Each pair of glasses feature exceptional product design. Functionality is key. Every piece within the glasses anatomy, must work harmoniously with one another, to ensure comfort and vision clarity, all whilst offering a stylish aesthetic.
Whether you’ve been wearing glasses for years or are new to the world of corrective eyewear, understanding the basic anatomy of your glasses can help you better care for them and communicate with your optometrist or optician.
This blog post introduces you to the vocabulary that optometrists and optical dispensers use when referring to the different parts of glasses. Grab your specs and let’s get started!
What are the names of glasses parts?
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Frame Front
Firstly, there is the frame front. An essential part, that structurally secures the lenses. The frame front is what guides the aesthetic of glasses, offering different shapes, sizes and colours.
The front of the frame can have different constructions, such as:
- Full Rim
Covers the entire circumference of the lens and is held in place by the lens groove within the circumference. This is the most popular type of frame.
- Semi-Rimless
As the name states, this type of frame front has half the rim missing (the lower half) which is then held together by a nylon chord or held only by the top half of the frame (with wrapped frames). Although not as popular, you will still find a decent portion of men will be interested in a semi-rimless frame.
- Rimless
This frame type can be more technical, as the lenses are held together by the mental bridge, which is inserted into the lens with screws, when it is made. At the edges of each lens, the temples are attached with screws as well. When lenses are made for a rimless frame, these have to be specially fitted at a lab who will have the write materials. This frame type is definitely not as popular, but is making a comeback due to some unique new designs and trends involving rimless looks, such as a ‘cog look’ and rimless folding frames.
Additionally, frame fronts vary in materials, such as:
- Titanium frames
- Plastic frames / Acetate frames
- Metal frames
It is not as common, but some frames can be made out of horn, bone, wood and real tortoiseshell. These designs were around before plastic was invented, and make for some really interesting and creative frames!
2. Temples
What is commonly referred to as the ‘glasses arm’ is actually called a temple. The temples sit along the side of your head and end behind your ears. Often the temples are adjusted and curved behind your ears to make the glasses more comfortable.
There are different types of temples available, including skull temples, cable temples, and library temples (we don’t usually see anymore). Skull temples are the most common type of temple and are designed to fit snugly around the back of your ear. Cable temples have a curved end that wraps around your ear for a more secure fit.
Additionally, at the end of a temple is called the temple tip. Temple tips often feature on metal glasses frames to provide extra comfort for the skin.
3. Hinges
The hinges are the part of the glasses that allow the temples to open and close. Different types of hinges are available, including barrel hinges, spring hinges, and interlocking hinges.
- Spring hinges
Spring hinges allow the temples to flex and bend, making them more durable and comfortable for more head sizes.
- Barrel hinges
Are the most standard type of hinges on glasses. It features metal rings (barrels) which fit into each other like a zipper and a small screw to keep it in place.
- Hinge-less design
With curved temples, this allows the temples to securely fit around the wearers head without having to worry about a hinge and screws. There is also another option and that is also based off of a hinge-less design, but does not have the curved temples. This design snaps shut and open with a technical design and aesthetically looks very sleek.
4. End pieces
End pieces are situated on the outer edge of the glasses frame, at the front. Full rim and half rim end pieces generally have a hollow space to accommodate the hinge. Each hinge is different, so the rivets are noticeably throughout the frame will appear larger or smaller depending, and connect to the hinge.
Rimless end pieces are attached to the temple, and are more obvious to see on the first appearance of the frame.
5. Nose Pads
The nose pads are the part of the glasses that rest on each side of your nose. They are perfect for individuals with wider noses and low nose bridges, as the pads can be adjusted. Different types of nose pads are available and can be fitted on to your frame if requested (due to allergy or comfort purposes). These include silicone, plastic and metal.
Silicone nose pads are the most common type of nose pad and are designed to be soft and comfortable. Plastic nose pads are more durable, but may not be as comfortable as silicone nose pads. Metal nose pads are the most durable, but you may find more discomfort if they have not been adjusted to your nose. If you find there is discomfort, your local optometrist will be able to do the adjustment for you.
6. Screws
The screws join the temple and the frame front together (while also joining the two parts of the hinge). One screw is used per hinge, and there are also a variety of screws that can be used depending on the hinge and size of the rings. Every now and then, screws may get loose and need to be tightened. If it unscrews or you lose a screw from your glasses, usually any optometrist will be able to replace a screw for you.
7. Bridge
Your glasses sit on your nose, right? This is thanks to the bridge which is attached to both sides of the frame. There are different types of bridges, such as:
- Keyhole bridge
This bridge will fit better on more noses as an acetate option (as it is a bit wider and can sit higher on the nose) - Regular bridge
No adjustments can be made to a regular bridge, it sits along your nose. - Metal bridge
The metal bridge can be slightly curved or straight across
Accessories – Cases, Cleaning Cloths, and Straps
There are many different accessories available for glasses, including cases, cleaning clothes, and straps. Cases protect your glasses from scratches and damage when you’re not wearing them. Cleaning cloths clean and polish your lenses. Straps keep your glasses secure and in place when you’re active.
How to Choose the Right Glasses for You
Choosing the right glasses is important for ensuring a comfortable and effective fit. Here are some tips to help you choose the right glasses:
- Consider your personal style and preferences.
- Think about your lifestyle and activities.
- Consider the shape of your face and the size of your head.
- Consult with your optometrist or optician for recommendations.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Glasses
Taking care of your glasses is important for ensuring a long-lasting pair of glasses without having any bends and breaks in the process. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your glasses:
- Clean your lenses regularly with a cleaning cloth and spray (provided by your optometrist)
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. (Use a case that fits your frame and does not put pressure on the body)
- Avoid leaving your glasses in hot and humid environments. (Especially out in the sun)
- Avoid using hard chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your glasses.
- Take off your glasses evenly, to avoid pulling one side more than the other. (Can cause the screw to become loose on one side or to bend the temple)
- Avoid wearing your glasses on the top of your head.
Conclusion
There you have it, now you know each part of glasses and how it all works together to sit comfortably on your face. As technology advances, the variations of materials and designs have expanded and will continue to do so as they try to find better ways to perfect glasses. If you have a screw loose (no pun intended) then you are more than welcome to visit us and we can assist you in-store.