Lesson 11 - All About Frames

Question 1

Frame front (chassis)

Answer 1

This is the part of the frame that surrounds the lenses.

Question 2

Bridge

Answer 2

The bridge is the portion of the frame between the lenses that sits over the nose.

Question 3

Temples

Answer 3

The temples are the parts of the frame that go on the sides of the head to hold the glasses in place over the ears.

Question 4

Nose pads

Answer 4

Most metal frames also have nose pads, which are pads that sit on either side of the nose.

Question 5

Endpieces

Answer 5

The endpieces are the very outer ends of the chassis, where you’ll find the hinges that connect the temples to the frame front.

Question 6

Bridge size range (in mm). How do you measure this number?

Answer 6

13-16 mm. To find this number, measure from the vertical center of the inside of the frame straight across the bridge. Sometimes the physical bridge of the frame is high or low, so you won’t necessarily start at the height of the frame bridge itself.

Question 7

Temple length (in mm). How do you measure this number?

Answer 7

120-150 mm. Measure from the temple end that attaches to the eyewire at the hinge out to where the bend begins. Next, you’ll move the PD ruler, start at the very end of the temple tip (where the temple would end behind the ear), and measure to the spot where you previously determined that the bend began. Adding these two numbers will give you the full temple length.

Question 8

Three-piece mount frame

Answer 8

Ideal for hyperopic patients; a frame with three pieces: two temples and one bridge

Question 9

People who choose nickel frames because of their low cost or lighter weight may find that this metal irritates their skin. In addition, nickel can react with sweat, turning people’s frames and their skin green where the frame touches the face. In cases like this, you can suggest what?

Answer 9

People who choose nickel frames because of their low cost or lighter weight may find that this metal irritates their skin. In addition, nickel can react with sweat, turning people’s frames and their skin green where the frame touches the face. In cases like this, you can suggest hypoallergenic metals like stainless steel or titanium. Some plastic frame materials such as Optyl are also hypoallergenic.

Question 10

People can also be allergic to the material used in the nose pads on their frames. In these cases, you’ll want to look for what?

Answer 10

People can also be allergic to the material used in the nose pads on their frames. In these cases, you’ll want to look for hypoallergenic nose pad materials like titanium or PVC.

Question 11

Zyl

Answer 11

One very common frame material. This originally stood for zylonite, but zylonite was banned because it was very flammable. These days, the term zyl is used to refer to plastic frames made from cellulose acetate. Zyl frames have lots of advantages: They come in many colors, they’re easy to adjust, and they tend to be sturdy. However, some patients may be allergic to zyl.

Question 12

Optyl is an option for patients who have allergies to zyl. But Optyl isn’t a popular choice these days, because why?

Answer 12

Optyl is an option for patients who have allergies to zyl. But Optyl isn’t a popular choice these days, because it easily loses its adjustment in warm weather.

Question 13

How do plastic frames compare to metal ones?

Answer 13

Metal frames are fairly lightweight, they’re strong, and they’re easy to adjust, but they can get out of shape more easily than zyl frames. Fortunately, it’s simple to bend them back into the right shape. Zyl frames tend to be more stable, but they can also become brittle and hard to adjust when they do lose their alignment. Zyl can age, lose its color, and break easily. Aluminum or stainless steel frames, on the other hand, can corrode or snap over time.

Question 14

Before you adjust, repair, or bend a frame, you should what?

Answer 14

Before you adjust, repair, or bend a frame, you should consider how likely the frame is to break when you manipulate it (especially if the glasses are more than a couple of years old). Depending on the policy in your office, you may want to obtain an informed consent from your client stating that if the frame breaks during the adjustment, your office cannot be held responsible. Be sure to find out what your office policy is.

Question 15

What are some pros and cons of titanium frames?

Answer 15

Titanium is the lightest and strongest of the metal frames, and it’s corrosion-proof. Titanium also tends to be more expensive than other metal frame materials.

Question 16

Lightweight materials like titanium and stainless steel are good choices for ___ prescription lenses, and your clients may find them more comfortable than frames made from other materials.

Answer 16

Lightweight materials like titanium and stainless steel are good choices for heavier prescription lenses, and your clients may find them more comfortable than frames made from other materials.

Question 17

Polycarbonate

Answer 17

Polycarbonate, a special type of plastic, is impact-resistant and extremely lightweight. It’s used for prescription lenses as well as safety frames, sports frames, and sunglasses.

Question 18

Many years ago, pure gold and other precious metals were used for frames, but you’ll almost never see this today. Why?

Answer 18

These metals are too expensive and too fragile to be practical.

Question 19

What are the three measurements to ensure a frame will fit just right?

Answer 19

Eye size, bridge size, and temple length. When you look at a pair of frames, you’ll typically find these three measurements (in millimeters) stamped on the inside of one of the temples.

Question 20

To measure the eye size of a frame, you’ll begin by…

Answer 20

This is the longest horizontal length from one end of a rim to the other end of the same rim. To measure the eye size of a frame, you’ll begin by placing the PD ruler across the center of one of the eyewires horizontally. It’s important to measure the widest part of the frame. If it’s a thick plastic frame, be sure to measure from the center of the width of the eyewires. Typically 48-65 mm.

Question 21

1 mm = ? inches

Answer 21

1 mm = .039 inches

Question 22

The first step in picking frames is what?

Answer 22

the first step in picking frames is to think about lenses. That’s because prescription lenses come in different thicknesses, and thickness plays a big role in how a person’s glasses will look.

Question 23

So which people are ideal candidates for three-piece mounts?

Answer 23

Hyperopic (farsighted) patients love them. Their lenses are thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, so this is a flattering style for them. This style doesn’t work well for myopes with high prescriptions, because it emphasizes the thickness of their lens edges.

Three-piece mounts also work well for people with lighter lens prescriptions. We recommend them for people who don’t like the weight of glasses on their noses, and for people who say, “I don’t want to look like I’m wearing glasses.”

Three-piece mounts are great frame styles because they work with a wide variety of lens shapes. Also, people can choose the bridge and temple colors separately. The frames are delicate, however, so don’t recommend this style unless your patient or customer is prepared to handle the glasses carefully. Falling asleep with them on can lead to disaster!

Question 24

After you’ve looked at the prescription, it’s time to talk to your client about that prescription. That’s because you’ll want to know what people plan to use their glasses for. What questions should you ask your patients?

Answer 24

What do you do for a living and will you be wearing these lenses while working? Will you be taking your glasses off and be putting them on frequently? Will you use your glasses for sports? Do you want to make a fashion statement? Do you think you would prefer a sturdier lens?

Question 25

Styling for an oval face

Answer 25

This is the easiest person to style for, because just about any frame looks good on an oval face. The frame should be as wide as the widest part of the person’s face.

Question 26

Styling for an oblong face

Answer 26

This person’s head is significantly longer than it is wide. Glasses that are a little longer from top to bottom will help to de-emphasize this. Also, look for temples mounted low on the frame, and try recommending glasses with a little “bling” at the temples.

Question 27

Styling for a square face

Answer 27

To make a square face look less boxy, choose round or oval frames.

Question 28

Styling for a round face

Answer 28

This person will look good in frames with angles or straight lines. Also, choose a frame that’s wider than it is deep.

Question 29

Styling for a base-down triangle face

Answer 29

Semi-rimless frames and other frames with heavy tops can draw attention away from a wide lower face. High-mounted temples are also a good idea.

Question 30

Styling for a base-up triangle face

Answer 30

Here, you’ll want to avoid top-heavy frames that make the forehead look even wider. Suggest low-mounted temples and frames with some heaviness at the bottom.

Question 31

Styling for a heart-shaped face

Answer 31

The frame for a heart shaped face should be a modified Wayfarer. Oval, light colored rimless will work well, or a deep base with subtle wingtips, aviators, and D-shaped frames. Width should be slightly wider than the forehead width.

Question 32

Styling for a diamond face

Answer 32

To distract from this person’s wide cheekbones, choose frames with heavier upper rims, gentle curves, and soft colors.

Question 33

If you’re styling frames for a person who wears bifocal or progressive lenses, the frame needs to be...

Answer 33

If ou’re styling frames for a person who wears bifocal or progressive lenses, the frame needs to be deep enough to accommodate the reading portion of the prescription. So you won’t want to recommend a frame that’s very short from top to bottom. No aviators

Question 34

No matter what eye size your client picks, be sure the eyes are...

Answer 34

No matter what eye size your client picks, be sure the eyes are centered behind the lenses. This is especially important for people with high prescriptions, because it ensures that they will experience a minimum of distortion.

Question 35

When it comes to temples, remember that low temples will look better on some people, while high temples will look better on others. No matter which temples you recommend, however, you’ll need to make sure...

Answer 35

When it comes to temples, remember that low temples will look better on some people, while high temples will look better on others. No matter which temples you recommend, however, you’ll need to make sure the temples fit comfortably, are long enough to fit behind the ear, and hold the glasses on securely.

Question 36

Skull temples

Answer 36

A skull temple starts out straight at the hinge and then bends slightly at the top of the ear. Glasses with skull temples are easy to put on and take off, so this is a popular choice.

Question 37

Library temples

Answer 37

A library temple goes straight back rather than curving around the ears. Glasses with library temples are easy to put on and take off, but they may slide off easily unless they fit just right. These are popular styles for those who wear glasses under helmets, like motorcycle or ski helmets.

Question 38

Cable temples

Answer 38

A cable temple has a strong curve that wraps around the ear. As you can guess, glasses with cable temples stay on very securely. Thus, these temples are excellent for children and people who wear their glasses with hearing aids and for sports.

Question 39

The temple should be at least long enough to allow the ends to do what?

Answer 39

The temple should be at least long enough to allow the end to go halfway down the back of the ear.

Question 40

When you’re fitting a frame, make sure there’s a little bit of space between the frame temple and the what?

Answer 40

When you’re fitting a frame, make sure there’s a little bit of space between the frame temple and the person’s skin at the temple or side of the head

Question 41

Bridge to downplay a large nose

Answer 41

There are two ways you can use a bridge to downplay a large nose. One is to pick a bridge that’s low, dark, and straight. Another is to choose a double-bridge frame. A light-colored or rimless frame will help make a large nose look smaller.

Question 42

Bridge for small features

Answer 42

To make a short nose look longer you can recommend a keyhole bridge. The sides are pinched in below the bridge. This makes the glasses sit up a little higher on the nose.

Question 43

Universally attractive bridge style

Answer 43

One type of bridge that fits many noses well is a saddle bridge. As you can guess from the name, this bridge has a smooth curve like a saddle that fits the nose snugly. You can’t adjust this type of bridge, so you’ll need to take extra care to ensure that it fits perfectly during the initial frame selection. One variation of this style is a modified saddle bridge, which has nose pads attached to the back of the bridge. This spreads the weight of the glasses better over the nose.

Question 44

Sometimes, you’ll have the fun challenge of styling frames for infants. For these little clients, you’ll choose what?

Answer 44

Sometimes, you’ll have the fun challenge of styling frames for infants. For these little clients, you’ll choose soft, pliable frames held in place by straps that go around the head.

Question 45

Older children who wear their glasses constantly may also need __ to hold the glasses in place during play.

Answer 45

Older children who wear their glasses constantly may also need sport straps to hold the glasses in place during play.

Question 46

Kids are tough on frames, so your top priority is to pick what?

Answer 46

Kids are tough on frames, so your top priority is to pick sturdy frames that will last. (As you learned earlier, zyl is a good choice.) Fortunately, most manufacturers offer one-year or two-year warranties.

Question 47

When children are old enough, you’ll want to make them what?

Answer 47

When children are old enough, you’ll want to make them active partners in the frame-selection process. Remember that style is as important to children as it is to adults. However, be sure you recommend frames that will suit a parent’s budget.

Question 48

Nearly any sport has the potential to damage the eye. In the United States alone, how many sports-related eye injuries occur every year?

Answer 48

In the United States alone, about 100,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year.

Question 49

Sports frames should always have what?

Answer 49

Sports frames should always have an elastic strap to hold the frames in place

Question 50

If you’re recommending sunglasses for people who plan to use them for sports, check to see if the bridge is one piece or is soldered on with metal. Why?

Answer 50

If a heavy object hits the front of the sunglasses and the nosepiece is not one piece, it can cause injury. There have been cases where the nosepiece actually breaks off a frame and became imbedded inside a person’s skin.

Question 51

Most sports frames are made from what?

Answer 51

Most of these frames are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate material

Question 52

What are the A, B, and C measurements of a lens? Where is the geometric center of the lens? What is the name of this system?

Answer 52

This is called the boxing system. Draw an imaginary box around one eyewire. The full horizontal distance of the lens is the A measurement (also called the datum line), the full vertical distance of the lens is the B measurement, and the C measurement is the diagonal distance of a lens (sort of like the hypotenuse of a right angle triangle). The geometric center of the lens is the point at which the A and B measurement meet on the lens.