Very, very narrow face with narrowest, straightest bridge I've ever seen!

**VHB** · 06-09-2012, 09:33 AM

This gentleman has some serious difficulty finding anything besides a rimless that can fit him properly. I had an ancient Polo Prep 2 that fits him perfectly in the bridge (16 mm), but the 45 eye size swamped his face, especially in the B measurement of 40 mm. And of course, the temples were way too short.

What he would like is something with the retro/geek chic look, either in plastic or a combination frame. I can't find any children's frames like that. I think I can modify a short temple by turning it into a cable, but I haven't got a front that fits him.

He can't afford a custom made frame. Does anyone have a frame to suggest?

**chip anderson** · 06-09-2012, 09:43 AM

I might have some old unused retro stuff in my non-current frame box at the office, will check in when I get to the office.
Also do you know how to shrink the bridge on metal and plastic frames?
Another also: Some frames will allow for the eyewire or front to be bent down temporally to "shrink" the overall width as well as the lower bridge. Not a good idea with some shapes but quite acceptable on a few.

Chip

**VHB** · 06-09-2012, 09:57 AM

Thanks, Chip. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you have something that will work. And yes, I do know how to shrink a bridge, but his nose is so straight, so I would need a frame with no flare at the nasal sides. His nose is the width and shape of my little finger.

If you've got anything 40 eye or smaller, I'll be thrilled!

**MikeAurelius** · 06-09-2012, 10:08 AM

http://www.jrvisioninc.com/kids/?sort=8a&page=2

Would a memory metal work? The Magic line from JR Vision has some pretty decent frames.

**VHB** · 06-09-2012, 10:17 AM

Thanks, Mike. The only one that is somewhat close to what he wants is the Crystal CT112, but the eye size is too big. The 15 bridge is good, but that's the only one with a narrow bridge.

**optical24/7** · 06-09-2012, 10:23 AM

Shuron Ronstrong (P3) comes in a 40/19 with up to 172mm temple. Bridge may still be too big.

**VHB** · 06-09-2012, 10:25 AM

Nope, the bridge is too wide by a lot and he's looking for the "madmen" 50s geek look. The ronstrong doesn't have any pizzaz.

But thanks for trying!

**MikeAurelius** · 06-09-2012, 11:42 AM

I was actually thinking about the Magic memory metal frames, with adjustable nose pads you should be able fit just about any size/shape nose.

**eyechick1969** · 06-09-2012, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by VHB

Thanks, Mike. The only one that is somewhat close to what he wants is the Crystal CT112, but the eye size is too big. The 15 bridge is good, but that's the only one with a narrow bridge.

42 eye is too big? 15 bridge

**eyechick1969** · 06-09-2012, 12:58 PM

what's the pd

**VHB** · 06-09-2012, 01:01 PM

I haven't measured his pd since I had nothing that suited him. But I need something with a 40 eye or smaller.

**Robert_S** · 06-09-2012, 01:21 PM

Chip, how do you shrink a bridge?

**Barry Santini** · 06-09-2012, 01:26 PM

Nike boy kids probably had a few Mad Men like.
But this recipe of style preference/fitting need + budget is (warning) usually a lose/lose.

B

**eyechick1969** · 06-09-2012, 01:36 PM

shrink bridge,,, I had a doufus come in & he literally took an Italian Vanni and added curve to the bridge right in front of me! A ton of curve! So much that if they were made up with astigmatism the axis would have been way off! I wanted to kill!

**chip anderson** · 06-09-2012, 01:39 PM

Robert S.
Some applications there are special 3 pronged pliers for this. For plastic frames you can use a small dowel, heat the frame and bend it over the dowel (dowels available at any hardware store. For non-memory metals this can be done with the aforementioned plyers or by bending over a dowel.
Not a bad idea to compensate OC's for the reduction.
A few plastic bridges can be widened by heating and pulling from side to side. Most non-memory metal bridges can be widened a little by flattening the curvature of the bridge wire (not possible if frame has a support bar at the top like the old Ray Ban aviators though.

Chip

Chip

**Robert_S** · 06-09-2012, 01:41 PM

Thank you.

**VHB** · 06-09-2012, 01:55 PM

Barry, you disappoint me! I try to give superlative customer service. This young man is deaf and has been (according to his hearing friend) blown off, ignored, etc in every shop he's gone into. Apparently, everyone just said "Nope, nothing to fit you -- sorry." I may not make the sale, but I think it's incumbent on me to prove that all opticians aren't jerks who are only interested in easy fits. If I can find something that works, I'll be as happy as he is. If I can't find anything, at least he knows I've really tried.

**THE MEB** · 06-09-2012, 02:22 PM

How about blinders for a horse? Before you scoff, just trying to think outside the box here.

**Barry Santini** · 06-09-2012, 03:35 PM

Oh I'll try...but with skus and lines I carry. Outside of offering a special price (2x) for a TD bespoke/couture, their's not much more time I am willing to spend.

The equation to live by is : more time = more money...whethet it be on this sale, or client loyalty/annuity. If it's just gonna be SOS every time ...no thanks.

Personally, rimless is the best/easiest/most affordable option. If cost is such a factor, I think it is ludicrous to summarily waive this possibly off the table in a case like this.

**shannon** · 06-09-2012, 04:36 PM

Ok, here is what I am looking at, Modern Optical- Wiggle in Black 40/16/120, Miraflex J7291MR...no specifics listed but that it fits age 4-6 and comes in black. This looks to be a fairly retro zyl sunframe that would probably make a nice pair with clear lenses. They also have NB1 and NB2 39/14 and 42/14 respectively...no listing of temple length. They are not a retro style other than that they are zyl and rectangular and come in quite a few colors, judging by the website. Looks like he could get a black or brown. Sorry it's not a true geek chic, I was just trying to get the basic look of it but hit the fit for him. Hope some of this may be helpful or that maybe checking with one of these companies may be able to point you in the right direction.
Good luck!!

**VHB** · 06-09-2012, 04:49 PM

Thanks, Shannon. I'll look at those.

**eyechick1969** · 06-09-2012, 08:13 PM

gosh, aren't those for infants?

**shannon** · 06-09-2012, 10:46 PM

Yeah, unfortunately they are...well infants up to maybe a small 9 or 10 year old... but given the requirement for sizing he was looking for....I didn't know another direction to look, I promise I only mentioned the ones that I felt would be more appropriate :) I've run into this situation before myself and I feel for the young man and for his optician trying to make everything right for him.

**optical24/7** · 06-10-2012, 06:56 AM

It's possible to give a rimless a full frame look with a color groove.

**kelanor** · 06-11-2012, 02:21 PM

I've never worked with the frame line before, but Menizzi eyewear is designed for people with narrow pd's. They might have something like what you are looking for.