My trusty Merck frames have been my go-to for over 7 years

Hello everyone!I've had these Merck frames for over 7 years, and I'm still loving them. I've replaced the lenses about 3 times, and I've lost count of how many times I've had to swap them out. I just replaced them a couple of weeks ago, which is why I'm writing this review now.

The frames are super lightweight and stylish, with a rounded shape that's slightly angled at the top. It's like a little geometric wonder! The Merck frames have a unique design that sets them apart from other frames on the market. The rounded shape and slightly angled top make them incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.The earpieces are simple and don't put any pressure on my ears, which is a big plus. They're incredibly lightweight, even with -3.00 lenses - I barely notice they're there! The earpieces are also designed to be comfortable, with a smooth and rounded shape that doesn't dig into my ears.My first lenses in these frames were the standard transparent kind, and I wore them for ages until they got scratched up. Then I decided to try photochromic lenses, which was a big mistake. Let me explain why. They looked great at first, but I quickly realized that they were basically falling apart within the first few days of wearing them. The photochromic lenses were a disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. They were prone to cracking and didn't provide the level of protection I needed.I noticed some hairline cracks around the nose area, a few small ones near the edge where the cord is. They're not super noticeable, but you know they're there. Luckily, they didn't spread further and I haven't seen any new cracks since.So, why did this happen? Well, at the time, my only minus was a small one, and the thinner the lens, the more prone it is to cracking. That's why I wouldn't recommend putting lenses with small diopters in a frame with a thin cord. But I already had lenses in this frame with a small minus, and it worked out fine. I think it's just that the photochromic lenses were of a different quality and less durable.The second issue was with the frame itself. Because the frame is small, the lenses don't provide enough protection from the sun. So, I only wore them occasionally, mostly in the winter. In the summer, they're basically useless - you'll get burned for sure.Now that my prescription has changed to -2.75, I decided to swap out the lenses for some new ones. I put in clear lenses with good coating and an index of 1.6. The material is better, so they shouldn't crack. Plus, the diopters are higher, which is a plus for this frame. I'm confident that I won't see any more cracks.I also really like the nose pads in this frame - I've had them for years and never had to replace them. They have a unique golden finish. Usually, nose pads are just transparent silicone, or sometimes metal, but those can be uncomfortable. The nose pads in this Merck frame are soft and comfortable, and they don't change color, which is a nice touch. So, if you come across frames with these nose pads, I'd definitely recommend them!I'd definitely recommend the Merck frames for purchase - they're really good and last a long time. And at the time, the price was pretty reasonable, around 2-3 thousand. The Merck frames are a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of glasses. They're perfect for everyday wear, and the unique design sets them apart from other frames on the market.Make sure to check out my other reviews for lenses and frames:I was really surprised by the inverted frame design - it's a unique combination of styles.I've tried yellow-tinted lenses for both daytime and nighttime use, and I've got some thoughts to share.As the sun gets stronger in the spring, I've found that polarized lenses with UV protection are a lifesaver for people with poor vision.I've been using blue light blocking lenses to protect my eyes from screens, and I've noticed a big difference.I've tried some budget-friendly lenses with multiple coatings, and I've got some tips for taking care of them.Thanks for reading!