What are the parts of sunglasses called? -

Sunglasses are a fashion accessory that not only protect our eyes from harmful UV rays but also add style to any outfit. While most people are familiar with the basic components of sunglasses such as the lenses and the frame, there are several other parts that make up this essential accessory.

From the bridge to the hinges and the temples, each component plays a crucial role in ensuring that our sunglasses not only look good but also fit comfortably and provide adequate protection. American Optical takes pride in expertly crafting every detail of our glasses. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the lesser-known parts of a new pair of sunglasses and explore their functions.

Sunglasses Parts Diagram

Here's a quick reference of which sunglass parts are which:

Sunglasses Parts Names

1. Lenses

Sunglass lenses are one of the easiest parts of glasses to identify. They're the transparent, curved pieces of glass or plastic that are placed in the frame of sunglasses to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays and glare from the sun.

Lenses can come in various colors, shapes, and materials, each with unique properties that affect their performance. American Optical offers SkyMaster glass lenses for the purest optics and AOLite nylon lenses for lightweight comfort and much clearer vision than polycarbonate lenses.

All AO lenses feature a backside anti-reflective coating to stop rays from bouncing behind the lens. They also have an oleophobic coating to minimize smudges and hard coating to reduce scratches. Adding polarization to lenses reduces glare by filtering out horizontal light waves, resulting in crisper, more comfortable vision.

The quality and type of lens used in sunglasses can greatly affect the wearer's visual clarity, comfort, and eye protection, making it an important consideration when selecting a pair of sunglasses.

2. Frame Front

The sunglass frame front refers to the part of the sunglasses that holds the lenses in place and sits on the front of the face. It includes the bridge, which is the piece that rests on the nose, and the lens rims, which hold the lenses securely in place.

The frame front also determines the overall style and design of the sunglasses, as it can come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, from classic aviator styles to modern geometric shapes.

The frame front is an essential component of sunglasses, as it provides both functional and aesthetic benefits. All AO frame fronts are manufactured in our US factory using the finest global components available.

3. Nose Pads

Nose pads are the part of the sunglasses that rest on your nose. They are designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit by distributing the weight of the sunglasses across the bridge of the nose, reducing pressure and preventing slipping.

In acetate frames, these are built into the frame front, but in metal frames, they are attached to the frame front by nose pad arms and can be adjusted.

American Optical nose pads have been updated to a click-in style, for easy cleaning and replacement when necessary. We have upgraded the material to PVC, produced by Frey Winkler.

Properly fitted nose pads can enhance the comfort and wearability of sunglasses, making them a key component of the overall design.

4. Nose Pad Arm

Nose pads arms are carefully soldered to the frame front of metal frames and are designed to be gently adjusted to help keep frames from sliding down your nose.

It's always a good idea to visit an optician to ensure the nose pads arms (among other frame parts) are well-adjusted to your individual face.

5. Hinges

Sunglass hinges are the opening and closing mechanism of the frame. They connect the temples (or arms) of the sunglasses to the frame front.

AO hinges are sourced from OBE, the world's finest hinge maker. There are various designs of hinges, from the minimalist design of the monoblock hinge on the Original Pilot pictured above to the seven-barrel hinges of the Saratoga.

Properly functioning hinges are essential to the wearability and longevity of sunglasses, making them an important component of the overall design.

6. Bridge

An eyewear bridge is the small piece that connects the two lens rims of eyeglasses or sunglasses. The bridge helps to provide stability and support for the eyewear.

Bridges can be made from various materials, such as metal or acetate, and are made in different shapes and sizes to fit different nose shapes, and enhance the style of the sunglasses.

A well-designed bridge is important for the overall comfort and stability of eyewear.

7. Lens Rim

Sunglass lens rims are the frames that hold the lenses in place and surround the perimeter of the lenses. The lens rims are an essential component of sunglasses, as they provide stability and support for the lenses, ensuring that they stay in place and do not fall out.

8. Top Bar or Brace Bar

Styles such as aviators feature a top bar above the bridge. This bar adds extra stability to the frames, essential for styles that were first developed to withstand use by the military and pilots.

9. Screws

Sunglass screws hold the various components of sunglasses together. You'll find screws in sunglass hinges, as well as on the lens rim of metal styles.

Removable screws allow for easy repairs or adjustments. The quality and durability of sunglass screws can greatly affect the overall functionality and lifespan of the sunglasses, making them an important consideration when selecting or repairing sunglasses. AO screws feature a vinyl sleeve to prevent them from loosening over time with daily wear.

10. Temple

Sunglass temples, also known as arms or earpieces, refers to the part of the sunglasses that extends from the frame to the back of the ear, providing support and stability for the sunglasses.

Most temples bend down around the ear and can be adjusted to keep the frames secure on your head. The Original Pilot features a signature AO design - the bayonet temple. This temple was designed specifically for military pilots, as you can put on and remove the sunglasses without having to take off a helmet.

Regardless of the temple style, we recommend visiting an optician to ensure they are adjusted to provide the best individual fit for you.

11. Temple Tips

Metal temples also have temple tips. AO temple tips are handcrafted from acetate. They attach to the part of the temple that rests on your ear.

Temple tips serve two main functions: to provide a comfortable and secure fit and to prevent the sunglasses from slipping off the face.

12. End Piece

Eyewear endpieces, also known as temple mounts or hinge mounts, are the small, often decorative, parts of the frame located at the top outer corners of the sunglasses where the temples are attached.

Endpieces serve two main functions: to provide a stable and secure attachment point for the temples and to enhance the overall aesthetics of the eyewear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the various parts of sunglasses can help you make informed decisions when selecting a pair that fits your style and needs. From the nose pads to the temples, each component plays a unique role in ensuring that your sunglasses are comfortable and provide adequate protection for your eyes.

So next time you're shopping for a new pair of American Optical shades, keep these parts in mind and choose the perfect pair that will keep you looking and feeling your best.

Contact us with any questions about the parts of sunglasses to consider while shopping.