INTRODUCTION
When there are so many choices, finding the right colour, style and material of your new glasses can be a difficult task and I will show you a really simple way of finding the perfect look for your face shape in the second blog. However, in this blog on frames I thought I’d deal with the initial, more practical things you ought to think about when choosing new glasses.
LIGHT WEIGHT OR DURABLE?
Rimless Frames
If it’s light weight your after then there’s a clear winner – rimless glasses. Most people think that rimless frames are not robust. However, with manufacturers like Silhouette, you can be sure that you’ll get durability with ultra light frames – something that has not always been available in the rimless style. In terms of the actual material of the frame, we recommend titanium. Titanium frames are strong and extremely light compared to conventional metals frames. Rimless frames are without doubt timeless and set a professional, modern look that can be worn on virtually all occasions.
Not all rimless frames are durable, or in fact screwless – that’s why we recommend Silhouette which is the World’s finest manufacturer of durable, light weight, screwless frames – check out the video below to see why.
Rimless Frames: Verdict
Metal & Plastic Frames
Ordinary metal and plastic frames will offer you durability. But again, a lot rests on the manufacturer of the frame. There are many intricate components to a frame such as the joint construction, the screws and the type of metal or plastic used. As a general rule, these frames will be durable but not always light unless they’re made from minimalist materials and materials like titanium or stainless steel.
Skin Allergy?
Some people can be allergic to certain frame materials. Most often, they are metal frames (made with Nickel) however, if you want hypoallergenic frames you should always opt for Titanium frames.
Skin Perspiration
We all suffer from skin perspiration to various degrees but in some people skin perspiration can cause erosion of certain plastic and metal frames. The result is a discoloration of the frames (typically seen where the frame is in contact with the skin). This erosion also causes the frame to become rough in this region and this in turn causes more discomfort in the day-to-day wear.
In order to avoid this my number one choice would be Titanium frames followed by Stainless steel frames.
Metal & Plastic Frames: Verdict
Kids Proof?
You know what I mean don’t you? We see it so often, the baby or toddler pulls the glasses off and invariably causes the frame to become deformed or worse broken. If you’re opting for a metal or plastic frame, make sure you opt for flexible hinge joints. As their name implies, flexible hinge joints have springs that allow the joint to have flexibility so when a child pulls on the frame it doesn’t deform the frame.
General Use or Specific Task?
There are so many different types of frames for specific applications, be it prescription goggles for swimming, skiing, eye protection at work or even sport. Take a look at the video below to see the various types of frames available.
Consider Your Prescription
The final and most important thing to consider is the magnitude of your prescription. High prescriptions are heavier and the lenses are invariably thicker. Although hi-index lenses make the lenses thinner and flatter, your frame selection will also effect the end result. Because the lenses will be bigger in a large frame, your spectacles will also become heavier. So, if you’re short-sighted, opt for a small frame to make your lenses thinner.
