Sunglasses and Eyeglasses Anatomy

If you are in the market for sunglasses or eyeglasses, you should know the essential components of glasses. You’ll be an expert before you know it!

Rim / Frame

The main function of a rim or frame is to hold the lenses in place.

End Pieces

End pieces are part of the frame and connect the frame to the temples.

Bridge

The bridge is the center of the frame and rests on your nose. It holds the frame together.

Hinges

Located between the end pieces and temples, hinges allow you to open and close the temples. Some hinges are flexible or spring loaded to allow for a snug fit.

Lenses

Lenses can be made of glass, plastic or other materials. They are held in place inside of the frame.

Screws

The screws are small metal fasteners near the hinges that connect the end pieces with the temples.

Nose Pads

The nose pads are the round plastic pieces under the bridge that sit on your nose. Not all glasses have nose pads.

Pad Arms

The pad arms extend from the frame and hold the nose pads in place. They’re usually adjustable. Not all glasses have pad arms.

Temples

The temples are the long arms on the side of the frame that fit over your ears. The part that sits on your ears is called the temple tip or earpiece.