Materials
Metal
‘Nickel Monet' - one of the most common of frame materials. Nickel silver is a combination of nickel, copper and zinc that is not actually silver, but resembles silver. It is an inexpensive and popular material that can be used to create look-alike jewllery and spectacle frames. This can then be coated or painted to provide a wide variety of finishes. The advantage of such a material is its relatively inexpensive cost, however nickel allergy is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis - an itchy rash that appears when you skin touches a normally harmless substance. If the allergy is due to nickle, it is likely to become a life-long nuisance once it has developed and hence alternative frame materials are available.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel frames are known to be more lightweight than conventional frames, which is very useful for individuals who suffer with sinus problems or those are bothered by the weight of glasses. It is also good for ‘thin profile' frames.
Titanium
Titanium glasses frames may seem like an expensive and unnecessary luxury. However, titanium offers many benefits over traditional frame materials that can more than make up for their cost.
Titanium is ‘hypoallergenic' and therefore virtually inert, thus it very rarely causes skin reactions. However, in frames, titanium can be used alone, or as an alloy with other metals where the titanium makes up about 75%, so if you suffer with metal allergies, it is probably best to stick with the ‘pure' variety to avoid allergic reaction. Titanium is also resistant to corrosion, and hence does not create a green rust when it comes into contact with perspiring skin.
Titanium is a unique metal that is the most lightweight of choices. This is not only due to the strength (allowing less metal to be used), but also due to the fact that titanium is about 40% lighter than steel. This is very useful for individuals who are bothered by the weight of glasses, and when combined with high density lens material, can lead to very light glasses.
It has a high degree of malleability and hence can bend or elongate without breaking. Instead, it returns to its original shape, which makes it a good choice for safety frames, or have small children that like to grab things.
Plastic
A very trendy choice at the moment, the use of plastic has lead increasingly wild and wacky designs, combining a variety of colours, materials and styles. Again, an ideal choice of those with nickel allergies. Also suitable for people that suffer with sinus problems, or those that don't like the ‘pressure' than can be caused by the nose pads on more traditional frames.
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