Learn more about memory shape glasses
It's not just mattresses that can be memory foam!
Today, eyeglass frames can also feature this characteristic.
And this can be very useful if you are in the habit of sitting on your glasses!
This will prevent breakage and the need to replace your frames. But that's not all.
Memory Shape Glasses: A Bit of History
Contrary to what one might think, memory shape glasses are not a recent innovation.
In fact, the first models appeared in the 1980s. These frames are made from an alloy of metals
(mainly titanium and nickel, or aluminum and copper). This type of alloy allows the frames to regain their
original shape after a shock or abnormal bending, offering flexibility for both the temples and the bridge.
The risk of breakage is therefore considerably reduced in case of mishandling.
The origin of this technology dates back to the 1960s, inspired by the alloys used
by the American military for thermal shields. This technology then conquered the eyewear market.
The eyewear manufacturer Marchon
acquired the patent in the mid-1980s and launched the first memory shape glasses under the
name Flexon glasses.
The success of Flexon glasses was immediate, prompting many other eyewear professionals to adopt this principle.
Technologies have evolved, and today, we find frames made entirely of titanium, as well as combinations
of acetate and nickel. These variations allow for a wide range of frames and styles, from butterfly shapes
to trendy tortoiseshell patterns, and round frames.
Numerous Advantages
If you are interested in memory shape glasses, several renowned creators offer
excellent options. Among them are Eschenbach Eyewear, Titanflex glasses, creations
from the French label Solveig Optique, Memoflex, as well as some Ray-Ban and
Carrera models.
But why choose these glasses? Obviously, their non-deformable nature makes them much less fragile.
They bend easily and are ideal for athletes. Nowadays, there are even memory shape glasses for children,
who are often victims of broken glasses.
A small drawback of some models containing nickel is that they can cause allergies in
sensitive people. In this case, it is preferable to opt for frames made of aluminum and copper,
just as flexible but without health risks. Additionally, these frames are extremely lightweight
(on average 48% lighter than traditional steel frames, weighing between 10 and 20 g). They are very
comfortable and quickly forgotten. Their great solidity is another advantage.
Some frames are even capable of adjusting to the user's face and retaining this shape,
without the risk of deformation of the temples, for example. Although these frames were hard
to find for many years, they are now increasingly available at opticians. You can easily find the pair of memory
shape glasses that suits you.
Currently, memory shape glasses continue to evolve with technological advancements.
The materials used are becoming more sophisticated, offering even more lightness and resistance.
Connected models, integrating ocular health monitoring technologies, are beginning to emerge on the
market, revolutionizing our experience of wearing glasses.
Article published on December 2, 2022
Article updated on June 17, 2024
