Eyeglasses are more popular today than ever, despite the availability of contact lenses and vision correction surgery.

Frame styles branded with high profile designer names are always in demand. And eyeglass frame materials have evolved with the advent of new plastics and various types of metals.

For safety glasses, you may want an extra tough plastic, such as polycarbonate. If you suffer from skin allergies, hypoallergenic metals such as titanium or stainless steel are good choices.

Certain frames are made with highly flexible metal alloys, which reduce the possibility of breakage. Spring hinges are also […]

Finding eyeglasses with the qualities that are most important to you could be as simple as choosing a frame material, each distinguished by its own strengths.

You can also choose frames based on factors such as color, hypoallergenic materials, durability, lightness, price and uniqueness.

Metal frames

Metal is the most popular material for eyeglass frames. There are many types of metal you can choose, with each having its own distinctive properties.

• Titanium. This premium metal is very strong, durable, corrosion-resistant, and is 40% lighter than other metals. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a nearly perfect […]
  

When it comes to choosing eyeglass lenses, it’s no longer a simple choice of “glass or plastic?” Let’s look at your many options in eyeglass lenses in detail:

Want thinner, lighter lenses? Choose a high index lens material.

Nearly everyone can benefit from thinner, lighter lenses. High index lenses can be up to 50% thinner than regular glass or plastic lenses, and they’re usually much lighter, too.

Though these lenses are especially beneficial if you have a strong eyeglasses prescription, they can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of virtually any pair of glasses. High index lenses bend light more efficiently than […]

Need new eyeglasses? The choices in women’s frames are nearly unlimited. But that’s sometimes the problem: How do you find the frames styles that look best on you?

Narrowing down your choices

Ask yourself a few questions before shopping for eyewear:

• Do I want a frame that’s delicate or bold, retro or modern, conservative or “out there”?
• Do I plan to wear this frame at work? For social occasions?
• What colors am I drawn to and look best on me?
• What are the main colors in my wardrobe?
• What face shape do I have?
• What do I like about my current eyeglasses? What do I dislike?

The answers to […]

Most men are interested in comfort, fit and durability when it comes to eyeglasses. While they also want style, men typically won’t forsake comfort and fit just to look good.

Comfort and fit

Men: Here are some key areas to check out to make sure the eyeglass frames you choose will be comfortable and fit well.

To ensure the temples (the pieces that extend to your ears) aren’t too snug on sides of your head, choose frames are wide enough for your face. The edge of the frames should protrude slightly beyond your face so the temples don’t put pressure on your head […]

Just as “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t always fit, neither does one pair of eyeglasses for all situations.

Whether you want optimum vision and comfort for a specific activity, such as computer use, work, hobbies or driving, or you need glasses that provide an extra margin of safety for work or recreation, special-purpose eyeglasses will usually meet these needs better than your “everyday” glasses.

Computer glasses

If you spend much time in front of a computer, you probably already know that eye strain, fatigue and muscle strains are common problems associated with prolonged computer use. “Computer glasses” have lenses that are specially-designed to maximize your vision […]