Frames

Get the Look You Want with these Frame Facts

Knowing your frame facts will help you select your next pair of specs with more certainty. What makes up a great pair of eyeglasses? Here are your frame facts defined:

• The Frame Front accommodates the prescription lenses and is available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors and designs.
• The outer parts of the frame front into which lenses are inserted are called Eyewires – even if the frame is made of plastic. The eyewires can accommodate full-sized lenses and half-size “readers.”
• The area between the lenses is known as the Bridge. It minimizes the weight of the frame by resting it comfortably on the bridge of the nose. Since not all noses are alike, the “Specs Experts” assess the patient’s overall facial configuration to determine the best bridge.
• A Keyhole Bridge is shaped like an old-style keyhole and rests on the sides of the nasal bridge
• A Saddle Bridge is shaped like a saddle, as its name implies. It spreads the weight of the frame evenly over the sides and crest of the nasal bridge.
• A Double Bridge features a reinforced bar attached to the nasal portions of the bridge.
• An Adjustable Bridge contains pad arms that permit repositioning of the pads to create a better fit.
• Next, select Nose Pads that are welded to metal frame fonts. They lessen pressure on the nose by adding to the frame’s bearing surface.
• Endpieces are extensions of a frame front to which hinges are attached.
• The Hinges connect the frame front with the frame’s temples and enable the temples to swing freely. Hinges may be riveted to the front or hidden by countersinking them into the endpiece. Hidden and “Flex” or “Spring” hinges are the most popular but are more difficult to replace than riveted ones.
• The Temples are one piece with the Temple Tips that hook over and around the ears, and serve to stabilize the frame and keep it from sliding down the nose. The temples are hinged to the frame front so that they are able to swing freely open and close like a door.

Today’s frames are a wonderful mix from playful to strictly business. Just about every clothing designer or celebrity has his or her own line of frames – Calvin Klein – Celine Dion – Ralph Lauren even Barbie! Eye Centers of Florida has frame and single vision lens packages starting from just $79.00. When it comes to eyewear – price is important – but not your first consideration. Frames come with a Manufacturer’s Warranty  -- make sure your optical shop honors that warranty and will replace the frame, if defective. Most of your major designers and frame manufacturers offer at least a 1-year warranty.

‘Spec’tacular Choices

With the variety of shapes, colors and designs, it’s important to discuss your likes and dislikes with a Licensed or experienced Optician. Their training makes them the “Specs Expert.” They can match the right frame to your facial configuration, lifestyle and prescription. Some ‘spec’tacular examples:

• Classic base-up triangle faces with wide-set eyes -  look for a pair of glasses that span your visual area and gently round along the bottom of the frame face. Also look for frames that gently upsweep at the temple endpiece. This look will work with high cheekbones and draw attention to your eyes.
  
  
• Round face with chubby cheeks and close-set eyes -  look for smaller frame faces but not too small or they will look lost on your face. Work with the Optician on the type of temples and frame endpieces to help enlarge the look of your frame. Stay away from a lot of detail on your frame front. With your facial features you want your frame to blend more than to enhance or distract.
  
  
• Long, rectangular face with a long nose -  look for a frame with a bridge that is not at the top of the frame to help minimize the length of your nose. A larger rounded frame with an upsweep for the eyewire will help soften the rectangular long shape of your face.
  
  
• Classic oval face -  look for a balanced design. Too bold will make your features appear too bunched in the center of your face. You should look for clear or simple frame face with more complex temples. Metal frames offer the impression that your lenses float on your face.
  
  
• When it comes to eyebrows, generally the top of the frame front should follow the brow line.

Eye Centers of Florida features Licensed Opticians in all of our locations to help with your optical needs. Our frame selection includes only the top manufacturers in the industry.