Carbon Fiber Glasses- What our Experts Want You to Know

By Hannah Tinning
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Carbon fiber glasses are the most durable frames that will last for years thanks to the innovative material.
Carbon Fiber Glasses Frames

Carbon fiber is synonymous with lightweight, strong, sturdy, and luxurious. Gaining popularity in the eyewear industry, carbon fiber frames are becoming more prominent and a top choice among eyeglass wearers.

In this article, we explore everything to know about carbon fiber glasses, their benefits, and what to consider when buying a pair.

What are carbon fiber glasses?

What are carbon fiber glasses?

Also known as black gold, carbon fiber is a modern high-strength fiber that is aesthetically pleasing, exceptionally light, hypoallergenic, and highly durable. Brands and manufacturers are beginning to harness its super strength to create high-quality carbon fiber eyeglass frames.

Carbon Fiber Glasses Frames
Carbon Fiber Glasses Frames
How did carbon fiber come to be?

How did carbon fiber come to be?

In 1879, Thomas Edison filed a patent for carbon filaments for electric lamps. Then, in the early 1960s, military aircrafts required better and lightweight materials. This paved the way for the start of commercial production.

Carbon fiber was initially used in aeronautics, energy-related equipment, sports materials, buildings and industrial structures, automobiles, and even musical instruments. Its rigidity, high strength, low weight, and high chemical resistance make carbon fiber popular for eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Properties of carbon fiber

Properties of carbon fiber

Not only does carbon fiber look good, but it’s also packed with many benefits. With the higher price tag of anything made from this material, you’re not just paying for an aesthetic look but something that will last and withstand nearly all conditions you may face.

  • Carbon fiber is one of the lightest materials available in the market. A pair of carbon fiber glasses are about half the weight of titanium eyewear and have superior resistance to impact.
  • Carbon fiber is composed of carbon, which is also the core element of diamonds. Its strength is ten times that of iron, its weight is less than a quarter of steel’s, and its tensile strength, i.e., the maximum stress that can be applied to it before it breaks, is 7-9 times that of steel. 
  • Carbon fiber is more corrosion-resistant than titanium and other metal frames. It’s also resistant to high temperatures and radiation and has good elasticity. 
DID YOU KNOW?
Carbon fiber is among the strongest materials on earth, due to the chemical reactions and extreme temperate changes in the manufacturing process. Thus, making carbon fiber glasses the most durable choice there is.

Benefits of carbon fiber glasses

Benefits of carbon fiber glasses

Thanks to the materials’ properties, carbon fiber eyeglass frames offer many benefits.

US Mobile Frame Benefits
Carbon fiber frame benefits
  • Since they’re so lightweight, carbon fiber glasses are the most comfortable choice of eyewear for daily wearers looking for the latest technology and the highest quality.
  • Their strength and durability offer eyewear that will last many years and resist usual wear and tear.
  • Metal materials, such as Nicol alloy, typically react badly to water, however, carbon fiber frames are water and rust-resistant and can withstand excessive moisture, sea spray, and submersion. 
  • This material is worth considering for wearers with sensitivity if you want the look of metal eyeglasses but need something hypoallergenic.
  • When paired with epoxy resin, carbon fiber glasses become resistant to chemicals, alcohol and even acids.
  • Thanks to the reinforced fibers, carbon fiber is made to bend while still being one of the strongest materials to tension.
Points to consider when buying carbon fiber glasses

Points to consider when buying carbon fiber glasses

Even with so many benefits, of course, before deciding on a pair of carbon fiber frames, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Carbon fiber is difficult to process as it is such a resilient material. Hence, a few manufacturers can process and produce high-quality and complexly designed carbon fiber eyewear.

As the material is so lightweight, some carbon fiber eyeglasses may be irreparable as the frame is too thin. Consider how other frames can be adjusted before selecting carbon fiber frames. As they can be extremely hard to adjust, it is essential you get the correct size frame you need.

Carbon fiber is expensive, so glasses featuring it as the primary frame material will cost more. However, a pair of hard-wearing glasses can save you from spending more money on replacements in the long run.

What are your choices for carbon fiber glasses?

What are your choices for carbon fiber glasses?

At SmartBuyGlasses, you can find carbon fiber prescription glasses and sunglasses from top brands in the eyewear industry. Since carbon fiber frames are so lightweight, tough, and impact-resistant, they are perfect for outdoor sports and activities.
Carbon Fiber Oakley Frames
Carbon fiber Oakley frames

Oakley developed its own line of high-performance carbon fiber glasses that feature ultra-lightweight frames. To further enhance the performance frames, some carbon fiber glasses feature hinges with no screws; instead, they move smoothly as the hinge is riveted to the temples and the hinge itself.

In addition, Oakley developed Unobtainium earsocks that function as grips (initially meant to serve as bike grips) that get better with wet conditions. 

Carbon Fiber Ray-Ban Frames
Carbon Fiber Ray-Ban Frames
As Ray-Ban has always done, the innovation takes a step up with their Tech line of glasses and sunglasses featuring carbon fiber and titanium. The Tech line frames have seven carbon fiber layers mixed with resin and water cut to create the different parts of the frame.
Carbon Fiber Polar Frames
Carbon Fiber Polar Frames
Polar also saw the benefits of carbon fiber frames and took it a step further to include polarized lenses. Some pairs feature a stainless steel front frame and carbon fiber arms. Combining both materials offers a more affordable price point while still benefiting from the properties of carbon fiber. 
Is carbon fiber good for glasses?

Is carbon fiber good for glasses?

Carbon fiber sunglasses and glasses will exceed your expectations if you’re looking for a pair of frames that will withstand the toughest conditions and make it through your everyday wear and tear. 

With the higher price point, it’s always worth considering if they match your lifestyle and needs. If you’re unsure, you can always speak to one of our certified online Opticians, who can answer all of your queries.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *