Frame Materials
Ah, so you thought glasses came in metal or plastic?
Well, you would actually be correct, glasses do come in metal or plastic.
However, there are a multitude of frame material options available to you in this day and age, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the requirements you need.
Titanium
a lightweight and strong metal
Pros: Titanium is as strong as steel, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant, hence can be made very thin.
Cons: This material is more expensive than other materials. Beware of the difference between “pure titanium” and “titanium alloy.”
Monel
a nickel, copper and iron alloy
Pros: As a mixture of metals, monel is quite flexible and corrosion-resistant.
Cons: Surface discolouration can occur when exposed to atmosphere conditions. Pitting can occur when in contact with salt water.
Stainless Steel
a metal alloy of iron and carbon steel with chromium and other elements
Pros: Non-corrosive, hypoallergenic, durable and strong.
Cons: Not as lightweight, heat-resistant or flexible as titanium.
Natural Materials
includes Bone, Wood and Horn, fashioned down from complete pieces for use as large or smaller sections of a frame
Pros: Frame will be more unique than other materials. Often a statement piece. Usually the material will be from a sustainable source.
Cons: More expensive, difficult to adjust and heavier than other materials.
Gold
precious material
Pros: Rust-proof, hypoallergenic and inert, highly luxurious and definite statement piece.
Cons: Expensive and pure gold frames are soft, therefore need extra thickness causing them to be heavy. Gold frames usually are accompanied with a core of a stronger lightweight material.
Memory Metal
titanium alloy metal which can be bent without breaking, and returns back to its original shape
Pros: Durable, lightweight, hypoallergenic and flexible.
Cons: Not many, although can be broken when bent too severely. Wearers can sometimes use them as a ‘showpiece’ unnecessarily bending them, causing damage.
Cellulose Acetate
predominant plastic glasses material which is bio-degradable and processed from cellulose
Pros: Hypoallergenic, lightweight and comfortable. As a thermoplastic, it can easily be adjusted with heat. Can be fashioned into many vivid colours and styles.
Cons: Higher cost as more costly to manufacture. Can warp when left in hot direct sunlight.
Nylon
high quality thermoplastic material usually used in sports and wraparound glasses
Pros: Lightweight, impact resistant and easily moulded into a variety of shapes.
Cons: Difficult to adjust, can become brittle with age.
There are other glasses materials available on the market, with new ones being utilised constantly by creative designers.
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As always, please check in with your eyecare professional with any queries...or call Lais Opticians directly on 020 8478 1631