Questions regarding optyl frames

[Mrmessi]

1) Do lenses have to be inserted without heating the frame??

or

2) Do lenses have to be inserted with heating the frame very well


Does the temple tips snap off easier than regular plastic??

Any tips or general knowledge regarding this would be appreciated.

[Chris Ryser]

Optyl, a combination of epoxy resin and hardening agents, is brittle when cold and returns to its original shape when carefully heated.
Optyl is hypoallergenic and retains its luster.

It is crucial to heat only the part of the Optyl frame that's being adjusted, and then hold it in place while cooling.

Underheating can cause Optyl frames to snap; overheating can cause Optyl frames to warp.

[Fezz]

Your lense should be edged slightly larger than normal as well. I believe that. 1/2 mm larger was the reccomend action.

[uncut]

To all Python fans............."Always look on the bright side of life!"...............

I looovvve optyl.

optyl rules:
1) Warn wearers that optyl is flexible.........but requires expert assistance to be adjusted. Home attempts/self adjusts will result in amputation of said part of frame.
2) Find an expert.
3) Experts are rare.....labs might only have one.
4) Fitting an optyl frame would be best done by heating the frame to temperatures and durations that would toast any other material, except metal and nylon. An asbestos balaclava would be ideally worn by da fittee.
5) Most optyl frames are discovered by non-experts.....usually too late.
6) It takes at least 15 broken optyls to help you become an expert.
7) If your lenses cannot take being under edge squeeze pressure, or take a lot of heat, do not use.
8) When faced with any unknown material........see hint #2
9) Some materials separate the men from the boys, girls from da women, amongst us.
10) When sucessfully designed, fabricated, fitted, and respectfully worn, is as colorfast, long life, vibrant, light-weight, maintenance free product.

[Mrmessi]

Great information, thanks for the knowledge and tips.

[eyechick1969]

optyl. Cold it's like uncooked spaghetti. Heated, it's like cooked spaghetti. (Al dente!) Yes, heat it!

We use to heat them & poke them in a bottle & watch them come right back to shape after it cooled.

I think Mr. Fezz is right on edging slightly larger especially if it's a thin lens. When in doubt, run a trial lens 1st. Good thinking Fezz!

Oh, best way to learn optyl, get it over with, go ahead snap one, you'll never do it again!

I love uncut's rule #5!

[eyechick1969]

Hey, you mentioned Optyl frame(s). plural. They may be worth some bucks in the vintage world!

[uncut]

Especially, a pristine VL1017, in any color, or any of the CD or "Playbouy" line. LOL

[eyechick1969]

I have a few CD & I even have a playboy one with original cases.

[SeaU2020]

You've already had really good advice. I would just like to say Optyl is my favorite plastic! It's fun to adjust in front of the pt and show off how awsome their frame is. When they see it all wiggly, that's when I emphasize how important it is to NOT leave these in a car on a sunny day.

[Robert_S]

Optyl is fantastic, and the primary reason for that is an optyl frame can be fitted like a glove. I always explain that to my patients and without exception they say that their new optyl frame is the most comfortable plastic they have had. It's also great for us because you can very easily apply a bow, or even a pantoscopic tilt... or even change the axis of the lenses, if necessary, whereas with acetate this is often very difficult. Lastly, the lenses can be far more secure in an optyl frame since you can generally oversize them as much as you like and the material will still be malleable enough to allow them in with ease.

Is there a downside to optyl? If not then why is it not more prevalent?

[Robert_S]

Oh, I did once manage to leave my fingerprint in an optyl frame once. It was quite cool actually. Luckily though, I was able to smooth it out again.

[Java99]

Oh, I did once manage to leave my fingerprint in an optyl frame once. It was quite cool actually. Luckily though, I was able to smooth it out again.

:) That was exactly the way I learned about optyl!

[golfnut]

I have been seeing a few more pop up lately! Gucci definitely has a few, not sure of other manufacturers. It really does take some getting use to, but, really is a great material for durability. I hate the cold insert frames!