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Frames
Choosing the "Right" Frame
One of the most fun things (some patients say challenging) about getting new eyeglasses is choosing the "right" frame. With todays eyewear market there are so many styles and materials to choose from that there is always a "right" frame for you. There are also many options for all budgets.
At the Mission Eye Clinic, we have a large dispensary with a great selection of frames. Unlike some places which have many similar frames (e.g., same frame in four different colours), each of our frames are different. If you like a particular frame but would like a different colour or size we can easily order it for you to try on. If you have something particular in mind, our staff would be happy to help look and order a frame for you to try.
We have access to almost all frame suppliers. We are also continuously updating and changing the frames we have in our dispensary. Although there are some principles about selecting the "right" style of frame, generally if you like the way a frame suits you then its "right" for you. In addition to frame style, there are some special considerations as discussed in the following sections.
- Especially for relatively high refractive errors (stronger eyeglass prescriptions with thicker lenses), smaller eyesizes (and hence smaller frames) result in thinner lenses. In combination with a selection of lens features such as high-index and aspheric lenses the nicest looking eyeglasses with the thinnest possible lenses can be made.
- Multifocal lenses for presbyopia (bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses) do require a minimum eyesize to allow adequate room for the distance and near sections of the lenses to be placed into the eyeglass frame. Different lens types and brands require different minimum eyesizes. Newer progressive lenses designed for ever smaller frames are being developed.
- Patients are sometimes concerned about reduced peripheral vision and seeing the rim of the frame with smaller eyesize frames. This is usually only the case for patients who have always worn larger eyesize frames. In practice, this is almost never a problem because the peripheral vision is not actually used for detailed vision (detailed vision is acheived through the use of your central vision). Even patients with very high prescriptions generally have adequate peripheral vision without their glasses (of course contact lenses are usually the best). Occasionally there is some adaptation needed to smaller eyesize frames and on rare instances a patient is unable to get used to them.
Proper Fit
- With the lenses in proper position, the frame should be able to be adjusted to physically fit your nose and ears where the nose pads and temples (or arms) respectively contact your face/head. For example, the temples must be long enough to wrap around your ears comfortably. Adjustable nosepads (usually with metal frames, occasionally with plastic frames) are usually the best. Most plastic frames do not have adjustable nosepads and either fit your nose properly or do not.
- Spring hinges are available on some frames and are designed to help maintain your frames alignment and adjustments when you put on or remove your eyeglasses, or during day-to-day wear. Some frames with modern materials such as Flexon® frames are able to maintain their adjustment quite well and do not require spring hinges. Using both hands to put on and remove your eyeglasses can reduce the need for spring hinges.
Frame Materials
- Many materials with different advantages and disadvantages are constantly being developed and brought to market. They all have varying combinations of weight, flexibility, strength, durability, hypoallergenicity, and corrosion resistance. These materials include: Titanium , Beryllium, Stainless Steel, Flexon®, Plastic/Zyl, and Monel.
- Titanium is considered a premium material for eyeglass frames (as well as many other applications such as space capsules and medical implants). It is known for its light weight, strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Because some titanium frames are made with nickel alloys, if you have a nickel allergy look for a frame that says 100% titanium. These frames usually have a higher cost because of the increased cost of manufacturing.
- Some patients in particular are allergic to the nickel found as a component in many frame materials. For these patients there are many different alternative materials from plastic to premium metal frames.
- Flexon® metals are considered "memory" metals and have been developed and patented by Marchon (an ophthalmic frame company). They are known for their extreme flexibility and durability. After being bent a Flexon frame will return to its original shape.
Clip-On Sunglasses/Easy-Clips
- Clip-on sunglasses are available for many eyeglass frames (if they must be ordered separately, the demo lens will usually indicate that a sunglass clip is available). In the case of Easy-Clip™ frames, the custom clip-on sunglasses are included in the price of the frame. Easy-Clip™ frames are extremely popular because they offer the convenience of a patented magnetic clip-on sunglass at a very affordable price. The Easy-Clip™ sunglasses are quite stable, but because they are only held on by a magnetic they are for general purpose wear only.
Kids Frames
- Because we see many children in our clinic, we have an extensive line of kids frames from many different suppliers. In addition, all of our kids frames automatically come as part of our affordable kid's package. Many of the kid's packages come with our "Anything Goes Warranty", ask our staff for more details. As kids can be tough on their glasses, our records indicate that up to 50% of kids take advantage of our "Anything Goes Warranty".
Specialty Frames
We carry a line of specialty frames. Certain occupations and hobbies may require specialty frames/eyeglasses such as:
- Work Safety Frames: Although regular eyeglass frames are reasonably safe under general conditions. These frames are designed and certified for work safety. When used in conjunction with polycarbonate lenses, these eyeglasses will provide the safest possible option for work.
- Sport Glasses: Although regular eyeglass frames are reasonably safe under general conditions. When used in conjunction with polycarbonate lenses, sport glasses will provide the safest possible option for sport activities. Different options are available for different sports. Sport glasses are available which can be used for basketball, racquetball, baseball, etc.. Prescription swimming goggles are a pleasant option for many patients. Prescription SCUBA masks can also be made.
Select one of the following topics for more information about eyeglasses from the Mission Eye Clinic:
> Understanding Your Eyeglass Prescription: Common Refractive Errors
> What to expect when you receive your new eyeglasses
> Proper Care of Your Eyeglasses
> We are especially experienced in eyeglass problems and difficult prescriptions