Eye Care > Common Terms > Optical

Optical

Eyeglasses have come a long way since the days of Ben Franklin and his early pair of bifocals. Whether your frames are made from plastic, metal or other material, when choosing frames today, you can choose from styles that are not only functional, but fun. Some terms your eye care professional may use when discussing frames are defined here.

Beryllium

A steel-gray metal used in frames that resists corrosion and tarnish. Lightweight, strong and flexible, beryllium is an excellent choice for eyeglass wearers who have high skin acidity or spend a lot of time in or around salt water, or for those who want a less-expensive alternative to titanium frames.

Flexon

A titanium-based alloy. Flexon often is referred to as “memory metal” due to its ability to return to its original shape if damaged.

Monel

Monel is a mix of any of a broad range of metals. This mixture is the most widely used material in the manufacture of eyeglass frames.

Propionate

This is a hypoallergenic, nylon-based plastic used in eyeglass frames. It is a lightweight plastic that has a different look and feel than other plastics.

Stainless steel

An alternative to titanium or beryllium frames. An alloy of steel and chromium, stainless steel frames are lightweight, hypoallergenic and reasonably priced.

Titanium

A silver-gray metal that is lightweight, durable, strong and corrosion-resistant. Titanium is becoming a common choice for eyeglass frames due to its ability to be produced in a variety of colors.

Zyl

Also known as zylonite, or cellulose acetate. Zyl is a very cost-effective and creative option for eyewear and is extremely lightweight. It is best known for its laminated frames that produce the colors of the rainbow.