Should you buy metal or plastic glasses frames?

A lot of time has passed since the first pair of glasses was made in Pisa, Italy. However, it was only in the seventeenth century that framed glass frames were introduced into the market. Those frames were either made from sandalwood or they were made from leather or brass and some were even made of wood or horns. Modern plastic glasses frames are very popular as they not only act like excellent fashion accessories but they also ensure perfect vision.

When it comes to choosing frame materials today there are two main options available to you. These are metal and plastic. Metal frames are very durable and they are also very thin. Among the more popular metal frames, those that are made from titanium are very popular. Aluminum is another popular option.

Before you decide on buying metal or plastic glasses frames you need to look at the pros and cons of metal frames and more specifically aluminum frames. Aluminum frames are well liked because they are conservatively looking and also because they go well with a business suit. They are both very light in weight as well as being hypoallergenic. Best of all, aluminum frames do not corrode easily and they are also heat proof as well as abrasion proof. The downside to using aluminum frames is that they are not available in as many different designs as say plastic frames.

If you decide to choose plastic eyeglasses frames then the good news is that this frame material is very versatile as well as strong. In particular, if you opt for polycarbonate (a type of plastic) frames then you won’t have to worry about them breaking as they are extremely tough. This is why these frames are so widely available for sporting activities. And, polycarbonate is also used for making safety glasses.

If you want your child to wear glasses then instead of giving him or her pair of metal glasses you will do well to opt for plastic glasses. This is because plastic and more particularly polycarbonate frames are highly impacted resistant and hence provide outstanding eye protective capabilities. These frames are also perfect for sports eyewear. The only things that you won’t like about plastic (polycarbonate) frames are that they are not easy to adjust and they are also costlier than metal frames.

Another thing that you should be aware of when trying to decide, should you buy metal or plastic glasses frames is that plastic frames are very common and they are perfect for concealing the thickness of the frame’s edges. The other common plastic frame options available to you include Zyl and nylon.

Zyl frames are very cost effective and they are sturdy as well as light in weight. This is also a frame material that can easily be molded into any shape. Nylon frames are great because they are available in many different colors. This frame material is also hypoallergenic and it is also very flexible. However, nylon frames are known to break very easily and they lose their strength when exposed to sunlight. Now that you know a little bit about metal and plastic frames you will find it easy to decide on whether to choose metal or plastic glasses frames.