Frame Features

When choosing a new pair of glasses, most people think about the frames first. They are usually considering the color, style, comfort, and shape. Knowing the features of a frame and what styles work with your face shape can help in selecting the perfect pair.

  • Adjustable Nosepads: Inserted within the bridge area, these help distribute the weight of a pair of frames for a more comfortable fit. Some adjustable nosepads are made of a silicone-type material that further prevents slippage.
  • Bridge: This is the part of the eyeglasses that extends across the nose.
  • Brow Bar: A bar-shaped piece, in various materials, which spans across the wearer's brow line. Brow bars are either used for fashionable purposes, to add emphasis to the top of the frames, or for practical purposes, to keep the frames away from the person's brow to avoid built-up moisture and fogginess.
  • Spring Hinges: These eyeglass hinges flex, making the frames themselves more durable. They also help keep frames in proper alignment and reduce the need for frequent adjustments. Some versions are very flexible and can be customized to fit the contours of the nose.
  • Temples: These are the "arms" or "wings" of a pair of glasses that run from behind the ear to the lens area.

Of course, not all glasses frames are the same. Some other features of frames include:

  • Three-Piece Mount: This rimless style features mounting pieces that attach to each lens, as well as another bridge piece that attaches the lenses together, creating a virtually "frameless" look.
  • Uni-Fit Bridge: This plastic or silicone insert is affixed on metal frames to replace adjustable pad arms, creating a one-piece bridge construction similar to that on acetate frames.

You may have different preferences when it comes to the features of their frames. You also like to take into consideration the materials that make the frame as well as its shape. The options for glasses frames are never ending, reflecting the personal style of the wearer and holding the lenses in place. Frame materials also vary depending on the prescription of the lens and each individual's needs and lifestyle.