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PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES IN BELLINGHAM: FRAMES

At Charron Eye Center, we offer an exceptional selection of eyeglass frames to complement your style while enhancing your vision. Located in the heart of Bellingham, WA, our optical dispensary features frames from top designers as well as affordable, high-quality options to suit every budget. Whether you're looking for bold, fashion-forward designs or classic, understated styles, our experienced staff will help you find the perfect fit. Paired with our precision-crafted lenses, our frames complete the look and function of your prescription.  Choosing the right eyeglass frames is an important part of your eyewear experience, and at Charron Eye Center, we make it easy and enjoyable. We'll take the time to understand your preferences, face shape, and lifestyle to recommend frames that not only look great but also feel comfortable all day long. With our wide range of materials, colors, and brands, you’re sure to find a pair that suits you perfectly. Visit Charron Eye Center today to browse our collection and see why we're a trusted destination for prescription eyeglasses in Bellingham.

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.

 

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

Metal Frame

>>>NEXT: LENSES

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