Óculos TR90: o que é este material e porque pesa tão pouco
Atualizado a Equipa LenBlu®
If you've browsed glasses online, you'll have seen TR90 on plenty of product pages. It's the frame material, and it explains why some glasses weigh half as much as others and survive being sat on. Here's what it is, how it differs from acetate and metal, and what to check if you're after non-prescription TR90 glasses.
What TR90 is
TR90 is a thermoplastic from the polyamide family, the same family as nylon. It was developed for technical uses and ended up in glasses frames for three reasons: it's very light, it's flexible and it handles knocks well. It isn't just any plastic: you can bend a TR90 frame with your fingers and it springs back into shape.
What you notice wearing TR90 glasses
- The weight. It's the first thing you notice. A slim TR90 frame with its lenses weighs around 17 grams, and after a few hours you forget you're wearing it.
- The flexibility. The arms open without pinching and adapt to wider or narrower heads.
- The toughness. It copes with drops, backpacks and the odd mishap better than a rigid frame.
- The feel. It's smooth and a little more "technical" than acetate, in both matte and clear finishes.
TR90, acetate or metal
| Material | Pros | Bear in mind |
|---|---|---|
| TR90 | Very light, flexible, impact-resistant | An optician can't reshape it with heat the way they can acetate |
| Acetate | Deep colours, warm feel, can be adjusted | Heavier and stiffer |
| Metal | Very slim frames, adjustable nose pads | Bends out of shape when knocked and can mark your nose |
No material is best for everything. If you're going to wear your glasses for hours at a stretch, weight is what counts, and that's where TR90 wins. If you want a thick frame in a strong colour, acetate gives you more options.
How to tell if a frame is TR90
- The product page says so explicitly. If it only says "plastic", it probably isn't.
- When you pick them up, they weigh less than you expect.
- The arms give a little when you open them wider than usual, then spring back.
How to look after them
- Clean them with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap; dry them with a microfibre cloth.
- No alcohol or glass cleaner: they can damage the finish and the lens coating.
- Don't leave them in the sun inside the car. TR90 is flexible, but strong heat isn't good for any frame.
- Keep them in their pouch when you're not wearing them.
Non-prescription TR90 glasses: what to check
- That the product page says "non-prescription" or "0.00", not a reading strength.
- That the measurements are published so you can compare them with a pair you already own: we show you how in what size glasses am I?.
- That the lens is clear and doesn't distort when you look through it at an angle.
- That there's a returns policy, in case the size isn't right for you.
If you mainly want them for style, take a look at the guide to non-prescription fake glasses too.
LenBlu® TR90 glasses
Our whole frame is TR90: square, slim and one size (53 mm lens, 18 mm bridge and 142 mm total width), with a clear non-prescription lens and a blue light filter. It comes in Clear and Matte Black at €34.99 each, and both in the Duo Pack for €49.99. Delivery in 8–15 business days, free from €39.99. You'll find them in non-prescription glasses.
Frequently asked questions
Is TR90 plastic?
Yes, a technical thermoplastic from the nylon family. It's very different from the stiff plastic of cheap glasses: lighter and much more flexible.
Do TR90 glasses break?
They hold up better than a rigid frame, but they're not unbreakable. They normally survive everyday drops and twists.
Is TR90 better than acetate?
For wearing them for long hours, yes, thanks to the weight and flexibility. Acetate wins on colours and on how much it can be adjusted.
Can they be adjusted?
Only a little. That's why it matters to get the size right before you buy.
