Optical Frames

For those of us that require glasses, either for cosmetic of vision purposes, the hardest part of the process can be choosing the frames. Most people will wear their glasses every day, and it becomes part of your overall look. There are so many frames available today, in a variety of different styles and colors that it can be hard choosing the ones you want and find the perfect pair that suit your face shape and features.

Optical frames also come in a range of prices and can either be very basic and affordable or luxurious, designer and expensive. However, no matter what your price range there will be an optical frame to suit you and your budget.

Often the main decision on choosing optical frames are finding the ones that suit you and your lifestyle the best. You want to find a pair that reflects your personality and style. It is also important to find a pair that suits your face shape. You should make sure the optical frames are in scale with your face size, so they blend in and don't look out of place. Choosing a frame that matches your best features can also ensure that you choose the best option. For example, choosing brown frames if you have beautiful brown eyes.

Different face shapes suit different optical frames, and often by choosing the best frame you can minimize and hide any features that you do not like. If you have a round face for example, you may want it to appear thinner and longer. To do this you should choose optical frames that are angular and narrow so that they lengthen the face. A clear bridge will widen the eyes.

Choosing the color is also an important factor, your optical frames should compliment your personal coloring. All people have either warm or cool coloring, and the color of your frames should reflect your own personal color base. You can ask your eyecare professional for more information on what color would be best for you. For example, warm skin and hair tones best suit optical frame colors such as camel, khaki, gold, warm blue and orange; whereas cool skin and hair tones best suit black, plum, magenta, blue and jade.

Optical frames also come in a range of different materials, all with different advantages and disadvantages. Optical frame materials can range in durability, weight, affordability, as well as specialty materials such as hypoallergenic.

For those that want an affordable option and also those who love bright colors, Zyl is the perfect material for your optical frame. Zyl is a type of plastic and is cheap to make and can come in a variety of colors. It is also incredibly lightweight.

Sports and performance frames are often made from nylon blends as they are very strong, durable and lightweight. Nylon is used in a wide range of optical frames, especially some of the more designer designs as they are easy to mold into difficult shapes.

The disadvantage to plastic frames are that they are less durable than metal optical frames and can break much more easily. They can also burn or melt if exposed to intense heats, however they are not flammable.

Optical frames can also come in a variety of metals. The most popular form of metal optical frames is monel - which is a mixture of several metals. It is usually plated with another metal such as palladium and is very durable and malleable as well as being corrosion-free.

Increasingly popular are titanium optical frames as these have the greatest benefits. They are light weight, hypoallergenic, very durable and strong, and corrosion-resistant. Titanium is also very stylish looking and creates a strong and modern look for the wearer. Titanium is generally more expensive than other types of optical frames, however there are titanium alloy frames available which are usually cheaper. Another cheaper alternative to titanium is beryllium. Beryllium is very similar to titanium and offers the same strength, durability and flexibility.

There are lots of other materials that optical frames can be made from, some a lot more unique than others - including wood, bone, and solid silver. Leather can often be used on designer frames to add a bit of embellishment. Rhinestones and gems are also popular embellishments.

I hope this guide has been helpful in giving you an insight into some of the different optical frames you can purchase. There are a huge range to choose from, and you are sure to be spoilt for choice!