Keeping pace with glasses design
Glasses may well date from ancient times, but modern-day spectacle frames come in all sorts of materials, from cellulose acetates to titanium alloys.
Our experts at AlphaOmega need to stay at the cutting edge of spectacle and glasses frame repair to keep pace with the latest in glasses frames materials and design.
Each year, top designer glasses manufacturers do their best to outperform competitors by announcing revolutionary advances in using new materials in glasses frames and lenses.
New plastics always appear on the market, while metal alloys continue to make their mark in the world of high-profile designer glasses.
Sunglasses in many materials
Most glasses frames today are fabricated from plastic derivatives or metal alloys. Still, they can be manufactured in any workable material, and it is not uncommon in these days of eco-awareness to see spectacle frames made of wood, paper or even bamboo. Plastic frames can be made tougher using polycarbonates or more flexible by incorporating the latest acetate plastics that combine durability with flexibility and reduce the chance of breakage. Similarly, certain metal alloys may be chosen to improve spectacle frame strength and durability. Others may be preferred for their hypoallergenic properties, ensuring spectacle frames do not irritate the skin.
Innovation is the key
Innovation goes far beyond the choice of materials in spectacle and sunglasses frame design. Modern-day glasses, for example, come in a large variety of colours and textures. Tiny screws can attach components that make up glasses frames, or they can be snapped into place to make the most of innovative replacement fixtures.
Big design advances
Recent years have seen significant improvements in the design of many different parts of the spectacle frame. Contemporary nose pads, for example, ensure glasses fit comfortably and determine how the lenses are positioned in front of the face. The latest silicone pads are lightweight and offer a firmer grip that prevents glasses from slipping out of place during wear.
Challenging repairs
AlphaOmega glasses repair experts are only too aware that frame repair can sometimes offer unique challenges, and it all goes to make the skill of spectacle repairs a testing but rewarding occupation. Most frames are manufactured in three parts: the front piece and the left and right temples.
The nose bridge
Our technicians understand that the bridge is one of the most important components in glasses frame construction. The bridge supports the glasses on the nose and holds the lenses in a precise orientation to the user's eyes. This can be vital, for example, in repairing glasses with prescription lenses. Bridges come in all shapes and sizes. The bridge in plastic glasses frames may be a 'keyhole' or 'saddle' type, referencing how it sits in the nose. It may have rocking nose pads attached, they can incorporate a bridge insert of moulded plastic, or they may be integrally moulded into the glasses frame. The bridge also connects the apertures that hold the lenses. Glasses can be fully-rimmed or half-rimmed and come in a wide range of thicknesses and materials.
The frame temples
Glasses frame temples support the spectacles on the ears, and they can come in a bewilderingly large range of shapes and styles. The three most common temple styles are the 'library', 'skull' and the 'riding'. The skull temple is the most common as it bends gently around the ear, lightly bending inwards to hug the skull. The library temple sits on top of the ear with almost no bend and is helpful for people removing and replacing their spectacle many times in the day. The 'riding' temple bends right around the ear and is rarely seen these days but may be used for children's glasses or those with active occupations as the glasses are more likely to stay in place. Temples can be connected to the front piece in various ways, and the wear and tear on these connections form a significant part of frame repairs. Screws can be broken, lost or damaged; hinges may be broken or worn; spring hinges bent or snapped off, or temples misaligned, making the spectacles uncomfortable to wear.
Look for expertise in repairs
These are just a few pointers to the challenges that our highly qualified technicians face each day, but no matter how badly damaged your spectacles or sunglasses may be, you can be assured that AlphaOmega will do its very best to find a solution, quickly and cheaply. We pride ourselves on our skill and expertise in glasses frame repairs, and with a free evaluation and quote, combined with our 12-month guarantee, we believe we offer the best frame repair service in the UK today.
More about glasses repair materials
Materials Matter
Titanium Takes Off
Bamboo Eyewear For All
Glasses repair makes sense
