Frame, bridge, nylor, panto: at the optician and in the shop you come across many terms you may not know straight away. In part 1 of our optician vocabulary we explain the most important glasses terminology: frame terms, the main types of glasses and the parts of a pair of spectacles. Lenses, refractive errors and measurements follow in Optician Vocabulary, Part 2.
Key points at a glance
- The frame holds the lenses. Frames are full-rim, semi-rimless (nylor) or rimless.
- The shape of glasses, such as panto, cat-eye or aviator, is defined mainly by the shape of the lenses.
- The numbers inside the arm give the lens width, bridge width and arm length in millimetres.
- Terms for lenses, refractive errors and measurements are in part 2.
Glasses, spectacles, eyeglasses: basic terminology
In everyday use, frame, spectacle frame and glasses model mean the same thing: the part that holds the lenses. This table explains the most important basic terms.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Glasses (spectacles, specs, eyeglasses) | All of these words mean the same thing. “Glasses” is the everyday word, “spectacles” is the more formal British one, “specs” is informal and “eyeglasses” is mainly used in American English. |
| Frame | Holds the lenses and rests on nose and ears. Frames are made of metal, plastic or a mixture of both. Which material suits you depends on your preferences and on what your skin tolerates. |
| Prescription glasses | Glasses with lenses in an individual prescription that correct a refractive error. This includes single-vision, reading and varifocal glasses. |
| Sunglasses | Glasses with tinted lenses and a UV filter. Look for UV400 and the CE mark, usually inside the arm. Sunglasses are also available with a prescription. |
| Optician | A specialist for glasses and contact lenses who advises on frames and lenses and adjusts the glasses to fit. In the UK, sight tests are carried out by optometrists, often at the same practice. |
| Ophthalmologist | A medical doctor who examines the eyes for diseases. If you have complaints or notice changes in your vision, have it checked by an optician or an eye doctor. |
Full-rim, semi-rimless, rimless and nylor: how the lenses are held
The construction describes how much rim surrounds the lens. It shapes the look of the glasses. If you are after a fine frame, semi-rimless or rimless styles are usually worth a look.
| Construction | How the lens is held | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Full rim | The frame surrounds the lens all the way round. | clearly visible, shapes the face |
| Semi-rimless (nylor) | A rim holds the lens at the top, a fine nylon cord at the bottom. | light, emphasises the brow line |
| Rimless (drilled) | The lenses are drilled; bridge and arms are fixed directly to the lens. | barely visible, very light |
On nylor glasses (also called supra frames) an invisible but tear-resistant nylon cord sits in a fine groove in the edge of the lens. What makes them special is therefore not the material or the shape but the way the lenses are held. Because they hide little of the face, they are considered particularly suitable for narrow faces. You can read more about the differences in Rimless Glasses: Pros, Cons and Who They Suit.
Types of glasses: panto, cat-eye, aviator and more
The name of a glasses shape comes mainly from the shape of the lenses. These are the most important types of glasses:
| Shape | What to look for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Aviator (pilot glasses) | teardrop-shaped lenses, fine frame, often a double bridge | A classic among sunglasses, in metal as well as plastic. |
| Cat-eye | curved shape reminiscent of a butterfly or a cat’s eyes | Already popular in the 1950s and 1960s, today a vintage look. Available from slim to oversize. |
| Panto | round lenses, slightly flattened at the top, striking frame | Once a symbol of artists and intellectuals, today a trend style. The round shape softens angular features. In the shop you will find panto styles from Ray-Ban (RX7159, RX7140), Polo Ralph Lauren (PH2083) and Humphreys, for example. |
| Round | perfectly round lenses | Has a retro look, like the round glasses many people associate with Harry Potter. One example is the Ray-Ban Erika (RX7046). |
| Rectangular and square | wider than tall, or about as tall as wide, straight lines and corners | a clear, bold look |
| Oval | softly rounded, wider than tall | a soft, understated look |
| Trapeze (Wayfarer shape) | wider at the top than at the bottom | Typical of the Wayfarer, in the shop for example the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Ease (RX4340V). |
| Browline | heavy top rim along the eyebrows, fine or no rim below | emphasises the brow area |
| Single lens (shield) | one continuous lens in a disc or shield look | Typical of sports glasses, but also an eye-catching sunglasses style. |
Special terms: two-tone and lorgnette
Besides construction and shape there are terms for colouring and special styles:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Two-tone | A frame with a colour gradient or two colours, regardless of shape or size. On prescription glasses a classic colour often sits at the top and runs into a mostly transparent lower part. There are also two-tone sunglasses, in classic or colourful versions. |
| Lorgnette | A visual aid with a handle that you hold in front of your eyes. The lorgnette dates from the 18th century and was long an accessory at the opera and theatre. Antique pieces are often decorated and worn on a chain around the neck. Today it is mainly a vintage piece. |
How to describe glasses: useful words
These optical words help you describe any pair of glasses to an optician or search for them online:
- Shape: round, oval, square, rectangular, cat-eye, aviator
- Rim: full-rim, semi-rimless (nylor), rimless
- Colour and pattern: black, tortoiseshell (havana), transparent, two-tone
- Material: acetate, metal, titanium, wood
- Size: lens width, bridge width and arm length, as printed inside the arm
Parts of glasses: bridge, arms, hinge and nose pads
The individual parts of glasses have fixed names too. They help with product descriptions and when talking to your optician.
| Part | Job |
|---|---|
| Front | The front part of the frame that holds the lenses. |
| Bridge | Connects the two lenses and rests on the bridge of the nose on plastic frames. Examples are the double bridge of aviators and the keyhole bridge. |
| Nose pads | Small supports on metal frames. Adjustable nose pads can be fitted to your nose so that the glasses sit straight and do not slip. |
| Arms (temples) | Run from the front over the ears. The tip of the arm sits behind the ear. |
| Hinge | Connects front and arm and lets the arm fold in. Some frames have spring hinges. |
The numbers inside the arm: lens width, bridge width, arm length
Inside the arm there is usually a row of numbers such as 52 □ 18 140. They give the size of the frame in millimetres:
- 52: lens width, the width of one lens at its widest point
- 18: bridge width, the distance between the two lenses
- 140: arm length
You will often also find a model number and a colour code. On sunglasses you will also see the CE mark and information on UV protection. If you are looking for a new frame, it is best to go by the measurements of your current glasses. Whether a frame really fits is something your optician checks when adjusting it. Measurements such as your prescription are determined by an optician or an eye doctor.
Which glasses or sunglasses suit me?
A rule of thumb: the glasses contrast with your face shape. This guide helps with a first choice:
- Classic and timeless: aviator and panto glasses suit many faces.
- Soft: round and oval lenses soften angular features.
- With character: cat-eye glasses emphasise the eyes, oversize styles make a statement.
- Sporty: sunglasses with a single lens or in a sports frame.
For more guidance, see our guide What Glasses Suit My Face? Frames for Every Face Shape. It is best to try on several shapes and ask your optician for advice.
Miu Miu MU 01XV VAU1O1£134.56Miu Miu MU 09XV VAU1O1£134.56Miu Miu MU 04UV 1AB1O1£134.56Miu Miu MU 01XV 19P1O1£134.23Ray-Ban RX3928V 2500£86.92Ray-Ban RX3928V 2501£86.92Miu Miu MU 09XV 16K1O1£135.40Ray-Ban ALAIN (RX7239 2001)£60.29Frequently asked questions about optician vocabulary
What is the difference between glasses and spectacles?
None in meaning. “Glasses” is the everyday word, “spectacles” sounds more formal and “specs” is informal. In the US the usual word is “eyeglasses”.
What does nylor mean?
Nylor describes how the lenses are held: a thin nylon cord holds the lens along its lower edge, with a rim above. Such glasses are also called semi-rimless.
What are the different types of glasses?
By construction: full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless. By shape: for example aviator, cat-eye, panto, round, rectangular, oval and browline. By purpose: prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses.
On to part 2: lenses, refractive errors and measurements
Optician Vocabulary, Part 2 covers how lenses are made and finished, the types of refractive error and the terms around measuring. If you have questions about your own prescription, your optician or eye doctor can help.
