eyewear. style. defined
 
ARNETTE
  
BLACK FLYS
  
FLY GIRLS
  
DRAGON
  
ELECTRIC
  
HOVEN
  
LX POLARIZED
  
SMITH
  
SUNCLOUD
  
VON ZIPPER
  
BURBERRY
  
D & G
  
DOLCE GABBANA
  
MAUI JIM
  
PRADA
  
RALPH
  
RALPH LAUREN
  
RAY-BAN
  
REVO
  
VERSACE
  
VIEW CART
 
CHECK-OUT
  
CONTACT US
 
OUR STORE
  
GIFT CARDS
  
COMMENTS
  
PAYMENT TYPES
 
PRIVACY
  
 
HOME
ABOUT US
RETURNS
WARRANTY INFO
SHIPPING INFO
TECHNICAL INFO
 
Sunglass Frame and Lens Technology


FRAME MATERIALS
Most high-end sunglass frames are constructed of two basic types of material---plastic compounds and metal alloys. Each material has distinct benefits, and the expected use of the glasses should guide your initial choice between the two. Generally speaking, metal frames tend to be "dressy", while plastic frames are best for casual and sports use. Metal frames will likely have a separate nose piece; most plastic frames will not. Listed below are several different materials used by the manufacturers we represent:

GRILAMID-Nylon compound. Light weight coupled with extreme flexibility and toughness. Highly resistant to sunscreens and other personal-care products (does not apply to painted or plated frames, which can be easily damaged by long-term exposure to these chemicals). Allows the use of integrated hidden hinges. Adjustments usually not an option due to the material's flexibiliy (in simple terms, this means that the frame either fits or it doesn't).

ACETATE-Also refered to as Zyl Acetate. High-quality material used for clears, crystals, fades and other high-fashion polished designs. Frames usually have a smooth, dense finish. Can be used in both painted/plated frames and in through-and-through colors. May require adjustments to fit the wearer due to limited flexibility (frames will likely need to be heated for adjustment---you will want to contact a local optical office for assistance).

PROPIONATE-Acetate-based material used in most Spy Optic fashion frames. Hard, polished surface. May have wire cores in the temples allowing for personal adjustment---frame heating will usually be required.

NYLON-Cellolose (plastic based) compounds used by many manufacturers. Strong, lightweight and durable, nylon can be used for solids, fades and painted/plated frames. Likely the most common material used in performance eyewear frames. Adjustments may be possible with frame heating.

METAL ALLOYS-Best for casual or fashion use (not for sports or other active pursuits). May be fitted with spring hinges, which provide great comfort but less "grip". Not as forgiving as plastic-based frames if dropped, sat on, etc. Adjustable earpieces and nosepads provide the opportunity for a true custom fit. Produced in full-rim, half-rim and virtually frameless designs.

FRAME FINISHES-Sunglass frames are produced in both "Gloss" and "Matte" finishes ("Matte" is best described as a flat or no gloss finish). All glasses should be cleaned regularly to avoid damage from tanning lotions and other personal-care chemicals.

LENS MATERIALS
Sunglass lenses are produced in glass and various plastic compounds:

GLASS-Provides superior optics and scratch resistance, but may crack or shatter if dropped, struck with a hard object, etc. Not for use in sports or other active pursuits. Some manufacturers are now producing thinner glass lenses, resulting in substantial weight savings (Smith, Maui Jim).

CR39-Hard plastic resin developed by PPG during WWII. Much lighter (about 50%) than glass of equivalent thickness. Prone to scratching unless treated with a scratch-resistant coating (most manufacturers do coat their lenses). Used for most colored, fade and gradiant lenses due to ease of tinting.

POLYCARBONATE-The most impact-resistant lens material currently available (also used in bullet-proof glass). Can be produced thinner and lighter than either CR39 or glass. Prone to scratching unless treated (as with CR39, most manufacturers do coat their lenses). Difficult to tint, so generally not used for colored, fade or gradiant lenses. Most quality solid-color lenses (grey, grey-green or brown) produced by our manufacturers are made of polycarbonate.

POLARIZATION-Available in either glass, CR39 or polycarbonate lenses. A Polarizing filter is designed to cut glare (intense light reflected off of a flat horizontal surface---water, snow, asphalt, concrete, etc in front of the wearer). Has no bearing on ambient (non-reflected) sunlight, lens color, tint darkness, etc (a clear lens could be produced with a Polarizing filter). Users: skiers, snowboarders, boaters, fishermen, drivers in both bright winter and summer conditions. Usually offered in a limited number of frame colors (except Maui Jim, whose models all use Polarizing filters).


FRAME SHAPE
Shown below are examples of the three basic frame shapes as described on our website ("Minimal Wrap", "Semi-Wrap" and "Full Wrap"). "Wrap" simply refers to the amount of curve in the frame. These overhead photos clearly show the difference in wrap between three frame designs of about equal overall width. The amount of wrap in a frame will affect how the glasses fit different face shapes and sizes---generally speaking, full-wrap frames will fit closer to the face than a semi-wrap, which, in turn, will fit closer than a minimal wrap.

FRAME SIZES
Most sunglass frames fall into 3 general size categories having to do with their overall width (Small, Medium and Large are the way we describe them on our website). These descriptors do not necessarily apply to the size of the lenses (for example, a Medium width frame might have Large oversized lenses). Small frames are best for narrow faces, Medium frames tend to fit most average-width faces, and Large frames work well for wider faces.

Both the frame size and frame wrap should be considered when selecting a sunglass style for your particular face size/width and expected product use.

UV PROTECTION
Studies show that long term exposure to UV rays may cause eye diseases, including cataracts. In addition, short-term exposure can cause temporary conditions such as "snow blindness", Ultraviolet radiation can be divided into three categories.

UVC (200 - 290 nm)
UVC is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere and never reaches your eyes.

UVB (290 - 320 nm)
UVB is a physically painful form of ultraviolet radiation. These are the sun's "tanning rays" which are absorbed by the cornea. Exposure to UVB can temporarily damage the cornea.

UVA (320 - 380 nm)
UVA rays are absorbed by the lens of your eye. The resulting damage heals slowly, if at all. About one percent of all UVA rays penetrate the retina, which cannot repair itself.

According to factory documentation provided by each of our manufacturers, all sunglass products shown on our website provide 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays.