What You Need to Know about Choosing Durable Frames for Children

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Does your child need glasses? If so, you are probably wondering: “How do I find eyeglasses in Portland, OR, that will last?” Kids put their glasses through heck during sports, games, playground tumbles, and classroom adventures. So, having frames that will hold up is extremely important. Unless you want to keep replacing their glasses (probably not).

Why Durability Matters

Truth be told, kids aren’t easy on their glasses. They really don’t even think about it. Most kids play sports or participate in outdoor activities at some point. So, getting glasses is more than just about durability and avoiding replacements. It’s also about safety! Choosing stronger frames means fewer trips for eyeglass repairs in Portland, OR. And less stress for parents, too.

Best Frame Materials for Children

Not all frames are made with durability in mind. So, you will need to look for the following materials (if you want them to hold up).

Flexible Plastics – TR90 and acetate both bend without breaking. And they’re light enough for daily use.

Titanium Frames – These are hypoallergenic, feather-light, and tough enough for daily wear and extracurricular activities.

Memory Metal – These are a parent’s dream! They bend, twist, and bounce right back!

An eyewear store in Portland, OR, can walk you through these options and help you select the frames that make the most sense for your child.

What Features to Look For

Eyeglass frames aren’t just about looks. They also need the right features.

  • Spring hinges so the arms don’t snap off.
  • Adjustable nose pads to keep them in place.
  • Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses for protection.
  • Sports straps or ear grips so they stay on during gym class or other physical activities.

These features can make the difference between frustration and all-day comfort.

Why It’s Important to Involve Your Child in the Selection Process

Kids want to feel good about their glasses. Letting them choose the colors, shapes, and patterns they like makes them more likely to wear them (without you having to fight with them about it). Frames are both functional and stylish. So, they give your child a chance for self-expression. From one parent to another, “When my son picked his own stylish frames, he wore them every day without a fight!” What a pleasant surprise!

Are You Looking for a Reputable Eyewear Sales and Service Store?

Glasses for kids should be durable. They should also be safe and fun. So, make yearly eye exams to keep your child’s eyeglass prescription up to date. And to re-fit their frames as they grow.

Visit [practice_name] today. Come by and check out our collection of durable kids’ frames. Or, if you need some eyeglass repairs in Portland, OR, for the frames they already have, we can help with that, too! We look forward to seeing you!

Best Frames and Lenses for a Sports Lifestyle

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Ever had your glasses slip down your nose halfway through a hike? Or worse, fly off during a bike ride? If you live life on the move, your eyewear should be able to keep up. The good news? With the right frames, you can enjoy crystal-clear vision without constantly pushing them back into place.

The Best Frames and Lenses for a Sports Lifestyle

Here’s how to choose active-friendly eyewear in Portland, OR that’s built for action.

1. Key Features to Look For

Think of your glasses like running shoes. They’ve got to fit right and be tough enough for the job. Look for lightweight materials like titanium, TR-90, or flexible acetate. These won’t weigh you down or leave those annoying red marks on your nose.

Durability matters too. Spring hinges and scratch-resistant coatings can help handle life’s bumps and tumbles.

Fit is everything. Wraparound frames, adjustable nose pads, and rubber temple tips keep your glasses secure (even when you’re breaking a sweat).

HOT TIP: Silicone sleeves or anti-slip coatings are like a seatbelt for your specs.

2. Best Frame Styles for Sports and Movement Activities

If you’re a weekend warrior or just constantly on the go, certain frame styles are game-changers.

Sport frames, wraparound, or semi-rimless frames give you a wide field of vision and hug your face. That means they won’t budge.

Flexible frames made from memory materials bounce back into shape after accidental bends (even if they get sat on).

Low-profile styles are perfect if you wear a helmet or hat. They sit close to your face, reducing bounce and staying put while you move. And here’s the best part…you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. Many designer lines in eyewear sales stores in Portland, OR, blend sleek looks with athletic performance.

3. Best Lens Options for Sports and Movement Activities

Frames are only half the battle. Lenses matter too! Impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate or Trivex keep your eyes safe from rogue branches or flying pickleballs.

Photochromic lenses adapt to changing light.

Anti-fog and anti-glare coatings keep your vision sharp in every setting.

Pair the right lenses with the right frame, and you’re unstoppable!

Looking for a Reputable Eyewear Sales and Service Store in Portland, OR?

Life’s too short for glasses that can’t keep up. The perfect frames aren’t just about looks. They’re your partner in every adventure. Stop by or Contact [practice_name] today to explore or discuss our selection of active-friendly styles. We can also custom-fit your frames and lenses so they’re comfortable, look stylish, and provide the best possible performance for any activity you choose.

Consider These Lens Add-ons For Your Eyeglasses

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When you shop for new glasses in Portland, OR, it’s easy to focus only on the frames. After all, that’s what everyone else sees first. But the real magic happens in the lenses — and the extras you choose can completely change how comfortable and useful your glasses turn out to be.

Anti-Reflective Coating: See and Be Seen

Ever notice bright glare on someone’s glasses in a photo, or struggled with headlight glare while driving at night? That’s where an anti-reflective coating comes in. It cuts down on reflections bouncing off your lenses, so more light actually gets through to your eyes. That means crisper vision and less squinting. Plus, your eyes stay visible to others — no distracting white glare blocking them out.

Transition Lenses: One Pair for Inside and Out

If you’ve ever juggled between regular glasses and sunglasses, you know how much of a hassle it can be. Transition lenses (the kind that darken in sunlight and clear up indoors) solve that problem. They automatically adjust to light levels, sparing you the scramble to switch pairs every time you step outside. It’s a small luxury that makes a surprisingly big difference.

Polarized Lenses: Tame the Harsh Glare

People often think polarized lenses are just for sunglasses in Portland, OR, but they’re especially helpful if you’re around water, snow, or long stretches of highway. They filter out intense reflected light, cutting through glare so you see sharper details. Less glare also means less strain on your eyes, whether you’re fishing on a lake or simply driving home at sunset.

Scratch-Resistant Coating: Stay Clear Longer

No one plans on dropping their glasses or shoving them into a bag without a case — yet it happens. A scratch-resistant coating doesn’t make lenses indestructible, but it gives them a tougher surface that stands up better to everyday mishaps. Small protection, big payoff.

Adding these extras isn’t just about spending more at the optical shop. It’s about making your glasses work smarter for you. If you’re not sure which features fit your lifestyle, have a real chat with your eyeglasses technician. They can help you figure out the best combination so your lenses actually match how you live — and keep your vision at its best every day.

How to Buy Eyeglass Frames That Match Your Face Shape

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If you want the right look, consider how your eyeglasses complement the shape of your face before making a purchase. But exactly how do you go about doing that?

Let’s talk about that for a moment.

How to Buy Eyeglass Frames That Match Your Face Shape

When buying eyeglass frames in Portland, OR, that match your face shape, you will first need to identify your face’s shape. Then, you will need to choose the right frames based on that shape.

Determining Your Face Shape

Which one of the following matches your face shape?

Oval Face

Is your face longer than it is wide? If your forehead is wide and you have a rounded chin and jawline, then you have an oval face shape.

An oval face shape looks best with eyeglasses that are square, rectangular, cat-eye, or round. However, with an oval face shape, almost any frame will look proportional.

Round Face

Is your face equal in width and length? Does your face have a full chin and soft, rounded curves? If so, you have a round face.

A round face shape looks best in square, rectangular, or geometric frames. Frames that have angles. Angles add definition to your face. If you have a round face, the one shape you should avoid is any frame that is round. You don’t want to over-accentuate your face’s roundness.

Square Face

Does your face have a prominent jawline and forehead? Is your face proportional in width and length? If so, you have a square face shape.

A square face shape looks best with round and oval frames. Round and oval frames help soften the angles of your face. They also add balance and structure. Opting for thin frames will help prevent your face from looking plump.

Heart-Shaped Face

Does your face have a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a tapering or narrow chin? If so, you have a heart-shaped face.

Heart-shaped faces look best with square or aviator-style frames. Also, frames that are bottom-heavy and that are slightly wider than your forehead will help balance the angles of heart-shaped faces. As do cat-eye frames in Portland, OR.

Diamond Face

If your face is the widest at your cheekbones and you have a narrow chin and forehead, you have a diamond-shaped face.

Diamond-shaped faces look best in oval, round, or cat-eye frames. They enhance your cheekbones. They also add a touch of softness to the angles of your face.

Are You Looking for a Premium Eyewear Outlet?

If you are looking for the perfect eyeglass frames to fit your face shape and style, please visit Asterix Eyewear today. We are Portland’s premier one-stop shop for eyewear repairs, sales, and services. Come on by! We look forward to meeting you!

How Lens Shape and Size Affect Your Peripheral Vision

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Finding the right glasses is more than just about looks. It’s also about making sure you get the right lens shape and size. If you don’t, your new glasses could negatively affect your vision. Of course, the optimist at the eyewear store in Portland, OR, will help you with that. But keep that fact in mind while you’re browsing for glasses before your exam. Until then, here are a few things you need to know.

We’ll start with lens shape. Then, we’ll move on to lens size.

How Lens Shape Affects Your Peripheral Vision

If you have large, curved lenses, you could experience distortion (like a fishbowl). Getting aspherical lenses can help correct this. However, multifocal lenses that are made to help correct your peripheral vision could also cause a bit of peripheral distortion.

How Lens Size Affects Your Peripheral Vision

Large frame sizes like the ones used for thicker lens edges can cause peripheral distortion. But if you have a smaller frame size, it will give you a more natural view because the edge of your lenses will be closer to your eyes.

How an Incorrectly Shaped or Sized Lens Affects Your Vision

If you are experiencing any of the following issues, you might have incorrectly shaped or sized lenses.

Blurred Vision – This happens due to the way light enters the eyes.

Eye Strain – Eyes have to work harder to make up for lenses that don’t fit properly. The symptoms of eye strain are aching, burning, or overall eye discomfort.

Focus Issues – If your lens prescription isn’t correct, your eyes will have a harder time focusing both near and far.

Headaches – Eye strain can lead to headaches in your temples and forehead.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Eyewear Store in Portland, OR?

You’ve probably experienced some frustration buying eyewear in the past, especially if you’ve tried to go it alone. Well, that stops now! Please Contact [practice_name] today. We’ve been in business for 18 years and have skilled opticians to help fit you with a pair of glasses that best suit your wants and needs. We also offer a full suite of other eyewear options, such as repairs and services. Come and visit us. We’d love to help you see more clearly!

Taking Care of Your Eyeglasses in Cold Weather

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The winters in Portland can be brutal. For those who wear eyeglasses, it’s good to be informed about some helpful tips for caring for glasses in cold weather, because the cold in Oregon is like no other; it’s a whole different beast, as residents know! Here’s what your optician in Portland, OR knows about keeping eyeglasses going strong through the winter months in the Northeast!

Prevent Fogging

One of the most common hassles about glasses in cold weather is having them fog up when you move from a cold environment into a warm one. It’s embarrassing to walk into a room with clouded up lenses, to say the least. Here are some solutions.

Use Anti-Fog Spray or Wipes

Applying an anti-fog solution to your lenses can help prevent moisture from condensing on them. These products create a thin film that discourages condensation.

Adjust Your Glasses

Sometimes, simply adjusting how your glasses sit on your face can reduce fogging. If you allow more air to circulate between your face and your lenses, it can help minimize the amount of condensation that forms.

Homemade Solutions

If you’re in a pinch, washing your glasses with soapy water and letting them air dry can leave behind a film that reduces fogging. Just make sure to use a lotion-free soap that’s approved by your optician, because certain cleansing agents can remove any lens film that may be on there, like for transition lenses.

Protect Your Frames

Cold weather can also be tough on your frames, especially if they’re made of metal, which can contract in cold temperatures and potentially bend or break.

Keep Them Warm

When not wearing your glasses, keep them in their case inside your bag or pocket to protect them from extreme temperatures. Anything soft on the inside will both insulate them and keep the lenses from getting scratched up.

Use TLC

Cold can make materials more brittle. Be gentle when handling your glasses in winter, especially when cleaning them or adjusting their fit.

Taking care of your eyeglasses in cold weather requires a little extra attention, but it’s worth it, considering their importance in helping you to see the world more clearer. For more help, or to get new eyeglasses in Portland, OR, stop in to Asterix!

What Are Transition Lenses and How Do They Work?

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If you have glasses and your eye doctor in Portland OR mentioned transition lenses, you might be wondering if they are right for you. Comparing some of the pros and cons will help you decide if getting transition lenses is something you might want to do. But first, we will go over what transition lenses are, in case you don’t already know.

What Are Transition Lenses?

Transition lenses are also called photochromic lenses. They have special lenses that automatically darken when exposed to sunlight or UV light and get lighter in softer light. However, they are designed to remain clear when used indoors.

The Pros and Cons of Transition Lenses

Here are the pros and cons of transition lenses in Portland, OR.

Pros:

  • Convenience. Transition lenses automatically change to a darker shade as you enter sunlight or are exposed to UV light. They will then automatically lighten when you move out of the sunlight or away from UV rays. This automatic transitioning means you won’t have to carry several pairs of glasses everywhere you go.
  • Continual Eye Protection. Your eyes will always be protected, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting to wear your sunglasses.
  • Stylish. Transition lens eyeglasses come in a wide variety of colors and styles, regardless of your prescription.
  • Save Money. Getting transition lenses will save you money because you won’t have to buy prescription sunglasses in addition to your regular prescription glasses.

Cons:

  • Varying Degrees of Transition. Transition lenses will darken and lighten to varying degrees. The extent of this will vary between brands.
  • Cold Weather Performance. Transition lenses take longer to adjust when you are out in the cold.
  • Reduced Performance. When in a vehicle, transition lenses don’t always work as well because some vehicle glass has UV protection built in. The vehicle’s UV protection will on occasion, prevent transition lenses from darkening. However, some transition lenses have been designed to adjust to that issue.

Do You Need an Eye Doctor in Portland, OR?

If you need an eye doctor in Portland, OR, please Contact Asterix Eyewear today. We have been around for 18 years and offer eyecare, sales, service, and repairs. And we are proud to be Portland’s premiere dispensing opticians. We look forward to welcoming you into our comfortable, relaxing office.

3 Things to Try If Your Vintage Frames Break

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If your vintage eyeglass frames break in Portland, OR, it can be a bit of a blow. Older styles may pair well with your modern outfits, but the whole point of wearing them is that they’re one-of-a-kind. If you don’t want to find a new pair, we’ll look at a few things that you can try.

Assess the Break

For the most part, frames tend to break at the bridge. You’ll need to understand the type of break and the material before making any significant decisions. For example, you may be able to glue two pieces back together with a strong adhesive, but only if the frames are made of plastic. They’ll need to be welded back together if they’re made of metal.

Look for an Eyeglass Repair Kit 

Eyeglass repair kits come with screws and nose pads, making it simple to replace components if they’re lost or they’ve fallen off. You can use a small screwdriver (often found within the kit) to replace a hinge screw or to snap in a new nose pad.

Talk to an Expert

There are certain breaks that your eyeglasses can’t return from. However, before you officially make that decision, you may want to bring the frames to an eyeglass repair expert in Portland, OR. At Asterix, we specialize in replacing lenses, converting glasses into sunglasses, and repairing vintage frames.

Whether you need a replacement or screw repair, we work with vintage frames day in and day out. We amaze our customers by making their vintage frames as good as new whenever possible, which is why so many people trust us with their most prized possessions.

Eyeglass frames are more than just a way for you to see better, they’re a reflection of your personal style. Vintage frames may be in fashion, but they often have a personal story attached to them. Whether they were your aunt’s or you’ve just worn them for the last 20 years, it’s an aesthetic choice that you show off — likely on a daily basis. If you’re looking for a team that appreciates your vintage frames every bit as much as you do, contact the Asterix team to let us know how we can help!

 Can Eyeglasses Really Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light?

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Blue light affects nearly everyone in America, which is why it helps to understand what it is and whether you can protect yourself. With the use of digital devices showing no signs of decline, we’ll look at what you can do to keep your eyes safe.

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light refers to the light emitted by our tablets, phones, laptops, and monitors. You may not think of it as blue, but the wavelengths are on the blue spectrum.

Does Blue Light Impact Your Eyes?

The truth is that the studies say conflicting things about blue light and your eyes. While some claim that blue light impacts your circadian rhythms and causes eye strain, this is essentially true for all light.

Can Eyeglasses Block the Blue Light?

Eyeglasses can put a barrier between you and blue light, though, again, the benefits are inconclusive. If you’re looking for eyeglasses in Portland, OR, it’s worth talking to an expert about what you’re looking for and what you expect from your purchase.

How Can I Protect My Eyes from Blue Light?

The best way to protect your eyes is to limit your screen use. While this may be impractical advice if you rely on a computer to make a living, everyone has the ability to unplug and relax before they go to sleep.

It’s worth noting that plenty of people do find that their blue light eyeglasses have an impact on their quality of life, either helping them sleep better or reducing eye strain. If you’ve tried other methods, including improving your sleep hygiene and taking frequent breaks, buying special lenses may be another avenue to try.

Eyewear in Portland

The best eyewear in Portland, OR is sold by a staff you can trust. At Asterix, we’re here to give you the facts about which frames, lenses, and sunglasses will work best for you and your visual health. Plus, if you ever need repairs or adjustments, you can look to us for assistance.

3 Things You Can Do to Prevent Your Child from Losing Their Glasses

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Kids lose their glasses. Some kids lose them a lot! Replacing lost glasses can be costly. Parents who want to avoid replacing lost glasses can take steps to help their children keep track of their glasses.

If you’re a parent who would like to help your child keep track of their glasses, work with your child’s optician in Portland, OR to make this easier. Below are three things you can do to help your child avoid losing their glasses.

1. Buy a Glasses Chain

Eyeglasses neck chains give your child the ability to hang their glasses around their neck when the glasses aren’t being worn. Chains come in many styles and lengths, so you can choose the type of chain that’s best for your child. Some are decorative and beaded, others are durable and comfortable. Let your child pick the chain that they like best.

2. Teach Them Not to Remove Their Glasses

When your child first gets their glasses, they may struggle with the impulse to remove their glasses at every opportunity. If they develop this habit early, it may be difficult to fight later. Teach your child to leave their glasses on their face. Remind them to wear their glasses – or use the chain to hang their glasses around their neck when they want to take them off.

3. Give Them a Place to Put Their Glasses

Kids often lose their glasses by taking them off in unexpected places. Assign your child one or two locations where they may put their glasses down.

This may be on their dresser, nightstand, or bathroom counter. By giving your child a few places where they are allowed to keep their glasses, your child is less likely to put their glasses somewhere unexpected.

Give your child a case from the optician where they can put their glasses when they aren’t on their face. If possible, choose a brightly colored case that stands out and is very visible. Need glasses in Portland, OR? Call Asterix today.