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  [practice_name] 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.

Pros and Cons of Eyeglasses Repair vs. Replacement

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When you get eyeglasses in Portland, OR, at Asterix, you can be assured that you’re getting a quality pair. But even with the best quality eyeglasses, they won’t last forever. At some point, you’ll be faced with a decision of whether to repair or replace them. When that time comes, here are some things to keep in mind.

Pros of Eyeglasses Repair

Cost-Effective

Depending on the eyeglasses, it’s usually more cost-effective to repair them rather than replace them. This is especially true if the damage is minor, such as a broken hinge, replacing nose pads, or something similar.

Fast

Minor repairs can usually be completed quickly, sometimes even on the same day. This means you can get back to using your glasses without a long wait, which is particularly important if you rely on them daily.

Environmentally-Friendly

You’ll be saving the environment a little bit by repairing your eyeglasses instead of replacing them. Every little bit helps, and if you like to do your part, this is a good option.

Cons of Eyeglasses Repair

Limited Repairs

You may not be able to get your eyeglasses repaired even if you want to. If the damage is more serious, such as broken arms or bent frames, you may have to get them replaced.

Potential For Future Problems

Although chances are slim, repaired eyeglasses might be more prone to future problems, especially if the repair involves critical structural elements like the frame or hinges.

Pros of Eyeglasses Replacement

New Style

It’s always nice to get a new pair of eyeglasses. It gives you a fresh new look and may even lead to other positive changes in your life.

More Lens Options

New lens options are always becoming available. Maybe this time around, you’ll try progressive lenses or an anti-glare coating that will enhance your experience wearing glasses.

Cons of Eyeglasses Replacement

Cost

New eyeglasses mean a new investment, so you’ll spend more on a replacement over a repair.

Adjustment Period

New eyeglasses may require an adjustment period for your eyes and your comfort. This can include getting used to a new frame shape, size, or weight and any new lens prescriptions.

At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision about whether to get new eyeglasses in Portland, OR, or simply repair the ones you already have. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Where to Find Titanium Welding for Eyeglasses in Portland

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If you have titanium eyeglasses, you typically won’t be able to repair them with traditional welding techniques. When heated, titanium is highly reactive to oxygen and nitrogen, leaving brittle, weakened surfaces behind. This can make it difficult to find an eyeglass repair shop in Portland, OR, especially if you have a pair of eyeglasses that are very well-loved.

If you’re interested in getting your frames repaired, we’ll look at ways to avoid these issues and why it’s so important to find a shop with experience in different types of metals.

How to Repair Titanium Glasses

The laser is the most common type of weld for titanium because it’s easier to focus the beam exactly where you need it. Titanium is a very good heat conductor, which makes it difficult to isolate one section based on where the repair is needed.

With a laser, you don’t need to use high heat, which makes it easier to keep both the finish and the coating of the glasses. Plus, there’s less chance that the surrounding metal will become too hot and ruin the frames. Laser welds are also strong and practically invisible, leading to long-lasting results that won’t clash with your outfit.

Soldering Vs. Lasers

Soldering is generally too hot for titanium welds and leads to a weaker bond than laser bonds. Knowing the basics of this common metal is important because frames are often fragile enough that you don’t want to take any chances.

Find Eyeglass Repairs in Portland, OR

The staff at Asterix is used to working with people who love their eyewear in Portland, OR. There are frames out there that they don’t make anymore, frames that people have made part of their signature style for years. It’s equally important to us as it is to our customers to preserve glasses whenever possible. If you’re interested in fixing your frames with titanium welding, contact us today to learn more about what we can do.

Here, we do a full assessment before making any recommendations. At Asterix, we pride ourselves on investing in the equipment and the professional expertise

Are Eyeglass Repairs More Expensive Than a New Pair of Glasses?

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If your glasses are broken or just showing their age, the natural debate is whether to repair or replace them. As a general rule, repairs are less expensive than replacements, though the exact cost depends on how much damage the original pair has sustained. We’ll look at what to consider before you make the decision.

When to Repair and When to Replace 

At Asterix Eyewear, we recommend repairing your glasses when the hinges are bent, screws are loose, or the frames show minor signs of cracking. If the lenses are badly scratched or cracked or the frames are busted, replacing them typically makes more sense.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair My Glasses?

Repairs typically cost less than $100, depending on the type of frames, lenses, and the design complexity of the pair. Sometimes, there’s no question about whether to repair or replace your glasses. For instance, you might have a limited-edition pair that has become your signature style.

These kinds of intangible attachments make the transaction less about money and more about how to preserve your reflection. It’s important not to discount your personal feelings about your glasses, especially if you need to wear them regularly. After all, it’s not always easy to find a pair of frames that you want to put on day after day.

How Much Do New Glasses Cost?

Without insurance, new glasses in Portland, OR, are usually a few hundred dollars, though it depends on the type of frames and lenses you purchase and where you purchase them from. You may be able to find highly discounted glasses online, though you run the risk of the frames being a poor fit for your face. When you visit a store in person, you can talk through what you’re looking for in a pair, so you can be sure about what you’re buying.

Find Eyeglass Repair in Portland

If you have questions about your damaged eyeglasses, don’t wait until they worsen! We offer experteyeglass repair in Portland, OR, for frames and lenses that are worth saving. Visit the staff at Asterix Eyewear to learn more about whether to repair or replace!