If you are looking for a new pair of glasses, choosing the right frames is just as important as picking out the right lenses. Metal eyeglass frames are an excellent choice, especially if you are looking for frames that will stand the test of time and look stylish while they do it.
However, metal frames can be made from a number of different types of metals, and some metals may be much more suitable for your needs than others. The following metals are commonly used to create eyeglass frames, and each has its own unique advantages and shortcomings that you should be aware of.
An alloy containing copper, nickel, and numerous other metals, monel is an extremely popular choice of metal for eyeglass frames and has a number of attractive qualities. It is inexpensive and durable, and it can be repaired easily if your frames become damaged. Monel frames are also available in the widest variety of styles and colors, making them an excellent choice for fashion-conscious eyeglass wearers.
However, monel is not completely resistant to corrosion, and monel frames can become rusty, tarnished, and unsightly over time, especially if not properly cared for. The nickel content in monel can also provoke severe allergic reactions in some people.
Titanium is frequently considered the gold standard of eyeglass frame metals, and for good reason. Titanium frames do not rust and are incredibly strong and durable. Despite this, they are also remarkably lightweight, making them a particularly good choice for children's glasses. As a non-reactive metal, titanium is completely hypoallergenic and will not cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or allergies to certain metals.
Unfortunately, all of these excellent qualities come at a cost, and titanium frames tend to be one of the more expensive frame materials on offer. Titanium alloy frames (sometimes sold as beta-titanium frames) are considerably less expensive but also less durable.
An excellent alternative to titanium frames, beryllium frames are almost as tough and durable and are even more resistant to corrosion and rust than titanium frames. They are also available in a wider variety of colours and styles than titanium frames. Beryllium is also a very flexible metal, and beryllium frames will not snap or shatter easily when dropped or sat on.
Perhaps most importantly, beryllium eyeglass frames are usually much less expensive than pure titanium frames. However, beryllium is not hypoallergenic, and a small number of people can suffer painful allergic reactions when wearing them.
Another metal that does not rust or corrode, stainless steel is an excellent choice if you need extremely tough eyeglass frames at a reasonable price. Stainless steel frames are particularly resistant to being crushed by heavy weights (and heavy people), making them an excellent choice for people who remove their eyeglasses frequently while working, reading, or exercising.
The main disadvantage of stainless steel eyeglass frames is how difficult it can be to find them in the first place, and you may have to go to an eyeglass specialist or online stockist to find them. They are also relatively heavy compared to titanium or beryllium lenses and may be uncomfortable for people with smaller faces.
For more information, reach out to a company such as Optometric Options.