Eyeglass Terms

Are you curious about the different parts that make up your glasses or sunglasses? You’re in the right place! Continue reading to learn the definitions of sunglasses-relevant words and phrases and to find a detailed diagram of eyeglass anatomy. You’ll be a sunglass, eyeglass expert before you know it.

Bridge: The area that arches up over the nose between the lenses. It is designed to support the majority of the glasses’ weight.

End Piece: Portion of the frame that extends outward from the lenses and connects to the temples.

Rim: Front portion of the sunglasses into which the lenses are inserted. Also known as the eye wire.

Hinge: Portion of the frame that connects the rim to the temple and allows the temple to fold inward.

Lens: Glass, plastic, or polycarbonate material through which the wearer can see.

Nose Pad: Plastic piece that helps keep the sunglasses in the proper position on the wearer’s face. Designed for comfort and a snug fit, it can be attached directly to the frame or the pad arm.

Pad Arm: The attachment that holds the nose pad in place, while allowing room for adjustment, so the glasses may conform to the wearer’s nose.

Screw: Tiny metal fastener found at the hinge that connects the temples to the frame front. Screws are also used on the bridge to hold the nose pads in place.

Top Bar: Bar that runs across the top of the bridge between the two lenses, to provide extra support. The top bar is not present on all sunglasses but is commonly found on aviator styles.

Temple: Often called the arm, this is the piece of the frame that extends over the ear to help hold the sunglasses in place.

Earpiece: Plastic coating that often covers the portion of the temple that rests on top of the ear. The earpiece provides added comfort to the wearer and is common among glasses with metal frames.

Now that you’ve familiar with the components that make up your eye-glasses, it’s time to start shopping for your perfect shades. And we know just where you can find ’em!