Pros and Cons of Plastic vs. Metal Eyeglasses

Pros and Cons of Plastic vs. Metal Eyeglasses  

Once you’ve finished your eye exam and are ready to pick out new eyeglasses in Portland, you’ll find yourself emerged in a plethora of frame styles and colors. With so many options from which to choose, you’ll be wondering about the differences between plastic and metal eyeglass frames. Since both offer several advantages, choosing eyeglass frames often comes down to personal preference. To help make your decision easier, here are a few things to consider.

Comfort

If you want comfort, you can do fine with either metal or plastic frames. While plastic frames have a molded bridge that rests on your nose, metal frames usually have nose pads that can be adjusted to fit the contours of your nose, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments if necessary.

Color Options

As color has become a more important aspect of eyeglass frames, both plastic and metal frames now offer a wide array of colors for folks of all ages. Whether you are a style-conscious adult or have a child who may be getting their first pair of eye glasses, being able to find glasses in your favorite color will always be fun.

Active Lifestyle

Since you may lead a very active lifestyle, make sure you take this into consideration when selecting your eyeglass frames. For example, while metal frames may initially look a bit fragile to you, they are actually made to be very durable, just as are plastic frames. In some cases, metal frames may be more lightweight and flexible than plastic lenses, which could play a factor if you engage in sporting activities.

Prescription Level

Finally, you may want to take the prescription level for your lenses into account when selecting your frames. If your eyesight is poor and you require a higher prescription, this may mean your lenses could be somewhat heavier and thicker. If this is the case, plastic frames may be more suitable. However, with the many advances in optical technology, even lenses for higher prescriptions can be made much thinner and lighter than in years past, allowing them to work well in metal frames.

By talking to your optometrist and optician during the selection process, you can walk out of the office wearing a pair of glasses that will make you the talk of the town.