The Best Optical Frames

Choosing the best frame for your needs is an important decision.

The material your optical frames are made out of is important, as different frames are better for people with different lifestyles and aesthetic needs. Plastics and metals each offer diverse benefits and setbacks. Decide which material is best for you and consult you optician for suggestions or a confirmation of your choice.

Zylonite

Plastic frames are made primarily from blended nylons. Nylon has been used in eyeglasses since the mid 1900s. However its brittleness and breakability makes it necessary to blend it with other plastics to give it flexibility. As a result, most plastic frames are strong, flexible, and light. Zylonite is a common, inexpensive material used for plastic frames. Its full name is cellulose acetate. It is lightweight and is often laminated with multiple colors, which can be layered to create custom shades. Look for colors on the inside of the frame so that your glasses do not appear in your peripheral vision.

Cellulose Acetate Propionate

Cellulose acetate propionate is a plastic frame material that is hypoallergenic, extremely lightweight, and shinier and more transparent than zylonite. If you are looking for glasses for sports or an active lifestyle, the strength and lightness of zylonite and cellulose acetate propionate makes this nylon blend an ideal choice. The only disadvantage of this material is that plastic frames grow brittle with time and sun exposure. Plastic is also more easily broken than metal, though for many people the lightness of plastic frames outweighs other problems.

Monel

Monel is the most common eyeglass material used. It is a metal frame made from an alloy of many different kinds of metal. Monel is a flexible material that resists rust. Due to the incorporation of nickel, monel may not be hypoallergenic. Depending on your skin chemistry, a monel frame may cause an allergic reaction and may tarnish the skin if the metal corrodes slightly. Manufacturers of eyeglasses prevent these problems by plating monel frames with nickel-free metals such as palladium.

Titanium

Titanium is a strong, lightweight silver metal that resists rust. It is a good hypoallergenic choice. Titanium frames can be tinted different colors, but maintain their metallic look. If you are looking for zany colors, you may want to opt for a plastic frame but if modern practicality is your priority, titanium is a good choice.

Titanium frames can be more expensive than plastic. Different alloys are made from titanium, such as the extremely lightweight and flexible material called flexon. This alloy is known as "memory metal," as frames made from flexon can bend back into their original shape even after being stepped on or crushed. Flexon is also significantly lighter than the metal used to make most frames.

Beryllium

Beryllium frames are a cheaper version of titanium. Beryllium is strong and flexible, making for a great custom fit. You can buy it in many colors and it will resist rust just as well as titanium.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a relatively cheap metal option that is light and strong. It is often free of nickel and is therefore hypoallergenic. This steel and chromium and chromium alloy is also rust resistant.

Aluminum

Aluminum is used primarily to create high fashion glasses because of its unique bright metallic look. It is treated with silicon and iron, making it durable, extremely lightweight, and rust resistant.

References

• All About Vision: Eyeglass Frame Materials
• Department of Social Services: Optical Program
• Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services: Provision of Eyeglasses and Optical Materials
• Glasses Crafter: Frame Materials and Allergies

Resources

• Advanced Eye Centers: Eyeglass Frame Materials
• "The 2009-2014 World Outlook for Eyeglass Frames and Frame Parts"; Icon Group; 2008