Parts of an Eyeglasses Frame [Diagram]

The first step in finding the perfect pair of readers is understanding how they work! If your glasses are too tight, too big, or don’t sit on your nose correctly, this diagram can help. Take a look at our detailed glasses diagram below and read more about each frame part below the main image. Knowing the parts of your glasses will help you find a pair that not only improves your eyesight, but that will fit well and look great, too!

Temples – Long arms on the sides of the frame that extend from the hinge and over the ears to keep the glasses on your face. Temple length varies and plays a factor in the fit of a frame.

Hinges – Moveable joints found on the inside of the frame which allows the temples to fold inward. Spring hinges in eyeglass frames allow for the best fit flexibility in a frame, as the spring temples can hyperextend beyond 180 degrees.

Lenses – The clear or tinted material placed inside the frame you choose. Lenses commonly come in clear plastic or polycarbonate. Fully magnified, bifocals, multifocals, reading sunglasses, and blue light lens types are all found on Readers.com®.

Nose Pads – Small pieces secured under the frame bridge that rest on your nose and help keep the frame in place, while providing comfort and a snug fit. On metal frames, nose pads are plastic, while most plastic frames have built-in nose pads.

Top Bar – A bar that sits above the bridge and connects the frame around each lens. This frame feature is usually only found on aviator or trendy frame styles.

Bridge – The arched portion of the front frame that rests on your nose and bears most of the weight of the glasses.

Pad Arms – Adjustable pieces attached to the frame on one end and the nose pad on the other.  They allow room for adjustment so the glasses fit the wearer’s natural face shape. Note: not every frame has pad arms; they are most commonly found on metal frames.

Temple Tips – Plastic pieces that cover the temple ends where the temples rest behind the ears. They provide extra comfort to the wearer, especially on glasses with metal frames. Also referred to as earpieces.

Screws – Small metal or plastic pieces inserted into the hinge to connect the temple to the frame’s end piece. Screws may also be found on the bridge to hold nose pads in place.

End Pieces – Small parts of the front frame that extend outward from the lenses to connect the front frame to the hinges.

Eye Wires – Also known as rims, this is the front portion of a metal frame where lenses are inserted and held in place.

Bifocal – Our bifocal reading glasses have unmagnified lenses which also contain inserts with the magnification of your choice in the lower portion of the lenses.

Now that you’re an expert in eyewear anatomy, learn more about different reading glasses frame styles and types. We’re certain there’s a pair out there for everyone!