Full Bevel Frames

Full bevel frames, also known as "hide-a-bevel" frames, are some of the most common frame designs around.  They have the ability to hold most lenses very tight, and can accommodate the thinnest lenses possible.  However they normally cannot hold an altered shape. Full bevel frames also do a good job of protecting the exposed edge of the lens.  Full bevel frames are available in both metal and zyl or plastic materials.  Many inexpensive frames are formed from stainless steel, while more expensive frames employ more advanced materials such as titanium.  The evolution of the metal alloys used in full bevel frames has led to developments allowing for flexible materials to be used that help prevent frame damage if it is accidentally bent or twisted.

Semi-rimless Frames

Semi-rimless frames, also know as "grooved" frames, typically employ a nylon string or liner that runs along the bottom of the lens.  For frames like this, the lens edge has a groove cut into it as opposed to the v-shaped bevel of a full metal frame.  This allows for a frame design that eliminates the visual look of a larger frame, as the lens extends beyond where the frame stops.  Due to the required groove in the lens to accommodate the mounting, lenses for a semi-rimless frame require additional thickness in order to not crack or chip.  In order to keep the lenses from chipping, it is suggested that you use lenses with a higher tensile strength that are more resistant to the pressure applied by the sting or liner.  Some of these frames incorporate a metal liner along the top of the frame.  If a metal liner is used, it creates additional stress on the lenses, and it is strongly recommended that you use a material other than cr39.  Also, due to their design, it is often suggested to avoid putting polarized lenses in a semi-rimless frame as it may cause the lens to delaminate, depending on the placement of the polarization wafer within the lens.  One advantage of semi-rimless frames is the ability to adjust the B measurement of the frame if a patient so desires.  This allows for a more custom shape and the ability to specify a seg height that is not possible with the standard shape.  Please contact us if you would like more information on the ability to adjust the B measurement on a custom shape.

Drilled-rimless Frames

Drilled rimless frames are experiencing a resurgence in the optical industry in comparison to full metal frames.  Drilled rimless frames utilize a mounting system requiring holes to be drilled through the lens, and to have either compression sleeves mounted or a lock nut attached to the other side of the mounting post.  Drilled rimless frames, due to the nature of their mounting systems, require the thickest lenses of the three mounting styles.  Additionally, they put an exceedingly high amount of stress on the lens, and it is VERY strongly recommended that you avoid using cr39 in a drilled rimless frame.  Also, the drilling process leaves the inside of the drill holes exposed to chemicals that may drain down past the compression sleeves so chemically reactive lenses (such as poly) should also be avoided if possible.  The chemical makeup of high index lenses has progressed to the point that they work well within a drilled rimless mount, and trivex also performs exceptionally well in a drilled rimless mount.  Drilled rimless frames typically have no frame to surround the lenses, leading to a very clean and modern look.  As a result, a drilled rimless mount is able to accommodate nearly any size and shape of lens design.  A nd B measurements can be adjusted, as well as using nearly any shape imaginable.  One of the downfalls of the drilled rimless mounting is that the absence of a frame means that the lens thickness is fully exposed.  This is a cosmetic issue, but is something that should be considered when you are working with your patient to select a frame.

Industrial/Safety Frames

Industrial frames are available in an assortment of materials and and edge options.  Typically they are a hide-a-bevel design, but they can be found with grooved rimless designs.  Industrial frames require a specified minimum thickness that varies based on the lens material used.  For specifics on required thick nesses, please contact us at the lab.  All industrial frames require markings that specify it as an osha- or government-approved safety frame.  They also require one of the lenses to be marked by the lab that manufactures them with their initials.  If either of these markings are absent, the lenses are not considered to be industrial-safe.

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