Acrylic skin allergy...Acrylic vs Acetate...

Is acrylic ever mixed into a cellulose acetate zyl?

Is the Charmant Elle collection acetate?

Are they or others coated to keep the acrylic from touching the skin?

I know acetate is petroleum based while zyl is cellulose (plant) based.

Patient says some plastic frames cause an almost immediate allergic reaction on the bridge of her nose. This seems especially true if the frame is has crystal around the bridge.

My Frames Data book doesn't always list the material anymore.

I didn't find this addressed with a quick search so any help is appreciated.

As far as I know acetate is a pure material with nothing added. Acrylic is an entirely separate material. I would just go on the material the client has worn before.

If she has had allergies it is most likely to cheaper injection molded plastic frames which often have a coating on them.

Optyl would be a great option as I believe this is hypoallergenic

Charmant informs me that Elle's collection is acrylic then epoxy coated so as the coating wears off it would cause an allergic reaction.

How do you determine frame material?

Mine is mostly by how it feels with gentle cold bends and flexes.

I wish Optyl would make a come back. Anyone else miss Terri Brogan???

Bump

Can we expand this to discuss what materials are manufactures creating frames from these days?

Acrylic seems everywhere these days or were they always out there?

Why did Optyl seem to disappear?

If there is a better thread to inform me already on OB please feel free to bump it as I am hoping to update (okay...remember ...what I've forgotten in my dotage;).

Found this from google:

Plastic frames

Zyl. This material (also called Zylonite or cellulose acetate) is a lightweight and relatively inexpensive type of plastic. It’s also the most popular plastic used for eyeglass frames. Zyl frames are available in a wide variety of colors, including multi-colored models and frames with different layers of color.

Propionate. This is a nylon-based plastic that is strong, flexible, lightweight and hypoallergenic. Propionate is often used in sports frames because of its durability.

Nylon. This frame material is still occasionally used. Nylon is strong, lightweight and flexible, but it can become brittle with age. For this reason, it has for the most part been replaced by nylon blends – polyamides, copolyamides and gliamides – which are more durable.

Metal frames

Metal is the most popular material for eyeglass frames. There are many types of metal you can choose, with each having its own distinctive properties.

Beta titanium.This is an alloy of predominantly titanium, with small amounts of aluminum and vanadium. These other metals in the alloy make beta titanium more flexible than 100% titanium for easier fitting adjustments.


Memory metal.This is a titanium alloy composed of roughly 50% titanium and 50% nickel. Frames made of memory metal are extremely flexible, and can be twisted or bended to an extreme and still return to their original shape. This feature makes memory metal frames great for kids or anyone who is hard on their glasses.


Beryllium. This lower-cost alternative to titanium resists corrosion and tarnishing, making it an excellent choice for anyone with high skin acidity or who spends a good amount of time in or around salt water. It's also lightweight, strong, flexible and available in a wide range of colors.


Stainless steel.This is an iron-carbon alloy that also contains chromium. Stainless steel frames are lightweight, strong, durable, flexible and corrosion-resistant. They also can be produced in matte or polished finishes.


Monel.This popular, inexpensive material is an alloy of nickel and copper. It is less costly than other metals, but – depending on the quality of the plating used – Monel frames may or may not discolor and cause skin reactions over time.



https://www.universityoptometry.com/...ame-materials/

This is a good resource that I've used occasionally.

https://sites.google.com/site/framematerials/

The equipment for manufacturing optyl has been completely dismantled by Safilo.
I don't agree with it, but I think they had too much pushback from stupid people who couldn't work with it.