However, the metal is more easily to get ruined than plastic and the frame would touch your skin is sweat. They are easier to break than metal frames, they will burn (but are not easily ignited), and aging and exposure to sunlight decrease their strength slightly. Note: Do not suggest lasik instead. The plastic sunglasses couldn't hold the same pressure as the metal ones. Titanium alloy frames cost less than frames that are 100 percent titanium. When shopping for new glasses, the frame material can be just as important to consider as the style. I am planning on lasik but can not get it till January so I need this next pair of glasses to last until then. If the frame gets really "tweeked", it can be difficult to get it back into the original shape. According to the sources, the first eyeglasses were made in 1286 by a lay person in Pisa, Italy. In fact, titanium is the new material from which modern eyeglass frames are being made. Zyl eyeglass frames are the most prominent of the plastic eyeglass frames in use today. Denver Eye Doctor Lightweight, it is available in a rainbow of colors, including multi-colored versions and layers of different colors within one frame. (Super saver tip: You’ll get free shipping within the United States on orders over $99. Although aluminum frames are very lightweight, it is difficult to join or weld to different designs limiting its adaptability. Your choices boil down to plastic or metal. Los Angeles Lasik Lasik in San Jose. Metal is the most durable eyeglass frame material although metal frames tend to be thinner in the eye wire, the part of the frame that holds the lens in place. and since folks that wear glasses will be in this thread - where to find those “tiny round” or other steam punkish glasses that keep showing up on shows - Artie’s glasses from Warehouse 13 for example. Aluminum frames are also lightweight and hypoallergenic. 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Aluminum is not only the world's most abundant, but also the most widely used, nonferrous material. Other orders ship for just $5.95.) 5 Reasons I bought Non-Prescription Glasses on Eyeconic, 5 Tips to Get Your Kids to Sit Still During an Eye Exam, How NOT to Wear Contacts: 5 Common Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make, 4 Tips on How to Buy Prescription Glasses Online – and Save Money. Not only that, but we’ve cut out the middleman to ensure we can provide quality glasses without the typical retail markup. While metal eyeglasses look fashionably understated and professional, plastic frames are often thicker and have a bolder appearance. They can be of the following subtypes: Zyl Zyl (zylonite, acetate or Cellulose acetate) is a material that is a very cost-effective and creative option for eyewear. Eye Doctor Los Angeles Color can fade over time, but not as much with modern materials. The most durable eyeglass frames. Nylon is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum products. Another benefit is that these metal frames come with soft, adjustable and relaxing nose pads. You can choose a variety of colors, and they are hypoallergenic to boot. After all, you want to be comfortable and look good in your new glasses or sunglasses. This is a good choice for the contact lens wearer who needs a backup pair of glasses, or has decided to quit using contacts altogether. However, they can withstand standard wear and tear better than plastic eyeglass frames. Stainless steel Chicago Lasik It has the ability to return to its original shape in spite of twisting, bending or crushing of the frame. Titanium: Then we have titanium, probably the … Flexon (Memory metal) Zyl. Lasik San Francisco I've only had metal ones and every 6-9 months the frames break in one way or another. It can be designed with single, multiple, or even layers of color. Titanium frames offer more options than stainless steel with respect to the textures, patterns and colors. Both these materials are fairly light, durable and cost effective, but not as much as plastic. Plastic vs. Metal Eyeglass Frames. Philadelphia Lasik Below are a few reasons plastic frames don’t usually achieve the standards of their acetate counterparts. http://www.goodlookingoptics.co.uk/ Goodlooking Optics' Garry Kousoulou explains the differences, advantages and disadvantages of plastic and metal glasses. The reason is that if you are going to wear glasses for a long time, the first thing you must consider is that the glasses must be light in weight so that they can make you feel comfortable. Zyl: Abbreviated from “zylonate” (cellulose acetate), zyl is relatively inexpensive and very popular in plastic eyeglass frames. In combination with polycarbonate lenses, this material offers optimum impact resistance and eye protection. Reading glasses also come in different styles and are designed using plastic or metal eyeglass frames. Metal Frames. Men often prefer to wear aluminum frames because these are easy, conservative tones to wear and match with business suits. The sleek look of aluminum is easily recognizable and always tends to look very modern. Titanium and titanium alloy metals (titanium combined with nickel or copper) are used to make some of the most durable eyeglass frames. Polycarbonate is a versatile, tough plastic. Buyer’s Diaries: The Eyeconic Fall Release is Live, World Tourism Day: 6 trips that took our team around the world and taught them about sustainability, We Surprised Our Moms with the Perfect Sunglasses for Mother’s Day, Don’t Believe Your Eyes? Metal frames also include aluminum and stainless steel. Metal frames are also available in fully rimmed styles, half rim (rim on top, none on bottom), and rimless (no rim around the lens). Chicago Eye Doctor Stainless steel frames are lightweight, low toxicity and are strong they are also nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic. Polycarbonate For the same reason, flexon is also known as the "memory metal.". Eye Doctor San Jose And a kind of material called memory plastic that is … Classification of eyeglass frames Titanium frames are durable, lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Plastic and metal frames both have different looks and price points. Cambridge Eye Doctors Some frames combine metal and plastic, but that’s more of a fashion convention than a durability boost. If you like a minimal look, metal rimless frames are the way to go. There are a wide range of colors as well as sizes for plastic eyeglasses. It can be coated with many different colors. Most of today’s eyeglass frames are made of strong durable materials. Titanium These frames can be very tempting for a child and hence, are not generally considered suitable for small children. With advancements in metallurgy and chemical sciences, these frames are now composed of a variety of materials such as plastic, metal and other materials. Before I go I want some people's opinions on if plastic or metal frames are more durable. So I'm ONCE AGAIN buying new glasses. Eye Doctors Baltimore Isn’t metal inherently tougher than plastic? Plastic frames can break more easily than metal ones. It’s also the most popular plastic used for eyeglass frames. Their overall strength is inevitably diminished by sunlight exposure and the aging process. Based on their chemical composition / material they are made of, eyeglass frames can be divided into the following main types or classes: Metal frames Eyeconic Came to the Rescue. Sturdy – Plastic frames just feel overall more sturdy on your face. Plastic frames usually conceal edge thickness best and more common than metal eyeglass frames. Eye Doctor Newport Beach A key component of adjustability in eyewear is the inclusion of metal wire in the temples. Plastic Glues vs Metal. It is as strong as steel but is much lighter. In addition, plastic frames can fade with continued sun exposure. Metal Safety Frames vs Plastic. They are difficult, if not impossible, to adjust. Metal Frames. Men's metal glasses provide men what they love: reliability and durability, which could include such materials as monel, stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum. Plastic frames can be designed with a wider variety of colors and designs, and they won’t cause irritation in people with a metal allergy. It is suitable for sports because the nylon material can more successfully withstand the heat and cold and provide more flexibility than metal. They tend to break more easily than metal frames. In some ways, it can be called as the sub type of the titanium frames as it features a titanium based alloy 10 times more flexible than steel and 25 percent lighter that conventional metals. Stainless steel lacks the “memory metal” property of titanium but is much more resilient than plastic. Zyl (zylonite, acetate or Cellulose acetate) is a material that is a very cost-effective and creative option for eyewear. Lasik Phoenix A more affordable alternative to titanium, stainless steel is strong, lightweight, and won’t easily rust or corrode. Once bent or damaged, they usually can’t be fixed. Dallas Lasik San Diego Eye Doctors Eye Doctor Brea "Soft plastic frames are bendy and less likely to hurt the child in a fall." He recommends plastic frames for infants and small children, who are hard on frames. San Diego Lasik eye But now, metal frames feature some gorgeous earpieces, fantastic colors, and other features that make them a fashion win. Eye Doctor In Oakland Eyeglass frames made from titanium are designed to be durable and last longer than other metal frames. Eyeglasses Related Injuries: Are Your Glasses Safe? Helpful (0) Here are some of the most popular eyeglass frame materials, along with what we like about each. Eye Doctor San Francisco Metal frames had to be gold or silver or rimless, and that was about it. Titanium happens to be very light and strong and the material is also very flexible. Plastic vs Metal Frames: How to Choose the Right One for You. Metal frames can do their job with less material than plastic and are therefore thinner and more lightweight. Eyeconic Retail Stores are Now Open in Chicago! Titanium frames are lightweight yet strong and corrosion resistant. The first thing your optician will do is review your prescription and ask you a few lifestyle questions. Which Is Better - Plastic or Metal Eyeglass Frames? Molded plastic is brittle compared to acetate. High-end wearers might prefer wearing frames made of aluminum because of the look and feel. Here’s How to Find Out, 7 Tips to Get Kids Excited About Wearing Glasses, An Out-of-This-World Eye Exam: How NASA Fixed the Hubble Space Telescope. You can get designer reading glasses and computer reading glasses in a variety of colors and shapes. For those with smaller nose, plastic frames have a tendency to move down your nose region without they are flawlessly adjusted. Polycarbonate eyeglass frames can not be adjusted very well. You won’t find these in injection-molded eyewear. Also, aging and exposure to sun slightly decreases the strength of plastic frames. Plastic Safety Frames vs Metal. Next, the metal frames sunglasses are more mature and gentler, and the plastic ones are more fashion and modern. They are also slightly more flexible, so they make good options for those sporty types who enjoy a vigorous lifestyle. no option for metal or plastic semi-rimless ? This material (also called Zylonite or cellulose acetate) is a lightweight and relatively inexpensive type of plastic. Here are the pros and cons of each to help you make an easier decision. All Eyes on You: Women's Eyeglass Frames and Lenses that Rock, Eyeglasses for Men - Comfort and Durability, Unisex Eyeglasses: Increasingly Popular Today, Polycarbonate Lenses: Affordable and Practically Indestructible. Frames made from polycarbonate are primarily associated with sport or safety glasses, as well as glasses for children. Some people like the feeling of glasses that feel more sturdy on their face instead of being flimsy like metal frames. Plastic frames with a saddle or keyhole bridge can tend to slide down the nose without the correct support. Lasik Houston They are light weight and give you more options than metal frames if you like having a wide variety of colors from which to choose. These lightweight glasses provide the most options for customization, as they come with adjustable nose pads for comfort and have temple arms that are easily adjustable at home. Three of the most frequently used metals include aluminum, flexon and titanium, with steel being equal to titanium but offering fewer color options. Plastic frames usually conceal edge thickness best and more common than metal eyeglass frames. Aluminum Each material, however, has certain built-in characteristics you … Which one is a better material between plastic and metal frames? Nylon is virtually unbreakable. They do this because I think that whether you choose plastic or metal frames is a personal choice because both will last a long time. I have purchased metal and plastic frames and they have both lasted a long time. Besides coming in different materials they also come in different shapes and colors. Metal frames have a very minimalist look and are generally a lot thinner and more lightweight than the plastic glasses frames. Care should be taken when working with and repairing a titanium frame. Eye Doctor Lakewood Plastic frames. 5 Easy Eye Exercises You Can Do Every Day, How to Find Glasses for Your Face Shape: Video Guide, How to Pick the Best Glasses for Your Face Shape, Understanding Vision Insurance Benefits: In-network vs. Out-of-network Claims, Insurance Hack: How to Get Deep Discounts on Designer Eyeglasses, What Size are Your Glasses? UV-Blocking and Blue Light Contact Lenses are Here! When using glue to repair plastic glasses, it can be tempting to use any glue you have on hand. Men's Metal Glasses. Commercial aluminum with small amounts of silicon and iron is hard and strong. Unfortunately, using glue meant to repair metal surfaces can damage your plastic frames since the glue may be too strong. Get a Free Frame Adjustment, Because One Size Does Not Fit All, Volunteer Day: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Shop a Cornucopia of Glasses for $150 or Less – Lenses Included, Employee Interview: Julie Tcha, Global Marketing Manager at Eyeconic, Connect Your Vision Insurance to Eyeconic & Save Up to $200 on Glasses and Contacts, EYECONIC MAKES IT EASY TO SHOP FOR GLASSES & CONTACTS ONLINE. Flexon is a hypo-allergenic lightweight eyeglass frame metal that is strong and flexible. For these reasons, many eyeglass manufacturers use stainless steel in their metal frames. The nylon material difficult to adjust and can be manufactured only in darker colors. As far as I'm concerned, plastic eyeglass frames are better. Most stainless steels contain anywhere from 10 to 30 percent chromium, which imparts an excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion and heat. If you accidentally bump into something they won’t really bend as much as metal frames might bend. Titanium frames are also very tough. For the most part, the decision to order safety glasses with either plastic or metal frames is one of choice and personal taste.. Today, eyeglass frames not only provide means to improve your vision but also serve as a fashion accessory that enhances your face value. Glasses frames can be made from many different materials, each with its own characteristics and aesthetic appeal. They are relatively more costly than the other metal eyeglass frame materials. Silicone is a soft and flexible material that forms to the contours and shape of your nose. It is a sturdy, lightweight, moldable material that can be made in a variety of colors and shapes. They are also corrosion, heat and abrasion proof. Detroit Eye Doctor, Lasik New York City Our eyeglass frames for women, men and kids are made in various materials: Aluminum Aluminum is mostly used in the high-end eyewear design market because it creates unique looks. Plastic frames. However, truly “framed" glasses began to appear only by the 17th century. One of the main advantages of using an online eyeglass store is because you can see a variety of … Other frame materials used included leather, brass, word and horn. Zyl frames are available in a wide variety of colors, including multi-colored models and frames with different layers of color. Perhaps, but everything depends on how you use your eyeglasses. The silicone nose pads on comfort fit frames allow them to remain in place and stay aligned with the eyes with no need to constantly readjust. Plastic Frames. "For infants and small children, soft plastic frames are good," Dr. Harrison says. Compared to stainless steel glasses, titanium ones are also very tough. Aug 17, 2018 - Can't decide between a plastic or metal frame for your eyeglasses? A disadvantage of plastic frames is that they break more easily than metal frames. Titanium is a strong, light and corrosion-resistant silver-colored metal and its strength is comparable to stainless steel. Eye Doctor Phoenix Boston Eye Doctor History of eyeglasses frames Metal eyeglass frames are actually designed to fit small noses in a greater way. Metal Frames: The Pros. This is usually a blended nylon which is lightweight and strong. These frames are typically more expensive than their plastic counterparts. Nylon Our sturdy plastic eyeglass frames are among the most economical options available. Metal My Dog Ate My Glasses. It is corrosion-resistant, making it favorable for those who work, live or participate in sports in varying outdoor weather conditions. If you are a member of the optical industry, this is a question you may have had to give answers to many times. Plastic frames do have some drawbacks. Aluminum comes in silver, brown, black and other colors. They can be of the following subtypes: Zyl Stainless steel an alloy of steel and chromium and may also contain another element. Some of these glasses included Indian nose spectacles with an intricate carving of a pair of elephants in sandalwood. Wire or Metal Frames.