Opthalmic Frames
Principal Parts

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A frame is that portion of a pair of spectacles designed to hold the lenses in the proper position before the eyes. Although ophthalmic frames come in a large variety of styles, sizes, shapes, and colors, they usually have certain basic parts in common. As illustrated above, the principal parts of a frame include the front and the temples.

The front consists of two eyewires which surround and hold the lens in place, a bridge which connects the two eyewires, and a pair of endpieces to which the temples are usually connected.

Temples may be divided into five basic categories: 1) Skull Temples which bend down behind the ear and follow the contour of the skull, resting evenly against it; 2) Library Temples which are generally straight and hold the spectacles on primarily by pressure against the side of the head; 3) Convertible Temples which can be used either as library or skull temples depending on the manner in which they are bent; 4) Riding Bow Temples which curve around the ear and extend to the level of the ear lobe. They are often used in both children�s frames and safety eyewear; 5) Comfort Cable Temples which are similar to the riding bow but are constructed from a metal flexible coiled cable.