Different Parts Of Sunglasses and Spectacles (and what they’re called)

Have you ever thought about the different parts that make up your sunglasses? Is your current pair not fitting correctly or you want to get a new pair of eyeglasses?

If you answer yes to the questions above, then make sure you read this post to the end. As a trusted and reliable sunglass brand, we created this post to inform you about all the parts of sunglasses. It is also not a bad idea to become familiar with the functions of the individual part that make up your sunglasses, in case they are faulty and you need replacement parts.

So let’s get started with the parts of sunglasses:

LENSES

The lenses are perhaps the most vital part of your sunglasses. Made from different materials, such as glass, plastic or polycarbonate material, they are clear pieces through which the wearer can see. There are also some treatments that are done on lenses to further protect your eyes from UV rays. Depending on the type of your frame front, they are securely held in place by the rims.

Function: Lens protects the eyes from being susceptible to different objects or airborne particles.

FRAME FRONT

The frame front is probably the major thing people consider when buying a pair of sunglasses. It comes in different sizes, materials, shapes, and colors, and largely dictates the aesthetic and style of your sunglasses. The frame front has different parts, including thickness and shape that makes the look of the frame. We also have different types, including Full rim frame fronts, Half-rim frame fronts, and Rimless frame fronts

Function: Frame front secures your lenses in place using a lens groove or a thin nylon cord called “Supra.”

Nose Pad

Nose Pads are the little circular or hump pads found under the bridge of your sunglasses. They are usually made of acetate, titanium, or rubber materials, and are durable. Depending on your chosen style of frame front, there are different types of nose pad for sunglasses frames. Ideally, a nose pad should be hypoallergenic to lower the chances of skin reactions. They can be easily adjusted except they are molded into the frame.

Function: Nose pads may be the smallest visible part of sunglasses, but are designed to give the sunglasses a more comfortable and snug fit. They help to keep the sunglasses from slipping out of place.

Pad Arm

It is the part connected to the nose pad. It extends from the rims and holds the nose pads in place.

Function: Pad arm holds the nose pad in place to allow for adjustment so the sunglasses can fit the natural shape of the wearer’s face.

Hinges

The hinges are the metal joints that conveniently connect the end pieces of each of the temples to the frame fronts. While conventional sunglasses feature a regular hinge, the technically advanced counterparts use spring-loaded hinges that spread the temples according to the face width.

Function: Hinges allow opening and inward closure of the temple on sunglasses.

Bridge

The bridge is the area of the frame that arches up over the nose. It is between the lenses and connects the two lens rims together. A few varieties of bridges include the regular bridges with a second bar on top, the saddle bridges for heavier glasses, and the keyhole bridges for flatter and smaller noses.

Function: It supports 90% of the weight of sunglasses and determines the frame fit. The bridge bump creates room for the top of your nose as the glasses rest on your face. The bridge aperture (bridge apical radius) creates space for the majority of the nose, without which the nose won’t fit into the frame.

Lens Rim

Also known as eye wire, rim refers to the front portion of the sunglasses where the lenses are put. They are where sunglasses lenses are fitted into the frame.

Function: Lens rims give character and form to sunglasses and also hold the lenses in place.

Top Bar

It is a small bar that runs across the bridge top between the two lenses. Not all sunglasses have a top bar, and it’s becoming uncommon with modern designs of sunglasses.

Function: The major reason for the top bar is to offer extra support to the frames.

Screws

Screws are small metal fasteners that can be seen on the hinges joining the frame front with the end pieces of the temples. A few varieties include thread seeking screws, cross head screws, and the dowel screws, which is the most common type of screw for sunglasses.

Function: Screws connect the two halves of a hinge together by passing through the top tenons of the interlocked hinges. They support the opening and closing mechanism of your sunglasses temples and are also used on the bridge to hold the nose pad.

Temple tips

These are plastic coverings at the tip of your sunglass temples. They are made in different iterations, and some are softer that the others. A few varieties based on material include acetate glasses temple tips, metal temple tips, Loop end temple tips, etc.

Function: Temple tips protect the temple material (metal or plastic) and keep the temples from rubbing against and irritating the skin.

Temple

Often called the arms or legs of a pair of sunglasses, temples are the stems on either side of the frame that extends over the ears of the wearer. They are named “Temple” due to their closeness to that part of the face, and are available in various lengths to fit different head sizes.

Function: The main function of glass temples is to securely hold the frame in place and keeps the sunglasses on the wearer’s face.

Ear Piece

Usually seen as a part of sunglasses with metal frames, ear piece is the coating that covers the part of the temple that rests over the ear. A few varieties are silicon or plastic coatings.

Function: Ear piece provides comfort, prevents skin irritation, and relieves the pressure of the temples on the top of your ears.

End Piece

They are the small parts of the frame that extends outward and connect the lenses to the temples. End pieces vary in shape and size, depending on the style of temples on your sunglasses. We have a rimless end piece, half rim end piece, or full-rim end pieces.

Function: This part of sunglasses help to hold the glass in place and prevent them from falling off.