What Is a Wood Frame?

How are lenses inserted into wood?

The cold-insert method is required for wooden eyewear:

• Lenses must be cut to a tight tolerance (0.1mm) to snap into the groove.
• Wood cannot be heated to expand the rim, so the lens must fit perfectly on the first try.
• Many wood frames use a split-rim design, where a screw at the temple opens the rim for lens insertion.

What is "Laminated Wood" construction?

Lamination is the process of gluing thin layers of wood (veneers) together with the grains running in opposite directions. This cross-grain technique makes the frame significantly stronger and less likely to warp or snap than a frame carved from a single solid block of wood. Laminated frames are also more resistant to moisture and skin oils.

Why are wood frames hypoallergenic?

Wood is a natural, inert material that does not contain the phthalates, plasticizers, or nickel often found in plastic and metal frames. For patients with severe skin allergies or contact dermatitis from standard eyewear, wood provides a safe, non-reactive alternative that stays cool to the touch and does not cause sweat-rashes behind the ears.

How do you maintain wooden eyewear?

Wood requires periodic hydration. Because the material can dry out and become brittle, many manufacturers recommend treating the frame with natural beeswax or jojoba oil every few months. Wearers should also avoid leaving wood frames in high-heat environments (like a car dashboard), as the extreme temperature can cause the wood to crack or the lamination glue to fail.