Frame Lingo
Keep in mind that early eyeglasses were narrower in width
as compared to today’s eyeglasses. Small was “in”.
Large didn’t exist. As the years
progressed however, eyewear became wider and wider in width due to improvements
in design and technology. Now that you are aware of this, the Professors at Vintage City Eyewear present this short tutorial regarding
frame sizing. Pay attention - there will be a quiz at the end.
Frame measurements are usually given in millimeters. Some
of the older frames have sizes in inches. The size of a frame can be found marked on the inside of
the temple, on the inside of the bridge or sometimes on the backside of the frame
stamped on the upper right and/or left corner of the frame.
An example of a frame size would be: 54-22-145 .
Here is what each number stands for:
54 = the width of each lens measured at the widest point
across in millimeters (called the “Box” size)
22 = the bridge size is the distance between the lenses measured in millimeters. This is abbreviated as DBL (Distance Between Lenses)
145 = the length of the temples measured in millimeters
(or in older frames it may be marked in inches as 5 1/4)
Next to each photo of eyeglasses on this site the frame
information will be listed as follows:
54-22-145 (Box -
Bridge -Temple) and if otherwise
noted all this info will be in millimeters.
Frame Width: This is the width of the front of the frame
as measured from one side to the other. Measurements may be given as from
temple-to-temple or lens-to-lens in inches. Our photos will give frame width as measured across the widest part of the frame.
B size : This is the vertical height of
the frame as measured from the bottom of the frame that holds the
lens – to the top of the frame. Known as the frame height. It will be listed in millimeters (mm). SEE DIAGRAM BELOW.
T e m p l e L e n g t h (Conventional Temple)
A word about “cable” temples. Many older (and some newer)
metal frames will have metal temples that curve or “hook” around the ears. They are sometimes call Comfort Cable temples. This
type of temple is very good for those of you who are very active. All other temples work great for those of us
who are proud couch potatoes.
Homework Assignment: Look at your frame – can you find
the markings
indicating the size of the frame you are currently
wearing? If you find it - great! You've earned a day off from work. If you can't find it -you'll
have to work an extra day without pay - so keep
trying!!
If you still have not found the frame markings don’t feel
too bad. Sometimes the markings are
stamped into the plastic and are easy to see and will rarely wear out, other times an ink marking is used and with
time it will rub off. If that happens, just pull out your trusty millimeter
rule and take the measurements yourself.
Now for the quiz ( I warned you!):
1. What do the numbers 54-22-145 indicate??
(Don't Cheat!)
Those who got it right - treat yourself to a Highball!
Those who got it wrong - stick with Ovaltine!
