How do I know if a temple is the correct length?

For skull temples, the correct length allows the bend point to align with the top of the ear, and the temple tip should extend 10-15mm past the earlobe. If the temple is too short, it will not reach behind the ear properly. If too long, excess material loops behind the ear or pushes the frame forward.

When should I recommend cable temples over skull temples?

Cable temples are best for children, athletes, patients who frequently look downward, and anyone who needs maximum frame security. They are also helpful for patients with steep ear angles where skull temples tend to slide off. Safety eyewear often uses cable temples as well.

What causes temples to dig in behind the ears?

Temples that dig behind the ears usually have too tight a curve at the bend point, creating excessive pressure against the skin. The solution is to widen the curve slightly so the temple follows the ear contour more gently. For plastic frames, heat the bend area before adjusting.

Temple Fitting and Length: Types, Bend Points, and Adjustments

Types of Temples

Temples are the arms of the frame that extend from the hinges and rest over the ears. Selecting and fitting the right temple type ensures the glasses stay secure and comfortable throughout the day.

Skull Temples

Skull temples are the most common type in everyday eyewear. They extend straight back from the frame hinge, then curve gently downward behind the ear to rest against the mastoid bone. The curve is relatively shallow, making them easy to put on and take off.

Skull temples work well for most patients and frame styles. Their simplicity makes them straightforward to adjust, and they provide adequate retention for normal daily activities.

Cable Temples

Cable temples (also called curl temples) wrap fully around the ear in a continuous curve. They provide significantly more security than skull temples because they hook around the ear rather than simply resting behind it.

Cable temples are ideal for:

Children and active pediatric patients
Athletes and physically active adults
Patients with steep ear angles that cause skull temples to slide
Safety eyewear applications
Patients who frequently look down (reading, lab work)

Other Temple Styles

Library temples (also called straight-back temples) have no curve at all. They slide straight back and rely on friction against the head for retention. These are common in reading glasses and temporary-use eyewear but offer minimal security.

Convertible temples can switch between skull and cable configurations, offering flexibility for patients who need different levels of security at different times.

Determining Proper Temple Length

Temple length is measured from the hinge barrel to the temple tip. Standard lengths range from 130mm to 155mm in 5mm increments, with 140mm and 145mm being the most common for adults.

The correct length depends on the distance from the frame hinge to the point behind the ear where the temple should end:

For skull temples, the tip should extend approximately 10-15mm past the earlobe
For cable temples, the end of the curl should rest securely against the base of the ear

A temple that is too short will not reach behind the ear properly, causing the glasses to feel loose and slide forward. A temple that is too long will extend past the ear and push the frame forward on the face or create a loop of excess material behind the ear.

When a patient falls between standard temple lengths, choose the longer option. A slightly long temple can be adjusted by modifying the bend point, but a temple that is too short cannot be extended.

The Bend Point

The bend point (or break point) is where the temple transitions from straight to curved. For skull temples, this is the single most important fitting parameter. The bend should occur precisely where the top of the patient's ear meets the side of the head.

To locate the correct bend point:

With the patient wearing the frame, note where the top of the ear begins
The temple should start curving downward at this exact location
If the bend is too far forward, the temple digs into the area in front of the ear
If the bend is too far back, the temple does not engage the ear at all and the glasses slide

Placing the bend point based on temple length alone without checking its position relative to the ear. Two patients can wear the same temple length but need the bend at different points depending on their head shape and ear position.

Temple-to-Ear Contact

After the bend point, the temple should follow the natural contour of the ear closely but without pressing into the skin. The goal is even, gentle contact along the back surface of the ear.

Signs of poor temple-to-ear contact:

Gapping: Space between the temple and the ear, indicating the curve is too wide. The glasses will feel loose and bounce during movement.
Pinching: The temple presses into the skin behind the ear, often causing redness or soreness. The curve is too tight.
Pressure at the tip only: The temple contacts only at the very end, creating a fulcrum that lifts the frame front away from the face.

Adjustment Techniques

For metal temples, use padded pliers to adjust the bend point location, curve radius, and temple-to-head angle. Metal temples can be adjusted at room temperature.

For plastic temples, always apply heat before adjusting. Use a frame warmer, hot air blower, or heated salt pan. Heat the area around the bend point until the material becomes pliable, then shape it to the correct curve. Hold the adjusted position until the material cools and sets.

When adjusting plastic temples, heat only the section you need to adjust. Heating the entire temple can cause unwanted changes in areas that were already correctly fitted. Work in small, controlled sections.

Comfort Fitting Principles

A well-fitted temple should feel like it disappears on the patient's face. Key principles:

Even pressure distribution: No single point should bear all the weight. The temple should make gentle contact along its length.
No movement: When the patient shakes their head gently, the glasses should stay in place without shifting.
No marks: After wearing for several minutes, there should be no red pressure marks behind the ears or on the sides of the head.
Easy on and off: Despite being secure, the glasses should still be easy to put on and remove without requiring force.

Key Takeaways

Skull temples curve gently behind the ear; cable temples wrap fully around for extra security
Standard temple lengths range from 130mm to 155mm; choose the longer option when between sizes
The bend point should align precisely with the top of the patient's ear
Temples should follow the ear contour without gapping or pinching
Heat plastic temples before adjusting; metal temples can be adjusted at room temperature
Properly fitted temples distribute weight evenly and feel nearly invisible to the wearer