The Eco Owl

I never really thought about all of the things I use, and now that I have all of these things from part one in mind, there was a bit of difficulty trying to chose just one "thing" I use to be the object of my research for part two of this exercise. In the end, I chose to research one of the "things" I use everyday: my glasses!

"Nitaki" Eyeglass Frames by Spectrum, Black, Model 778. Imported from Japan.

What are my glasses made of?


My glasses, like every other pair of glasses, consist of two essential parts: the frame and the lenses. These two essential parts can be made of several different things.

Frames can be made of any of the following:

• Plastic: cellulose acetate & zylonite, cellulose propionate, or nylon. 
• Metal: monel, titanium, beta-titanium, beryllium, stainless steel, flexon or aluminum.
• Other: wood, bone & buffalo horn; gold (10K) & sterling silver.

Each type of frame has its own unique qualities, best seen in this "Comparison of Eyeglass Frame Materials" chart courtesy of allaboutvision.com. Lenses consist of three parts: a base material, lenses type, and coating. With today's technology, most lenses now consist of high-tech plastics which are lighter, harder to break, and can often be treated to protect the user's eyes from ultraviolet rays. These plastics bring together all three of these lenses parts and make them usable. Though, separately, each of these three parts is important for each is selected based on the patient's needs. That is why below you can find a list of the three separate parts for each set of lenses, complete with definitions of each, courtesy of webmd.com.  Base Materials Include: Polycarbonate Lenses: These impact-resistant lenses are ideal for those who are prone to easily scratching or breaking their lenses (like children or those who play sports). These also provide ultraviolet protection. Trivex Lenses: These lenses have the same characteristics of the polycarbonate lenses, though these are made with a newer plastic that makes the lenses more lightweight and thin, and could even result in better vision correction that the previous lenses type.  High Index Plastic Lenses: These are lenses designed for users with strong prescriptions, so that their lenses could be light and thin as opposed to the standard "coke bottle" lenses which are the exact opposite. Aspheric Lenses: These lenses have a curvature over its surface which allow thinner and flatter lenses with a much larger usable portion than standard lenses. Photochromic Lenses: These lenses are made from either glass or plastic and change from clear to tinted when exposed to changes in sunlight. With these lenses, prescription sunglasses are not needed.  Polarized Sunglass Lenses: These lenses reduce unwanted glare, and are favored for those who play sports or drive frequently.  Lenses Types Include:  Unifocal: A lenses type which does not require a separation of the lenses. Bifocal: A lenses type which separates the eyeglasses lenses into two separate prescription qualities. Trifocal: A lenses type which separates the eyeglasses lenses into three separate prescription qualities. Coatings Include: Anti-Reflective Coating: Additional coating which reduces glare. Scratch Resistant Coating: Additional coating which increases scratch resistance. Ultraviolet Coating: Additional coating which increases ultraviolet protection.  Tinted Lenses: Additional light or dark tint to add in vision (like with sunglasses). Mirror Coatings: Additional cosmetic coating which hides the user's eyes from another, and makes the lenses outside coating reflective.  With all of this information aside, your standard glasses (like mine) are made of plastic frames, with plastic lenses. All in all, complete plastic.

Glasses are used to improve a person's vision, and are therefore a "need" for that person with impaired vision so that they can see in a greater quality. However, there have been fads throughout the years in which those with perfect vision attain glasses with clear plastic or empty lenses. For those users, glasses are more of a "want" than a "need." (They also look tacky).


How is plastic made, and how did my glasses get to me?
Plastic, plastic, plastic. For being such a problematic source, it really can be found everywhere. And now, apparently, in my glasses. But where does it come from? According to wisegeek.com, plastic is a form of polymer which is created from monomers which come from petrochemicals. Now, several different sorts of monomers are combined and utilized in the process of creating plastic, those monomers essentially being crude oil and natural gas (styrene, vinylchloride, and vinyl acetate monomers). When this monomers are combined, polymers are created. Plastic is created if these polymers are processed by the thermosetting method (in which liquid monomers are cooled into shape) or the thermoplastic method (in which liquid monomers are heated into shape), which in turn are both forms of polymerization.


So, to simplify and clarify, it essentially comes down to this: some scientists gather up the right materials for polymerization, complete one of the two methods of polymerization, and create plastic. From there, the plastic is molded into whatever it will be used for, and manufactured (and often mass produced) by a company. In the case of glasses, the manufacturer molds the plastic according to the frame chosen and the lenses prescription. And then, about a week after you visit the optometrist, choose the frames and send the order form, your new glasses are in and ready for you to wear.


What will happen to my glasses when they are no longer useful?


In my lifetime, my prescription has changed so many times I can hardly count. My eyes are so bad, I get new glasses every year (sometimes even biyearly). So what do I do with the old ones? I keep them. I always make sure to have my most recent glasses on my face, with my least oldest pair kept in a safe area for backup.

But then, what about the oldest ones? In the past, when I was young, I would simply throw them away. But then I felt bad about doing it, so I made it a point to ask my optometrist what I should do. I was then advised to bring in my old glasses for recycling! How about that! Now my old glasses would be molded to fit someone else's face! Its a good, needed use.


What is the effect of this product on...


Me? Well, it allows me to see better. Without my glasses, I am as blind as a bat!


Other People? Its not just me it helps. Glasses help everyone see better (well, those that don't have 20/20 vision...)


The Environment? If plastic glasses (such as mine) are not recycled properly, they have the potential to pile up and do harm to the environment the same way plastic bottles do. That's why its important to attempt to recycle your old glasses. They can help more people than just you!


Were glasses available 100 years ago?


Glasses were available far before then! They were actually first invented in Italy between 1268 - 1289. Although the creator remains anonymous, his creation has not. These glasses were found to be made of quartz, usually set in bone, leather, or metal. Though, the second that early opticians learned how to make good, clear glass, they quickly switched to the latter.


What alternatives might do more good and less harm?


There is no real alternative to glasses (with the exception of contacts, but that's a whole other story). But you can donate them. For more information on donating glasses, simply click on one of the links below:

Vision Aid Overseas, Second Sight Project, and The Lions Club International all help to send your used glasses to developing countries, to help other people see better.

You could also just keep your frames yourself, and replace your lenses with a newer prescription. For information on how to do that, check Frame Savers!