FAQ
Do you fill Rx prescriptions?
All of our frames are approved for Rx lenses by a qualified optical professional.
We
can supply nonprescription lenses, with clear/white, colored, photochromic
and polarized lenses, as well as basic readers up to +4.00 diopters in +0.25 diopter increments via
the internet. Persons requiring prescription glasses, bifocals, Progressive lenses etc.,
can bring their Historic EyeWear Company spectacle frames to their local
Ophthalmic professional to have their prescription filled. This is a hands-on process to determine proper measurements, lens centration and bifocal segment height etc.
Do you have reading glasses and if so what strengths do you carry?
Yes,
for an additional cost, we can supply you with reading lenses in any of
our Historic EyeWear Company frame styles. Available in magnifications: +1.00, +1.25, +1.50, +1.75, +2.00, +2.25, +2.50, +2.75 +3.00, +3.25 +3.50, +3.75 +4.00
Do you offer sunglasses?
Yes,
at an additional cost we can supply colored/tinted
lenses, photochromic and polarized lenses with UVA/UVB protection. To quote Dr. Jack Prince, OD, Doctor of
Optometry and a clinical associate with Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye
Institute: “ I see the ill effects of ultraviolet radiation on my
patients’ eyes every day: cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium or
surfer’s eye, an abnormal growth on the white of the eye and
photokeratitis (sunburned eyes). I tell my patients to protect their
eyes using sunglasses and I make sure to wear them too. The one thing I
look for is that they’re 99 to 100% UVA and UVB absorbing”
What are you eyeglass frames made of?
Pre-1900s spectacles were typically constructed from a variety of materials. Frames made during this period included those of gold, silver, German silver, brass, plated, tortoise shell, blued steel wire and common steel wire. Today these materials are rarely used in the manufacture of eyeglasses. Our spectacles are constructed of Stainless Steel, also an alloy known as Monel, a metal alloy commonly used in the manufacture of modern eyeglass frames that has a lengthy, proven track record for reliability, and in the case of our Rivited spectacles, wood. To capture the patina of original antique spectacles we use a high quality electroplating process coupled with a hypo-allergenic protective clear-coat finish.
The numeric designation signifies the period of widespread popularity and common use. This numeric designation is used as an aid to prospective wearers of period eyewear. We do not know the exact moment that a particular pair of spectacles were manufactured. Based on Patent information, Illustrated Optical Catalogs, early photography, artwork, advertisements, and spectacle frames marked by manufacturers and retailers, much of the information used to accurately access the types and styles of spectacles available during specific time periods can be determined. The color designations are arbitrary and represent historic locations. Colors were carefully chosen to represent the originals they were modeled after, both new and with the patina of age.
• Tombstone Silver Dust models period coin silver as new
• Virginia City Gold Dust models period 8k-10k gold spectacles
• Leadville Tarnished Silver models period coin silver with the patina of age
• Naugatuck Valley Tarnished Brass models period brass spectacles with the patina of age
• Silver City Silver models high purity silver.
• Bethlehem Blued Steel models period blued steel spectacle frames
How do I know what size eyeglass frame size is right for me?
For a pre-1900 period correct look the best way to select your frame size is to closely match your Pupillary Distance P/D with the frame Pupillary Distance/PD. See information contained on this website. Click on this link to take you to the page: http://www.historiceyewearcompany.com/page/20/about-our-spectacles
What if I order frames from you and they are too small of too big?
Return them in original condition for an exchange or refund.
You pay return shipping and we will refund the original frame purchase price or exchange them for a different style or size.
Note: Tinted lenses and engraved cases are not returnable.