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Frame Bridge Types
What is the Bridge
When you put on a set of eyeglass frames, the part which makes contact with your nose is called the frame bridge. You may have stumbled upon the bridge measurement when browsing frames online. Frame measurements are on every eyewear product page near the product description. If you already have a pair of glasses, you can compare their measurements to the ones printed on the inside of your frame. You may be inclined to believe all frames with the same bridge width will deliver the same results. Unfortunately this isn’t the case. Though it is a good reference, not all eyeglasses listed with a nose bridge width of 17, for example, will fit the same.
Adjustable Nose Pads
Adjustable nose pads are the most versatile bridge type. Most commonly found on metal frames, adjustable nose pads can be widened or narrowed to accommodate a variety of nose shapes and sizes. The greatest advantage of adjustable nose pads is their ability to fit your face regardless of bridge width.
Everyone can wear frames with adjustable nose pads. Depending on the wear and tear they’re put through, they may need to be adjusted every so often. Thankfully, in most cases, the nose pads are easy to adjust. If they're too tight push them wider and if they're too tight, pinch them closer together to bring them back into place.
Younger children can also benefit from adjustable nose pads. The bridge of their nose may not provide sufficient support to keep their frames in place.
Saddle Bridge
The most common nose bridge design on a plastic frame is called a saddle bridge. This style is very comfortable because it spreads the weight of the glasses across a greater area instead of having it concentrated on smaller points like adjustable nose pads.
A saddle bridge is known for being low maintenance because they have less moving parts and are likely to retain their fit. Find a saddle bridge that complements the width and length of your nose and you’ll find comfort like no other.
Keyhole Bridge
The keyhole bridge is a great option for those that want a little more wiggle room with the fit. The keyhole design distributes the weight of the glasses on the side of the nose instead of at the top. This makes it a good option for people with wider noses.
With the lack of support at the top, the keyhole design will cause frames to rest lower than a similarly styled frame with a saddle bridge. If you’re finding your saddle bridge frame is causing your eyes to sit below the center of the lens area, you may want to either try a frame with a wider bridge measurement or go for a keyhole design.