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What Is a Navigator Eyeglass Frame Style?

A navigator frame is a spectacle or sunglass shape characterized by large, square or slightly rectangular lenses. This style is often confused with the aviator, but the main difference is that navigator lenses have a straighter, less curved bottom edge and sharper corners. It is a bold, modern style.

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What Is a Navigator Eyeglass Frame Style?

A navigator frame is a spectacle or sunglass shape characterized by large, square or slightly rectangular lenses. This style is often confused with the aviator, but the main difference is that navigator lenses have a straighter, less curved bottom edge and sharper corners. It is a bold, modern style.

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What Defines the Navigator Shape?

The navigator style is defined by its clean, geometric angles. The large lens size provides wide visual coverage. While the aviator often has teardrop-shaped lenses that curve inward, the navigator maintains a squarer silhouette, giving it a strong, contemporary look.

What Is the History of Navigator Frames?

The navigator style evolved from the original aviator frames, which were designed for pilots. The squarer navigator shape became popular in the 1970s and has since become a standard look in fashion eyewear. It is often seen in sunglasses due to the large coverage area.

Why Are Navigator Frames a Popular Backup Option?

Navigator frames are popular as a backup pair of glasses due to their size and durability. The large lens area is well-suited for progressive or complex prescriptions. For contact lens wearers, they offer a stylish, full-coverage frame option for days when contacts are not worn.

What Role Do Navigator Frames Play for Contact Lens Users?

Navigator frames are designed for spectacles and cannot be made into contact lenses. However, frames are relevant to contact lens wearers. Choosing a comfortable navigator frame as a backup allows your eyes to rest from contact lens wear and provides necessary vision correction on days when contacts cannot be worn.

FAQs on Navigator Frames

Is the navigator frame the same as the aviator?

No, the aviator has a more curved, teardrop shape, while the navigator has a squarer, more angular lens profile.

Are navigator frames suitable for large faces?

Yes, the large size and width of navigator frames make them a great choice for people with wider or rounder faces.

Are they only used for sunglasses?

No, the navigator shape is used for both prescription glasses and sunglasses.

When to See Your Doctor

Large navigator frames can lead to heavy lenses if you have a high prescription. To avoid "coke-bottle" edges and nose-bridge pressure, ask for high-index lenses and have your optician verify the "effective diameter" to ensure the frame isn't too large for your pupillary distance.

References

All About Vision. Navigator vs. Aviator (allaboutvision.com). 2024.

Review of Optometry. High-Index Lenses in Large Frames (reviewofoptometry.com). 2023.

The Vision Council. Sunglasses Trends (thevisioncouncil.org). 2024.