We often get enquiries about solving problems that people have experienced in the past with their glasses. Technology moves on in all aspects of our lives, and spectacle frames and lenses are no exception. So if you’re clinging to your vintage specs and despairing that nothing can be done to help you, take a look at what’s happened over the past few years……

Nose pads – Individual nose pads on frames used to be bane of many patients lives. Particularly when frames were big and heavy, small craters would be dug in noses due to badly fitting or damaged pads. Pads have improved due to two advances – firstly, flexible pad arms and pads that settle slightly when you put the frame on, so they sit just where you need them. Secondly, silicone pads, which are softer and more skin friendly. These can be fitted to most frames.

Chipped Frames – There are different materials used in spectacle frames today which are more durable for every day wear. Most frames used to be made up of a nickel silver base with layers of colour and lacquer built up over them. Many people reacted to the Nickel silver, so the frames would discolour and so would the skin! Nickel based frames now have superior coatings on them, but we can also offer hypo-allergenic materials if you have a severe allergy.

Loose Screws – Screws are necessary to hold the rims of metal frames together, and hold the sides on. They do work loose over time, but new materials and products help to make this less of a problem. Screws may be silicone coated or self tapping, which provide more bite and stay in place. There are more spring hinges around too, which take the stress off the joints and prevent wear and tear.

Scratched lenses – When we made the switch from glass to plastic lenses, clients need education in looking after their specs. Plastic is softer and does scratch more easily, but explaining to customers to wash their specs and take care how they lay them down has helped. Most plastic is now anti-scratch coated, which at least makes it scratch resistant.