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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EYEGLASSES FRAMES

EYEGLASSES FRAME STYLES

The style (or construction type) of frame you purchase for your glasses can affect not only your sight, but comfort as well.  Below are the main types of frame constructions that you'll run across in our store.   

FULL RIM FRAMES

Full rim frames are when the frame material (usually plastic or metal) extends completely around the lens on each side. There is a bevel shape carved into the lens which allows it to to mount firmly into the frame eyewire section. 

eyeglasses made from metal

Full Rim Frames

RIMLESS FRAMES

 

Also known as "drill mount", these frames do not have any frame material around the lenses.  They are a good choice for anyone desiring light weight eyeglasses or ones that are inconspicuous.  They connect to the lens through two or four small holes drilled into the lenses. 

 

When you buy these glasses, the laboratory must drill holes into your lenses. Because basic CR-39 (or basic plastic) lenses tend to break during or shortly after the drilling, you must get impact resistant lenses when you buy rimless eyewear.  Our optical team will usually recommend Trivex material for this.  

rimless eyeglasses frame

Rimless Frames

drill mounted eyeglasses frame

Note the four holes drilled into this "Drill Mount" frame

 

SEMI RIMLESS FRAMES

This construction type is also called "grooved rimless".  To hold the lenses in place, a thin plastic wire wraps into a groove carved in the bottom of the lens which then is tied to the frame material at the top. 

semi rimless eyeglasses

Semi Rimless/Grooved Rimless Frame

grooved rimless eyeglasses frames

Plastic wire wraps around bottom groove of the lens.

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Anti Glare Coatings: Learn More

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Progressive Lenses: Learn More

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Polarized Sunglasses: Learn More

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Eyeglasses Tints: Learn More

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Glasses Lenses: Learn More

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Prisms: Learn More

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FRAME MATERIALS

There are many types of frame materials to choose from when selecting your eyewear.  In terms of what you should select, a lot of it depends on personal style and preference.  However other factors like weight, durability, flexion, and ease of adjustments and repairs may play a role into the decision. Below are the most common types of materials you'll see. 

PLASTIC/ACETATE (ZYL)

"Zyl" is short for zylonite which is what plastic frames used to be made from.  Even though most plastic frames are made from a material called cellulose acetate or proponiate, the "zyl" nickname stuck around in the optical industry. 

Some patients have reported allergies to this cellulose plastic material frames even though this is rare.  

Plastic Eyeglasses Frame

Plastic Eyewear

MEMORY PLASTIC (Optyl)

Optyl is a thermoelastic material which means that it returns to its shape after bending or heating.  This material can work very well for young pediatric eye care patients or those who don't treat their eyewear as gently as sometimes recommended.

ULTEM

Ultem is a newer frame material which is getting more popular because its light weight and inexpensive.  

METAL

Metal is another very common frame material.  Most metal frames have a combination of nickel, zinc, copper, or iron.  When mixed together, these elements make metal frames strong and easy to adjust.

Other types of metal frames include titanium which is very light weight and strong, and "memory metal" which returns to it's original shape after bending. 

metal eyeglasses frame

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Our Eye Center is proud to serve patients living throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties as well as the students enrolled at Western Washington University (WWU), Bellingham Technical College (BTC), and Whatcom Community College

DIRECTIONS TO OUR EYE CLINIC IN DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM

Contact Us

CHARRON EYE CENTER

1151 Ellis St. #103

Bellingham, WA 98225

Phone: 360-393-4479 

Fax: 360 746 8661

Email: info@charroneye.com

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