Eyeglass Components

The basic components of eyeglasses consist of frames, lenses and lens coatings. There are many materials and options available when constructing a pair of glasses, making it possible for consumers to truly customize their eyeglasses.



Style, durability and safety are all things an eyeglass wearer should consider. Most component materials currently used are safe for sensitive skin and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Frame Materials

• The material of an eyeglass frame dictates style and durability. Traditional material for frames includes plastic or metal and derivatives of those mediums. There is a material in each of these families that offer lightweight, flexible and hypoallergenic qualities. Plastic frames offer greater color varieties and metal frames are usually stronger. Natural materials such as bone, wood and horn can also be used to make eyeglass frames. These materials are strong, but do not possess many of the other attributes of plastic or metal frames.

Lens Materials

• Polycarbonate and plastic are the most commonly used lens materials. Polycarbonate material is lightweight, offers 100 percent protection from UV rays and is impact resistant. Plastic lenses are less expensive but may shatter or break upon impact. Plastic lenses are not recommended for children because of the increased risk of lens damage.

Lens Coatings and Tints

• Coatings and tints are added to eyeglass lenses to enhance certain functions. Examples of popular coatings are anti-reflective, scratch-resistant and anti-fog. Anti-reflective coating reduces glare from traffic lights and vehicles while night driving, and also reduces sun glare. Anti-fog coating is beneficial for eyeglass wearers who live in cold or foggy climates. This coating will prevent your glasses from becoming foggy when exposed to climate change.

  Tinted lenses are often used to create prescription sunglasses and come in permanent brown and gray tints. The level of tint can be varied depending on the preference of the wearer. New solar-reactive technology can change the lens tint from clear to brown or gray when exposed to sunlight changes. These lenses make it possible for an eyeglass wearer to need only one pair of prescription glasses. Other tints, such as purple, red and blue, can be applied for fashion purposes.