Spectacles wearers commonly complain of itching or redness on the sides of the face, dark marks or even rashes, too much weight of the eyewear, spectacles slipping down the nose, and what not!
Our skin reacts to different materials differently. Skin sensitivity is one important parameter to be considered while picking up your spectacles.
If you have a skin type that is sensitive and causes allergic reactions then your need to prioritize the quality of your eyewear. What material eyeglasses will suit you really depends on your skin type.
India experiences hot weather most of the time throughout the year which is why perspiration is obvious. Perspiration not only wears off the color of clothes but also affects the coating of your spectacles.
Habitually wearing spectacles result into light dissolving of metal constituent mainly due to perspiration or bodily fluids causing a rash on the skin. This condition is called metal allergy.
If you are not highly allergic to metal eyeglasses then cleaning the spectacle loosely under tap water once a day could be advised. After cleaning with water dry your eyewear with a clean soft cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth.
In case your skin is extra sensitive to the metal you may consider trying other eyeglass materials. Premium materials like titanium are determined to be safe for skin, rust-free, strong, and light.
Titanium
Properties of titanium make it a prominent choice of material for various aerospace engineering applications and automotive engineering applications.
The qualities that make it most sought after in the eyewear industry are anti-corrosive, anti-allergic, flexibility, strength, and striking color. It is a step ahead solution for metal eyeglasses and was well-liked by consumers.
Titanium used in eyewear is of three types Pure, Beta, and Memory metal. Each with its superior properties supports various designs of spectacles..
Pure titanium eyeglasses were the first to enter the markets which were followed by Beta titanium. It is a mix of titanium and two more alloys that added strength and elasticity to its prevailing properties. Memory metal was a balanced combination of titanium and nickel that makes it greatly flexible and strong such that it regains its shape upon twisting and bending.
Titanium eyewear is pricey compared to metal, but its superior qualities make it worth and a preferred choice of consumers.
Plastic
When it comes to plastic eyeglasses key concern is durability. This is why you need to know there are various types available in the market. Now, most plastic spectacle wearers would have picked up the term acetate which is a synopsis of various types of plastic used in manufacturing eyeglasses.
Eyeglasses made using cellulose propionate can be made using the injection mold method. They come in intricate designs and are dime a dozen. But what sets it back is the durability. This material is difficult to refit upon heating and brittles away over time.
Other types of plastic include cellulose acetate which also is modest in cost but can be a little bulky and wears off over time. For people with sensitive skin, Optyl plastic eyeglasses are a great choice.
You probably would never hear all these terms when you walk into a store. Words like “mold eyeglasses” and “acetate” are commonly used around in the optical world. If you are looking for more of an easy-on-the-pocket yet hypo allergic option you may try acetate material eyeglasses.
Acetate eyewear manufacturers quickly adopt new fashion trends which are well admired by people of all ages. Compared to mold, they could be a little pricy; however, lasts longer. Prominent features of acetate plastic eyewear make it fast-selling eyewear in the market.
Furthermore, learn some features of plastic eyeglasses to consider a purchase.
Durability: Acetate eyeglasses are tailor-made using layers of plastic which gives them strength and durability. Spectacles for kids especially need to be durable since they are most likely to breakages. Yet eyeglasses need to be handled with care in any case. Acetate can add to durability which can make it easy to use. High power patients just can’t do without their glasses hence durability is an important factor to consider for them.
Hypo allergic: Being more cost-effective, it is an ideal alternative to titanium. Yet, the strength of titanium is no match.
Comfort: Metal or titanium spectacles use rubber or silicone nose pads to fit the frame on your face. They mostly leave marks on your nose and in the worse cases can cause allergies as well. Plastic eyewear endures various nose bridge designs most common is a keyhole that gently places over anyone’s nose. These are less likely to get imbalanced. The imbalance of frame can cause irregularities in the vision of astigmatic patients.
Diverse: Acetate comes in all manner of designs and colors. It’s a no-compromise for fashion and trend seekers. This is also a reason why more people prefer plastic over any other material for eyewear.
Other sustainable materials
Other than plastic, wooden eyewear is also picking up in the optic industry. With new developments in design, we may see them more in the market.
Precaution for eyewear allergy
Cleaning your eyewear is just as important to keep allergies at bay. Whether your work requires staying indoors or outdoors you must clean your eyewear once a day.
- Gently hold your eyewear under tap water and let the water take away all the bodily fluids sticking over.
- Use lens cleaner to remove any particles present on your lens.
- Now, use a microfiber cloth or cotton cloth to wipe. Using other materials can damage the coating or cause scratches.
- Keep your glasses in the case when not in use.
- Do not keep your glasses upside down as dirt can stick to your lenses causing scratches.
- Do not touch your eyewear with dirty hands.
Inculcating these hygienic habits is vital for any person with sensitive skin or otherwise.
