resistant and lightweight.

3. High- index plastic- This lens is light and thin, therefore great for strong prescription.

4. Photochromic- Such lenses change from clear to tinted with sunlight, thereby acting as alternatives to sunlight. These can be of glass or plastic.

5. Aspheric- Can be flatter and thinner due to the degrees of curvature.

Today, there are plastic lenses that are not only low cost but lightweight and durable. With advances in the choice of material, some eyeglasses are made from a polycarbonate material that is lighter and more impact resistant as compared to plastic. This is the choice material for eyeglasses designed for children.

The freedom to pick your own frames and lenses should not be taken lightly; these two elements determine how safe your eyes are, how you look overall and how effectively the eyeglasses will serve you.