Titanium, Acetate or Metal Frames: What Is the Difference?

Titanium is strong, light and corrosion-resistant; acetate, a plastic, comes in many colours and is easy to adjust; other metals, such as stainless steel or Monel, are strong but may contain nickel. The right choice depends on the weight you want, the style, any allergy and how hard you are on your glasses.

What are glasses frames made of?

Plastic, metal, or both. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), today's frames are made from many types of plastic and metal, and some combine them, for example a plastic front around the lenses with titanium temples.

The AAO points out that price and style are not the only things to weigh: weight, strength, flexibility and corrosion resistance differ from one material to the next.

What is an acetate frame?

It is a frame made of cellulose acetate, a plastic also called zyl. The AAO describes it as inexpensive, lightweight and available in many colours. It is also easy for the optician to adjust.

Plastic frames are the most popular choice, according to the AAO, because they are light and come in a wide range of styles. Their drawback: over time, the colour can fade slightly and the strength may decrease.

What other plastics are used?

Nylon and Optyl, among others. According to the AAO, blended nylon is strong and lightweight: it is a popular choice for sports or safety frames, and it often shows up in wraparound styles because it is easy to mould.

Optyl is a brand of epoxy resin. The AAO notes that it becomes very malleable when heated, which lets the optician mould the frame to the shape of your face.

Why choose a titanium frame?

For its strength and lightness. According to the AAO, titanium is very strong, lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It is also considered hypoallergenic, an important point for people allergic to some metals, such as nickel.

The AAO adds that titanium is a good choice for older children and for anyone who is rough on their glasses. Titanium frames come in several colours.

What about stainless steel, Monel or aluminum?

Each has its strengths. The AAO describes stainless steel as lightweight and strong, though not as light as titanium, often less expensive than other metals and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum, used in some high-end frames, is corrosion-resistant, flexible and strong.

Monel is a mix of metals that may contain nickel. According to the AAO, most Monel frames have a coating to protect the skin; it is flexible and corrosion-resistant.

What is a memory metal frame?

It is a frame that springs back into shape. The AAO describes Flexon, a very flexible titanium alloy that returns to its shape even after being twisted or bent; it calls it handy for active kids.

Be careful with the word "titanium", though: a study published in 2013 in Annals of Dermatology reports that some titanium memory alloys can contain 40% nickel or more. If you are allergic to nickel, ask exactly what the frame is made of.

Plastic or metal: which is stronger?

Metal, in general. According to the AAO, frames made of metal, titanium or alloys stand up well to wear and tear, while plastic frames break more easily than metal ones.

Plastic still has advantages: it is light, often less expensive and comes in more colours. Our article on choosing frames that fit your face explains how to check size and fit, whatever the material.

Can you be allergic to your glasses frame?

Yes, but it is uncommon. A 2013 review in Collegium Antropologicum states that contact dermatitis from eyeglass frames is uncommon, and that the most common causes are plasticizers, UV stabilizers and nickel.

The same authors suggest suspecting it when there is a rash behind the ears or where the frame touches the skin. A frame that looks silver or gold may contain nickel, and reactions to palladium and titanium frames have also been reported. Changing the frame material is often the only solution.

Is a "hypoallergenic" frame risk-free?

Not necessarily. The 2013 Annals of Dermatology study notes that many frames marketed as "hypoallergenic" may be far from it. Pure nickel is used mostly as plating, to bond the finish to the frame; that plating has tiny imperfections, and nickel dissolved by sweat can get through.

The same study found more scratches on the parts of the frame that touch the skin. If a rash appears, show the frame to your optician and talk to your doctor.

What about rimless glasses?

They are very light. According to the AAO, rimless or drilled frames are lightweight, and Trivex or polycarbonate lenses are the ones used with this type of frame.

Both materials stand up well to impact. Our article on lens materials explains how they differ from standard and high-index lenses.

Which material for a child's glasses?

It depends on age. The AAO suggests soft plastic frames for little ones, because they bend and are less likely to hurt the child in a fall. Titanium is a good choice for older children, and flexible metal frames suit active kids.

For everything else, lenses, fit and sports, see our article on glasses for kids.

How do you choose a frame material?

Start with what matters most to you. If you want lightness and strength, titanium is one option, according to the AAO. If you like colour, acetate offers plenty. If you have a nickel allergy, the AAO presents titanium and some plastics as hypoallergenic; still check what the frame contains. For sports, nylon is common.

Nothing replaces trying them on: the weight on your nose, the pressure behind your ears and how comfortable they feel after a few minutes tell you a lot.

Where can you see different frames in Montréal?

At PrimeVision, 9520 Boulevard de l'Acadie, Suite 222, in Montréal (Ahuntsic), optometrists and a licensed optician work under one roof. In the shop, the licensed optician, Michel Geha, O.O.D., can show you acetate, titanium and metal frames and help you choose for your prescription and your skin, among more than 4,000 frames for every budget. RAMQ covers eye exams for children under 18 and adults 65+.

To see the options, visit our page on prescription glasses in Montréal, or book from our page on eye exams in Montréal.

Sources

• How to Choose the Glasses Frame Material That's Right for You, American Academy of Ophthalmology, April 22, 2020.
• Kim IS et al., The fine scratches of the spectacle frames and the allergic contact dermatitis, Annals of Dermatology, 2013.
• Šitum M et al., Dermatological aspects of contact dermatitis from eyeglass frames and optical materials, Collegium Antropologicum, 2013.