Plastic—including acetate or Zyl—is the top material for comfortable, lightweight eyeglasses and sunglasses. Plastic frames are durable, they can accommodate thicker prescription lenses, and they're usually hypoallergenic. Because plastic is easily moulded into unique shapes and can be injected with pigment or even laminated to create a layered effect, plastic frames come in a wide array of colours, shapes, and finishes to satisfy a multitude of style sensibilities.
Plastic is a popular material for eyewear frames—but when it comes to glasses, "plastic” can mean a number of things. Zyl and nylon-based acetates are some of the most common options in eyewear because they're lightweight and durable. These plastics can be layered or laminated to create a range of colours, textures, and patterns, resulting in fashionable frames that show off your personal style.
And plastic frames are popular for sports and active lifestyles. Explore the GlassesCanada collection of plastic eyeglasses, sunglasses, and prescription sunglasses for men and women to discover classic frame shapes, bold new silhouettes, and colourful options for every taste.
Frames that are made out of metal, titanium, or some type of alloy tend to be more resistant to wear and tear, but plastic frames are also popular because they're not as expensive and can come in a variety of colours and styles. The problem with plastic frames is that they can break more easily. And over time, the colour can start to fade.
Plastic can give you a lot of colour options, especially with zylonite (also called cellulose acetate). It's both cost-effective and extremely lightweight, but some manufacturers use acetate (which is a nylon-based plastic that's hypoallergenic). Nylon is also good for performance frames that are used for playing sports because they're flexible and are resistant to hot and cold.
Plastic frames can be made of a number of different materials, but here are a few of the most common:
If you're looking for a place to fill your plastic eyeglasses prescription, be sure to look at what we have at Glasses Canada.
The two main differences between glass and plastic lenses are weight and scratch resistance. Glass lenses are a lot heavier than plastic ones, which can be annoying for several reasons. The extra weight on your nose can be uncomfortable and can cause your glasses to slide off your face. Plastic lenses are lighter, but they're not as resistant to scratches.
To adjust your plastic frames, run the part you want to adjust under hot water or with a hairdryer for two or three minutes. And carefully bend it to the desired position. If the frame keeps sliding off your face, you can bend the earpieces closer to a 90-degree angle so they'll fit a little tighter. But you should never try to bend or adjust any plastic frame without heating it up first.
If you're looking for a place to purchase plastic eyeglasses online, you can find what you need at Glasses Canada.