Eyeglasses: The basics

Eyeglasses are more popular than ever, despite recent innovations in contact lenses and vision correction surgery.

Frame styles branded with high profile designer names like Calvin Klein, Jones New York, and Marc Jacobs continue to be in demand. And even youngsters who might ordinarily dread the "nerd" factor of eyeglasses are enjoying wearing them — thanks to the bespectacled young wizard, Harry Potter, and other real and fictional role models.

Eyeglass frame materials

Eyeglass frame materials have been revolutionized with the introduction of new plastics and various types of metals. Frames generally are fabricated from plastic or metal, but a wide variety of materials can be used, depending on the desired characteristics of the frame.

For example, for safety glasses, you may require a durable, lightweight frame material, such as polycarbonate. If you suffer from skin allergies, you probably should look for eyeglass frames made of hypoallergenic materials, such as titanium or stainless steel, to avoid a skin condition known as contact dermatitis.

Certain types of eyeglass frames are highly flexible, which reduces the possibility of breakage. Spring hinges also increase frame durability. These types of frames are ideal for kids' eyeglasses and glasses for active wear.

Improved designs of nose pads contribute to comfort and the look of how eyeglasses are positioned in front of the face. New silicone nose pads, for example, can prevent "slippage" but are so lightweight and soft that they are hardly noticeable.