Pros and Cons of Various Eyewear Materials

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When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of glasses, the choice of material is just as important as the style and fit. Different eyewear materials offer varying levels of comfort, durability and aesthetic appeal. Here are the pros and cons of various Portland, OR eyewear materials.

Metal Frames

Metal frames are a classic choice, often chosen for their refined, professional look. They’re considered to be durable and can be easily adjusted for a perfect fit. Some popular metal frame materials include titanium, stainless steel and aluminum.

Pros: Metal frames are generally lightweight and hypoallergenic. Titanium, for example, is super light, extremely durable and safe for those with sensitive skin.

Cons: Metal frames can be more expensive than their plastic counterparts. Also, metal frames often bend out of shape if they aren’t handled carefully.

Plastic Frames

Plastic frames are versatile, offering a wide range of colors, shapes and styles. They’re typically the go-to choice for bold, fashion-forward eyewear.

Pros: Plastic frames are usually lighter and more affordable than metal frames. Materials like acetate allow for a broad spectrum of color possibilities.

Cons: Some types of plastic frames may be less durable, prone to scratches and may not withstand heat very well.

Wood Frames

Wood frames are a unique, eco-friendly eyewear choice. They’re made from a variety of woods, like bamboo, walnut, and even exotic varieties like zebrawood.

Pros: Wood frames are naturally lightweight, comfortable and offer a unique, earthy aesthetic. They’re also eco-friendly, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers.

Cons: Wood frames may be pricier, and they may require more care to prevent damage from moisture and drastic temperature changes.

Rimless Frames

Rimless frames, where the lenses are connected directly to the bridge and temples, offer a minimalist and modern look.

Pros: Rimless frames provide an almost invisible look and are extremely lightweight, making them comfortable for long wear.

Cons: They are typically more fragile than full-frame options and may not be suitable for higher prescription strengths due to lens thickness.

Choosing the right eyewear material depends on your personal style, budget, and lifestyle needs. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of metal, the versatility of plastic, the uniqueness of wood, or the minimalist charm of rimless frames, we’re here to help you find the perfect pair. Visit us today to explore our extensive range of prescription and non-prescription eyewear in Portland, OR.

Benefits of Transition Lenses

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The next time you are ordering eyeglasses in Portland, OR, consider transition lenses. Transition lenses can be put into any frame. They work by changing the tint of your lenses depending on the amount of natural light that you are exposed to. All you need to do is to specify this preference when you are ordering your eyeglass frames. There are so many benefits of transition lenses that they have gained in popularity over the years. Here are some of the benefits that you can expect.

Alternative to Sunglasses

Transition lenses are an economical way to save your vision because they can substitute for sunglasses. Most eye care professionals advise people to wear sunglasses to prevent sun damage to the eyes. However, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may also find it helpful to have a pair of prescription eyeglasses that can block UV rays in the form of transition lenses. Instead of buying two pairs of glasses, you could simply have one pair with transition lenses.

Reduced Glare

Aside from blocking UV rays, transition lenses can also decrease glare from the sun. They provide maximum visual comfort, as they automatically adjust to the varying light conditions. You can even use transitional lenses to go to the movies. They will reduce glare from the giant screen and even improve your depth perception.

Reduced Eye Fatigue

Transition lenses are also useful for reducing eye fatigue, enabling you to see well in all lighting conditions. They are perfect for a variety of activities, including working on computers, reading, watching television, shopping and skiing.

Less Discomfort From Blue Light

These lenses are also designed to protect your eyes from blue light, emitted from virtually all digital screens. These lights can lead to headaches and poor sleep patterns, which can cause you to feel tired. You’ll experience much less discomfort with transition lenses.

Lowered Risk of Cataracts

UV light from the sun has been shown to be a contributor to the development of cataracts. Wearing transition lenses helps minimize that risk by blocking UV light. Instead of having to try to remember to put on sunglasses, transition lenses automatically adjust when bright sunlight is present.

If you would like to learn more about transition lenses in Portland, OR, contact us today to book an appointment.

3 Questions to Ask to Help Find the Best Eyeglass Styles for Your Face  

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Choosing an eyeglass frame is sometimes a lot harder than it sounds. With so many styles out there, there’s a lot of room for something to go wrong in the selection process. (Plus, it doesn’t help that sometimes things look great when tried on for a minute at the store, only to sour when you wear them for more than a week.) We’ll look at three questions to ask if you’re looking for frames in Portland, OR that fit the shape of your face as well as your personal sense of fashion.

1. What’s My Face Shape?

Oval faces can sometimes be confused with round shapes, and some people might wonder if they have a hybrid of square and heart-shapes. If you’re working with the right staff, they should be able to give you a clearer picture of what your cheekbones, jawline, width, and length mean for choosing the right pair of frames.

2. What Flatters My Face?

This isn’t an intuitive question as it depends on the shape of your face. In some cases, you’ll choose the opposite shape (e.g.,square glasses for round faces, and round glasses for square faces). With heart-shaped faces, you’ll want to find a shape that copies the shape of your face. Every frame will highlight the angles and contours of the bones in your face. The trick is to do so in a way that complements one another.

3. How Can I Find the Best Selection in Portland?

There are any number of stores that sell eyeglasses in Portland, OR, including major national retailers. However, sometimes it’s better to work with an office that puts a little more effort into not only the types of frames they supply, but also the time it takes to find the right style. Unlike your clothing, you might wear your glasses every day of your life. This alone is worth being picky when it comes to what you put on your face. If you want to feel better about yourself every time you look in the mirror, Aterix is here to give you all the advice you need. We are the premier experts if you want stylish frames in Stumptown.

 

3 Things to Know If You Need Your Eyeglass Frames Repaired

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When you’re searching for eyeglass frame repair in Portland, OR, it helps to know how the process will go. There are a lot of myths that may cause people to spend more to buy a new pair (when there’s no need). For instance, some people may think that repaired frames will be weaker than new ones and that they’ll break easily again, or they may think that the frames will be too discolored to display. We’ll look at the facts about eyeglass repair, so you don’t have to spend a penny more than you have to.

1. Your Frames Can Be Stronger Than They Were

When you choose the right eyewear specialists, your frames may actually be stronger than they were before they broke in the first place. At Asterix Eyewear, our weld is stronger than most manufacturers’ spot welds. Spot welds are a common feature for many mass-produced frames, done to save time but ultimately resulting in frames that are easy to break in certain places. Our frames are welded one at a time, and regardless of whether a laser welder or flame welding, the result is a long-lasting bond.

2. Your Frames Won’t Look Different

Much like paint, it can be difficult to match a frame’s color precisely. However, many people mistakenly believe that the color variation will be so different that the frames will look very obviously repaired. This doesn’t have to be the case though. A quality eyewear repair specialist in Portland, OR will be able to refinish the repair so it’s as close to the original color and texture as possible. You might only be able to spot any kind of changes with the help of a microscope!

3. Not All Stores in Portland, OR Will Repair Your Glasses

For anything more than simple fixes, like popping back in a lens, many optical stores offer no repair services whatsoever. If you want a professional who will be able to handle any repair, Asterix is here to help. There are too many people out there who end up buying new frames when their old ones can be as good as new again. Contact us today to learn more about our strong welds and expert repairs.

Why Eyeglasses May Be a Better Choice Than Contact Lenses

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Eyeglasses are a wonderful solution for correcting your vision. Not only can you find trendy, attractive frames that flatter your face, but eyeglasses are usually an easier, more affordable option than contact lenses. Youroptician in Portland, OR, can tell you all you need to know about why eyeglasses may be the better solution for you.

What’s Wrong With Contact Lenses? 

When it comes to eyeglasses versus contact lenses, there may be no right or wrong choice. Both will correct vision, and both are popular options in eyewear. However, when it comes to convenience and durability, contact lenses rank second on the list. Still, for patients who don’t want to be encumbered by frames or who don’t want others to know they’re using corrective lenses, contacts are a fine solution. For most people, it simply comes down to personal preference.

Why Should I Choose Eyeglasses over Contacts? 

While both solutions are sound, eyeglasses may simply be a better choice for many patients. This is especially true for younger children and teens who may not be ready for a complicated care routine like that required by contact lenses. Eyeglasses have many benefits, including:

Price

You may wish to choose eyeglasses over contact lenses if you’re working within a budget. Eyeglasses may be more expensive in the beginning, but they’ll last for years with conscientious care. Contacts, conversely, must be replaced on a daily, biweekly, or monthly basis.

Ease of Maintenance

An occasional spritz with lens cleaner and a quick wipe with a soft cloth are all that’s needed to keep eyeglasses clean and shining. However, contact lenses require a special sanitizing solution and must be stored wet to preserve them.

Risk of Eye Infection

Eyeglasses pose no risk of eye infection, but contact lenses do. This is especially true for those who don’t clean them enough, who wear them too long between cleanings, or who wear their contacts past the expiration date.

Protection from UV Rays

Most contact lenses offer little-to-no protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, you can easily have a protective UV coating applied to eyeglasses. You can even opt for eyeglasses that darken for use as sunglasses when you enter the bright, outdoor light.

To browse abeautiful selection of in-stock and special-order eyeglass frames in Portland, OR, stop by Asterisk Eyewear today.

3 Tips to Make Your Eyewear More Comfortable

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Those who have worn prescription eyeglasses in Portland, OR for a number of years eventually don’t even notice they’re wearing them. At first, you may notice that you’re wearing eyewear. Over time, it shouldn’t be obvious to you that you’re wearing an eyeglasses on your face. But sometimes, eyeglasses can become increasingly uncomfortable. When or if this happens, here are three tips to make your eyewear more comfortable.

1. Apply Nose Pads

Have you ever worn your eyeglasses all day long and begun to feel a kind of pressure on the bridge of your nose? You’ve probably seen people remove eyeglasses and hold and massage the bridge of their nose. Even plastic eyeglasses can feel “heavy” after a long day’s use. To alleviate this sensation, apply cushioned nose pads. These small pieces of adhesive foam can do wonders to make your plastic or metal lenses more comfortable. They do have a tendency to come off over time, so invest in several. They are very inexpensive and readily available.

2. Get Eyeglasses Adjusted

Your eyeglasses in Portland, OR should feel relatively comfortable. If they aren’t—if they “poke” the sides of your head or ears, or if the bottoms of the lenses are hitting your cheeks—chances are they need to be adjusted. Bring them into your eyewear shop in Portland, OR to have them adjusted. Even if you didn’t originally buy them at Asterix Eyewear, we can still make the adjustment for you on prescription eyewear and sunglasses.

3. Store Eyeglasses in Case

You can keep your eyewear more comfortable by simply storing them inside their case when not in use. The most common cause of eyewear getting out of shape is due to mishandling. It’s also very common for people to accidentally sit on stray eyeglasses left behind on sofas, chairs or even the floor. Professionals recommend that you keep several eyeglass cases in various locations around your home and office so you don’t have to go around looking for a case when you want to remove your eyeglasses.This will make it more likely that you’ll use the case to begin with.

These three simple tips can help you to have the most comfortable experience possible while wearing your eyeglasses. Contact us today for a wide selection of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses!

What Is Lens Coating Removal?

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Anti-glare coatings are nice additions to your eyeglasses because they make it easier to see in bright sunlight. But if these coatings become scratched, they become more of a detriment than an advantage, and there are only two ways to resolve the issue. You can replace your lenses, which may be costly and inconvenient. Or, you can have the coating safely removed, which will make your lenses feel like they’re new again. Ask your optician in Portland, OR, about the advantages of lens coating removal.

Do I Need Lens Coating Removal?

There are several signs your eyeglasses could benefit from having an old coating removed:

  • They always seem like they need to be cleaned.
  • Even after cleaning, they still appear dirty.
  • Scratches and imperfections on the lenses constantly distract you.

If you’ve tried repeatedly to clean dirt and debris from your lenses without luck, having the coating removed is probably the best solution.

Is It Difficult to Remove a Lens Coating?

Removing an anti-glare coating is relatively easy, but it should only be performed by professionals. Otherwise, you risk ruining your lenses or frames altogether. And replacing your eyeglasses is usually much more expensive than having a damaged coating taken off.

When you’re ready to fix those scratches that seem permanent, schedule an appointment with your eyeglasses specialist to have old coatings removed. This can usually be done in a single day, meaning you’ll have your glasses back within a convenient timeframe. Your specialist will use chemicals to cause the coating to release from the lens, leaving behind eyeglasses that look and feel new again. Better, once old coatings have been removed, a new coating can be applied to protect your lenses until you’re ready to purchase new eyeglasses.

Call Asterix Eyewear Today

Asterix Eyewear can easily remove old, damaged coatings from your pricey eyeglasses, saving you money in the process. Call us today for lens coating removal in Portland, OR, and schedule an appointment with one of our friendly and knowledgeable professionals. We’ll gladly answer all your questions regarding the lens coating removal process, and we’ll get your glasses back to you quickly and in better condition than they were initially. Call today for more information.

Never Lose Your Eyeglasses Again With These Tips

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When you received your glasses from your eye doctor in Portland, OR, you made an investment in your vision. Certainly, you would want to hold onto your eyeglasses for as long as possible. Unfortunately, it’s very common to lose eyeglasses. Primarily, this is because people tend to take eyeglasses off multiple times during the day and then the glasses get misplaced. Here are some ways to never lose your eyeglasses again!

Always Put Them in the Same Place

Just like your car keys, you should always put your glasses in the same place when you put them down. When you do this, you’ll always know where to start looking for them. Of course, eye glasses are taken off for many reasons, so you’ll need a few “designated spots” for your glasses. For example, at night, leave them on the nightstand when you go to bed, not the bathroom vanity or in your walk-in closet. At work, keep them in your pencil drawer (inside their case) if you need to remove them for an extended period of time. In the car, you might choose to hold them in the door pocket or the console or glove box. Just make sure you choose one spot and use it every time.

Bling Your Eyeglass Case

Eyeglass cases tend to be so “blah” that they don’t stand out from other clutter. Vow to always put your glasses in their case when not in use, and bling your eyeglasses case. Either purchase a more stylish case that really stands out, or add some adhesive sparkle components. That way, your glasses case will be impossible to miss in any room.

Use a Finder Tag

You can also install a finder tag to your eyeglasses case. Either get the kind that hangs on a lanyard, or one that is adhesive, that you can stick to the eyeglass case. With these handy devices, you simply pair it with an app and the finder tag will beep to let you know where your eyeglasses case is.

Keeping track of your eyeglasses in Portland, OR is easier when you use one or all of these tips. You won’t need to waste another minute looking for your prescription eyewear!

Reasons to Use Your Eyeglasses Case

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Your eyeglasses case is a helpful tool for protecting your glasses. There may even be ways that your eyeglasses case protects your glasses that you’re not even aware of! If you’ve got new eyeglasses in Portland OR, there are many things you can do to take care of your specs. Here’s what you need to know about using your case to protect your new frames.

Protect Your Lenses

Lenses can become scratched during the course of a normal day, especially if you have a habit of taking off your glasses when you don’t need them. Scratches can impact the quality of your vision through your glasses. By putting your glasses in a case when they’re not on your face, you can protect your lenses and thus preserve the quality of the experience of wearing your glasses.

Prevent Your Glasses from Getting Crushed

Some glasses can be easily crushed, and that can cause them to bend or break. Glasses that are in a case – especially a hard case – are less likely to be crushed or damaged in the event that someone sits on them, lays on them, sets a stack of books on them and so on.

Make Your Glasses Easy to Find

Dark-colored glasses in particular can be difficult to find because they blend in with the background. Having a large glasses case to protect your glasses makes them easier to find. If you’re prone to losing your glasses, pick a case that is bright, bold and easy to see. A glow in the dark case may even help you find your glasses with the lights off.

Extend the Life of Your Glasses

Glasses only last for so long. After a while, they can become scratched. Using a glasses case can extend the life of your glasses by preserving their form and reducing the occurrence of scratches. You’ll love your glasses for longer if you use your case!

Your eye doctor in Portland OR can give you a case that will keep your glasses safe. When you get your glasses from Asterix Eyewear, we’ll be happy to help you get the case you want. To get your new pair of glasses, make an appointment for an eye exam. Get started today.

A Look at the Most Vulnerable Points in Your Prescription Eyeglasses

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When you rely on your glasses to help you see, they become a permanent accessory that you pretty much wear everywhere. While you can get used to wearing glasses every day, this everyday wear can also mean your prescription eyeglasses can be prone to damage and may need optical repair in Portland, OR.

The Lens Supports

The frames around the lenses are commonly damaged, even those frames that seem to be made out of heavy-duty materials. Many types of lens supports can be repaired. For example, if you have metal frames and the area around a lens breaks, this point can potentially be welded to give the lenses back the proper support to stay seated.

The Pad Arms and Nose Pads

The pad arms support the small nose pads that keep your glasses comfortable on the bridge of your nose. The pad arms are small metal units that are either directly adhered to or screwed to the tiny pads, and both can sustain damage. It is not uncommon for the nose pads to get dislodged or broken, and some materials can even grow discolored with age. The pad arms can break with too much force, especially those made out of more brittle, less-flexible metals or plastics.

Hinges and End Pieces

Hinges and end pieces are the parts of eyeglasses that allow the arms to fold inward for logical storage. The tiny end pieces conceal the hinges so they are not visible on most frames. However, these ends can be prone to breakage because they slightly protrude outward from the frame. The hinges themselves can also sustain stress and break or you may lose a screw pin that holds the hinge together. Thankfully, these vulnerable areas do usually allow for simple repairs, so you can continue using your glasses.

Looking for Eyeglasses Repair in Portland, OR?

Prescription glasses can be expensive, and you definitely need to keep your frames functional for as long as possible. Therefore, opting for eyeglass repair in Portland, OR instead of replacement may be the most viable option. If you need help getting your frames repaired, reach out to us to find out how we can help at Asterix Eyewear.