Buying Specs - advice needed

[sparkythecat]

I need specs for reading and for close up work. I'm a technician, so my specs are constantly on and off all day. I spent a lot of money a few months ago on some new presription specs. I told the optician I wanted some that were robust and would stand a bit of abuse.
My optician recommended some with thin titanium frames. Whilst they are still serviceable, they are now a bit twisted and looking sorry for themselves and have proven not to be as durable as I hoped. The screws in them tend to come loose


Functionality is far more important than appearance, so, should I be looking for metal or composite frames?

Can anyone recommend me some frames that will stand rough treatment?

[Tyre Smoke]

I got mine from here.....

www.speckyfoureyes.com

Pay as much or as little as you want.

[staceyb]

I've some of those bendy frames, Memoflex or something like that, as I'm constantly bending and dropping my glasses. They have lasted 5 years, as I just keep the same frames and get the lenses changed when needed.

[Mars]

If your screws come loose, use some locktight on them. Since doing mine, they've remained properly screwed up.

Although I wear specs permanently (no need to take them off/put them on all day) I am rather hard on them so robustness (to a point) is something I look for in frames. This is why I've shied away from frameless glasses so far. The point-loads on them look too great.

Anyway, just back from VisionExpress - their range of frames is generally OK for most people but the styles are too narrow for my fat-head. I find when wearing them I can see the arms to the left and right. I wanted something wider, to offer me a wider field of vision. My current frames are the Police brand - wide-enough and have been durable enough too. I've opted for another set of Police frames for that reason.

[Dogwatch]

Looking from the problem from another angle have you considered Varifocals? Wearing a set of these could reduce the amount of handling the frames have to take - not to mention possible lens scratching when the specs aren't being worn. Sounds as if your specs take quite a bashing!
The Varifocal part of the lens is available in three widths (with appropriate prices!). I'm short sighted and have the widest width which enables me to pretty well put them on my nose in the morning and leave them there all day (until they need cleaning ) including driving, reading, computering and so on. I have no problems with close work or fine print.
Sprung hinges - which I would expect the titanium specs to have - are essential to avoid strain on the hinges when removing or putting on the specs.

[sparkythecat]

Dogwatch, I can see the logic in what you are saying about varifocals, but as my distance vision is fine, I'm loathe to go down the road of being a full time, four eyed git !

I've equipped my specs with Croakies

This means I don't lose them as often as I might otherwise do and does help protect them from scratching. However, things can get a bit messy if you sneeze unexpectedly!

[Amy-Lea]

My glasses don't even work for me, I have long distance glasses to see road signs etc and I'm still blind, I'm unsure whether to go and get a stronger prescription though as blurry vision is one of the sypmtoms of something I have! A little unsure on that one!