Eyeglass Frame Materials
Choosing the Right Frames
No single frame type works for every situation. Titanium eyeglass frames may suit professional settings, while colorful acetate shows off personality. Some people prefer more than one pair to match work, casual, and social needs.
At Barnes Talero EyeCare, we help patients find frames that balance hypoallergenic frame options, durability, and style. Whether you need tough metal alloy frames like stainless steel or bold plastic eyeglass frames, we’ll guide you toward the best choice and eyeglass frame materials.
Eyeglass Frame Materials
Choosing new glasses involves more than your prescription. Eyeglass Frame materials matter just as much. Each option offers unique weight, style, and comfort. Below is a guide to the most common eyeglass frame materials.
Combination Frames
Combination frames mix metal and plastic for style and durability. Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, they are now back in fashion. These designs combine the look of plastic eyeglass frames with the strength of metal.
Metal Frames
Metal is still the most popular choice. Metal alloy frames are strong, durable, and often stylish. Each type has unique benefits:
- Titanium eyeglass frames: Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant. They are 40% lighter than most metals. Titanium also comes in many colors and lasts for years.
- Beta titanium: A mix of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. This blend is more flexible than pure titanium, allowing easy adjustments.
- Nickel titanium (memory metal): Made of about half titanium and half nickel. These frames bend easily and spring back to shape. Ideal for children or anyone rough on glasses.
- Beryllium: A less costly option than titanium. Resistant to tarnish and corrosion, making it perfect for saltwater or high skin acidity. Strong, flexible, and available in many colors.
- Stainless steel eyewear: Known for strength and lightness. It resists corrosion and can be finished in matte or polished looks.
- Monel: A mix of copper and nickel. Less expensive, but quality varies. Poor plating may cause discoloration or skin reactions.
- Aluminum: Strong, corrosion-resistant, and very light. Often used in lightweight frame materials for high-end designs.
Plastic Frames
Plastic eyeglass frames are common and available in many colors and styles.
- Zyl (zylonate or cellulose acetate): Affordable and popular. Lightweight, available in endless colors, and offers excellent acetate frame durability.
- Propionate: A nylon-based plastic often used for sports frames. Very durable, hypoallergenic, and flexible.
- Nylon blends: Polyamides, gliamides, and copolyamides replaced pure nylon, which becomes brittle over time. Blends are stronger and more reliable.
- Cellulose acetate: Plant-based and hypoallergenic. First used in eyewear in the 1940s. Today’s versions are strong, flexible, and allow layered, colorful styles.
