Introduction
There are three basic types of frames, namely, full rim, half rim, and rimless. Other classes may fall outside that scope, such as shield, low-bridge, and wireframes. Each frame gives the wearer unique characteristics, look, and feel. One gets to select a frame based on the occasion and personal sense of style. For instance, rimless frames may be suitable for the office.
Types of Frames
Full rim frames
These frames fully enclose the lenses and accommodate a higher prescription when the wearer needs thicker lenses. They are the perfect solution for those who want to highlight their eyes. They come with a bold style and are available in all frame materials such as plastic, metal, and acetate. The frames come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. Their sturdy and reliable characteristics make them ideal for a person with a tendency to drop objects. Although they feel heavier, they are suitable for children because they are durable.
Rimless frames
Rimless eyeglasses have no frames around the lens. They are made of only the nose bridge, hinges, and temple arms. The lenses constitute part of the frames' structure, with the most suitable lens material on rimless glasses being Trivex, polycarbonate, or high index. Although delicate compared to other frames, rimless frames are modern, extremely lightweight, and provide the largest vision field. They are ideal for those who desire a minimal, low-profile look without the extravagant characteristics that accompany full-rimmed frames. These frames are popular with both women and men. The frames come in a wide range of styles, are sleek and trendy, and offer comfort as they can be worn for long periods. However, a lot of care must be taken in the process of mounting lenses into the frames. Technical skill is necessary because perfect drilling of each lens enables an excellent fit into the frames. If not well-mounted, the frames may rattle and eventually the lens may crack. These frames are also less sturdy than the other types. Rimless frames are suitable for special occasions like parties, graduations, and weddings because of their stylish nature.
Semi rimless frames
Also referred to as half rimless frames, semi rimless frames come without a rim on the lens's top or bottom half. They are a hybrid that offers the best of both worlds of full-rim durability and minimal rimless frames. Many eyeglasses have frames on the top and are referred to as half-eye frames. This is because the lens is designed to sit low on the nose with the lens' top being flat such that it has the appearance of a half lens. This considerably reduces the frame’s weight. One advantage of semi rimless frames mounted on the top part of the lens is that they accentuate the upper half of the face to provide a sophisticated appearance. Half rimless frames used on the bottom half of the lens may have a nylon cord holding it in place or have the frames mounted through drilling. The frames are lightweight and very comfortable, but the lenses can easily chip and crack due to being half-exposed. They are also bolder than rimless frames.
Other Frame Types
Low bridge frames
People with low nose bridges have the option of having low bridge frames. This frame type doesn’t slide off nor suffer misalignment. They are also fashionable, providing a stylish, sleek appearance.
Wire frames
Wireframes are on top as far as class is concerned. They are lightweight, minimalist, comfortable, and trendy. These frames are a universal fashion staple and charming too. Wireframes are mostly used in circular lens shapes, although they can also be found in cat-eye and heart-shaped designs.
Shield frames
Shield frames leverage both worlds of fashion and functionality. Apart from making a bold fashion statement, they also offer protection against undesirable light and debris in the eye's peripheral area. These frames are not for prescription lenses but are used as sunglasses. However, a prescription lens can be held behind the shield lens by an optical insert.
Prescription safety glasses frames
These frames serve the sole purpose of providing safety to the wearer. They are made of extremely durable material such as polycarbonate or nylon. These frames also come with unique safety lenses with a monogram, and an ANSI Z87.1 stamp somewhere on the frame.
