How Often Should I Replace My Sunglasses?

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Sunglasses don’t last forever. Replacing your sunglasses periodically can help you see clearly in bright environments, and can help ensure that you’ll be comfortable when wearing sunglasses.

Your optician in Portland, OR can help you with this. At Asterix, we help patients find stylish, attractive sunglasses they can enjoy wearing. Our sunglasses are also long-lasting and durable, so you can get the most benefit from your sunglasses for the time when you have them.

How Long Do Sunglasses Last?

Most people who wear prescription glasses need to replace their eyeglasses (including their sunglasses) every one to two years. How often you need to replace your sunglasses depends on how much your prescription changes. Some people find that their glasses need to be replaced because their old prescription isn’t strong enough to help them drive or see long distances.

Why Replace My Sunglasses?

Replacing your sunglasses can help ensure that you’re able to see well while outside. Sunglasses can also take a beating because people wear them outside while engaging in sports and other activities. You may need to replace your sunglasses if they become loose.

How Often Should I Replace My Sunglasses?

Plan to replace your sunglasses annually or every two years, depending on how often your prescription changes. Get your prescription updated annually with a visit to the optician. At Asterix, we can help you determine how much your prescription has changed and whether you need new glasses.

How Can I Replace My Sunglasses?

Replacing your sunglasses is easy. Start with an exam from your optician to determine whether your prescription has changed. Next, spend some time in our eyeglasses showroom looking at the various options. Find a pair of sunglasses that match your style and feel comfortable. We can help with this.

If you need sunglasses in Portland, OR, call Asterix to make an appointment. You can also stop in our showroom to examine our eyeglasses options. We carry frames from all the best brands in the business. We’ve got sunglasses that you’ll love! Come see what we mean.

4 Storage Ideas For Your Sunglasses

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Many people wear sunglasses every single day. Not only do they help us see when it’s bright out, but they also keep our eyes and vision healthy. However, storing sunglasses isn’t always easy. Since we use sunglasses frequently, misplacing or losing them is common. This is why it’s crucial to have the right storage solution!

In this post, we’ll discuss four storage ideas for your sunglasses.

Velvet-Lined Tray

Storage solutions should be convenient and safe. That said, consider a velvet-lined tray that sits in a drawer or on a dresser. These look great, and the soft lining keeps your sunglasses protected and scratch-free. You could even organize your tray and have different shades in each section!

Looking for new sunglasses to add to the collection? Asterix Eyewear has you covered! Contact us today to find superior sunglasses in Portland, OR!

Clear Acrylic Rack

An acrylic rack fits very well on a wall or door, making it the perfect sunglasses holder. Furthermore, you can put multiple levels and customize it for your needs. Clear acrylic racks work especially well on the inside of a closet door. They allow you to store dozens of sunglasses!

Dedicated Sunglasses Drawer

One of the more straightforward methods is to choose a drawer in your room dedicated to sunglasses. Many people choose a smaller drawer in their dresser or bathroom. Depending on the size of your drawer, you should be able to fit several sunglasses. This makes it easy to simply slide out the drawer, see all your options, make a choice, and be on your way!

Sunglasses Rack

One practical solution is to purchase a sunglasses rack, like the ones found in stores. While these don’t have as much flare and style as other options, they can be convenient and useful. You can find several different sunglasses racks in various sizes.

Find a New Pair of Sunglasses Today!

If you need new shades, you shouldn’t choose just anyone. It’s important to find a reputable brand with the high-quality products you trust. Look no further than Asterix Eyewear! Whether you need standard or prescription sunglasses, we’re here to help. We’re known as the leading sunglasses store in Portland, OR! Call us today to learn more.

5 Tips For Caring For Sunglasses in Summer

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Summer is high season for wearing sunglasses in Portland, OR. Whether you wear prescription sunglasses or not, you’ll want to make sure that you take good care of your sunglasses in summer. Since you’re probably going to be more active than usual, it pays to be a little bit more diligent about keeping them safe from damage.

1. Keep Sunglasses Away From Sand

When visiting the beaches in Portland and other areas, avoid laying your sunglasses down on the sand. Sand will scratch up your sunglasses very quickly, and you may not even notice it until you’re driving home. Bring an eyeglasses case to the beach with you, plus a lanyard for wearing the sunglasses around your neck. These two tips will help you avoid having to lay them down anywhere unsafe.

2. Avoid Excess Heat

Don’t lay your sunglasses in the window, or on your vehicle’s dashboard. Both places can get super hot in the summer. If your frames are plastic, they could warp in the heat. If they’re metal, they’ll become uncomfortably hot when you try to wear them. If you’re eating outside, rest your sunglasses in some shady spot on the table.

3. Avoid Chlorine

Chlorine in swimming pools isn’t good for your sunglasses, either. Chlorine can pit the lenses and distort your vision. It can also damage the lens coating. If you must wear sunglasses in the pool, be sure to rinse thoroughly when you get out. Even better, wear a substitute pair that isn’t such a big investment.

4. Avoid Putting Them on Your Head

When you’re active in summer, it may be convenient to put your sunglasses on your head. But over time, this can stretch out the frames. Instead, use a lanyard or fold them over the neck opening in your shirt.

5. Avoid Sunscreen

Sunscreen is great for your skin, but not so great for your sunglasses. The chemicals in sunscreen are too harsh for the sensitive coating on sunglass lenses. Wash hands thoroughly after applying sunscreen and before handling sunglasses to avoid this potential damage.

Are you ready for a new pair of sunglasses? Visit your sunglass shop in Portland, OR for a wide range of brand name options that will make you look as great on the outside as you feel on the inside! Contact us today to book an appointment.

Are Clip-on Sunglass Lenses Safe to Wear?

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For persons who wearprescription eyeglasses in Portland, OR, one of the pain points is what to do when there’s a need for sunglasses. Although Portland isn’t sunny year-round, there are many days throughout the year when it does make sense. There are many several solutions, including clip-on sunglasses. But considering how important your eyes are, is it really safe to wear clip-on sunglass lenses?

What Are Clip-on Sunglass Lenses?

Clip-on sunglass lenses consist of tinted lenses attached to a metal or plastic frame. But these frames are different because they don’t have the two “arms” that go over the ears to hold the frames on the face. Instead, they are designed to clip onto your regular eyeglasses. In this way, they are meant to offer a shaded view while you’re still looking out of your regular lenses. The way they clip on varies. Some clip on from the nose bridge, while others have four little clasps that snap onto each lens. In both cases, the clips are so they stay in place.

Drawbacks of Clip-on Sunglass Lenses

Clip-on sunglass lenses aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they aren’t ideal, either. Here are the drawbacks:

They Skew Vision

Once you place another lens in front of your prescription lens, your eyesight is no longer being properly corrected. Although slight, the cheap clip-on lens skews your vision, which isn’t great for your eyes.

They May Damage Lenses

The little clips that attach to your valuable prescription eyeglasses could scratch your lenses, leaving you with scrapes and scratches to look through.

They Add Wear and Tear

Putting on and taking off the clip-on sunglass lenses means you’ll be handling your prescription eyeglasses a lot more, which increases the chances of breakage.

Everyone’s eyes need protection from the sun’s glare. At Asterix Eyewear, we offer a wide choice of sunglass styles in various materials. Whether or not you wear prescription eyeglasses, you’ll find your perfect pair of sunglasses here. And, if you do wear prescription lenses, we can order you a new pair of eyeglasses with your prescription and with the lenses tinted. This is the absolute best way to protect your eyes and enjoy glare-free vision. Contact yourPortland, OR optometrist today to learn more.

Can Sunglasses Help Prevent Macular Degeneration?

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The lens of your eye and its retina are both vulnerable to damage from oxidation. And oxidation can happen as a result of exposure to free radicals, such as the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun. But by wearing sunglasses that block these UV rays, you can help protect your eyes from damage. This, in turn, may help you avoid developing conditions such as macular degeneration as you age. Your optician in Portland, OR, can tell you more about the many benefits of wearing the right type of sunglasses for eye health.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Your macula is located in the center of the retina, and it’s responsible for your central, or pinpoint, vision. When damage occurs to the macula, it becomes difficult to drive, read, or recognize the fine features of a face.

Macular degeneration happens because of damage to the macula, and it’s extremely common in the United States, especially among those over the age of 50. Wearing sunglasses with 100-percent UV protection won’t completely eliminate your chances of developing this disorder, but it may lower your risk.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

Usually, macular degeneration is age-related. In fact, you may hear your vision specialist refer to age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, during your routine eye exam. The macula may become thinner, or abnormal blood vessels may begin to grow beneath the macula. Either circumstance can cause changes to your central vision.

You may be more prone to developing this condition if:

  • Other people in your family have it.
  • You smoke.
  • You have high blood pressure.
  • You’re over the age of 50.
  • You’re overweight.
  • You eat a high-fat diet.

In other words, lifestyle can be a big contributor to AMD. Making small changes to the way you eat and live may help you avoid damage from AMD. Wearing the right type of eye protection may also be helpful.

UV Protection in Portland, OR

If you’re looking for protection from UV rays in Portland, OR, the professionals at Asterix EyeWear can help. At Asterix Eyewear, our friendly and experienced team are happy to sit down with you to discuss the many benefits of prescription sunglasses, especially those that block 100-percent of the sun’s harmful, UV rays. Schedule an appointment today.

The Best Polarized Lenses for Different Activities

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Do you want sunglasses to protect your eyes for health reasons, or perhaps you just want to make a fashion statement? Either way, your local optician in Portland, OR can help. Here are the specific recommendations for color-polarized lenses based on how they will be used.

Choosing Color-Polarized Lenses Based on Activity

All sunglasses are tinted to protect your eyes from the sun. However, not all of them are polarized. It’s best to opt for polarized sunglasses in Portland, OR because they significantly reduce the glare and halos caused by the sun.

Here are the recommended uses for color-polarized lenses based on activity.

  • Color Polarized Lenses as a Fashion Statement

If you are wearing color polarized lenses as a fashion statement, any color will work.

  • Color Polarized Lenses for Computer Use

For computer use, it’s recommended you choose blue light-blocking glasses. These are particularly helpful for people with migraines.

  • Color Polarized Lenses for Indoor Use

Yellow-tinted lenses are best for indoor use because they help increase the contrast caused by low-light conditions.

  • Color Polarized Lenses for Snow Sports

Yellow-tinted lenses are also recommended when you are participating in snow sports because they help with contrast issues in hazy conditions.

  • Color Polarized Lenses for Outdoor Precision Sports

If you enjoy precision sports like golf, green-tinted polarized lenses are recommended because they reduce glare and filter a portion of the blue light spectrum. This will make it easier to see your golf balls.

  • Color Polarized Lenses for Water Activities

For water activities, amber or brown polarized lenses are recommended. These colors make your surroundings appear brighter and clearer. They also reduce the reflection from the water.

  • Color Polarized Lenses for Driving

When it comes to driving, there are a variety of lens colors that might work for you. Therefore, you will need to try each of them to see which one you prefer. However, most people seem to prefer amber or gray polarized lenses. The grays seem to work better in bright and sunny conditions and the amber color seems to work better on cloudy, rainy, or overcast days.

For night driving, though, most people find the yellow lenses work best in low-light conditions because they help with contrast.

What’s Next?

If you are looking for a reputable optician in Portland, OR, please Contact Asterix Eyewear today. We are Portland’s premier dispensing opticians and we specialize in repairs, sales, and service.

What to Know About Tinted Lenses

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Tinted lenses are a popular choice for eyewear because they not only enhance the appearance of glasses or sunglasses in Portland, OR, but they also offer additional benefits such as glare reduction and improved visual acuity in certain environments. However, it’s important to know that not all tinted lenses provide the same level of protection. Here’s what you need to know about tinted lenses and UV rays.

What Are UV Rays?

UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the sun and can be harmful to the eyes and skin. There are three types of UV rays, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is irrelevant as far as human dangers. UVB has a slightly longer wavelength and is responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. UVA has the longest wavelength, but it can still contribute to skin aging and cancer.

UV Protection and Tinted Lenses

Not all tinted lenses offer the same level of UV protection, and it’s important to choose a lens that blocks out as much UV radiation as possible. The amount of UV protection provided by a lens is typically indicated on the label or packaging. Look for a lens that blocks out at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.

Lens Coatings

There are also specialized lens coatings that can be applied to tinted lenses to provide additional UV protection. These coatings are usually transparent and don’t affect the appearance of the lens, but they can significantly increase the amount of UV protection provided by the lens. Some examples of these coatings include those that block out blue light, which has been shown to contribute to digital eye strain, and those that are polarized, which can reduce glare and improve visual acuity in certain environments. Note that the color of the lens doesn’t necessarily indicate the amount of UV protection provided. For example, a clear lens can provide just as much UV protection as a dark lens, as long as it has the appropriate coating.

Tinted lenses can be a stylish and functional choice for eyewear, but be sure to consult with your eye doctor in Portland, OR so you choose a lens that provides adequate UV protection. Contact us today to learn more.

How Do Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes? 

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You probably already know sunglasses make you look cool. But there’s another reason you should wear them when spending time outdoors in strong sunlight. Sunglasses actually shield and protect your eyes from the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. By wearing sunglasses, you’re helping to protect your vision and your overall eye health. Your optician in Portland, OR, can tell you more about the many health benefits of wearing sunglasses.

Sunglasses Protect your Eyes From Long-Term UV Exposure

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, you’re exposing your skin and eyes to the sun’s rays. These rays are composed of ultraviolet light that can pose health risks over time. As far as your vision, UV rays can contribute to cataracts and to macular degeneration — two conditions that impact the way you see the world. Cataracts are cloudy films that develop on the lenses of your eyes. Macular Degeneration involves the breakdown of your macula, which is part of your retina. Wearing sunglasses with protective coatings may help prevent both conditions. For the best protection, choose sunglasses that boast “UV absorption up to 400 nm.”

Polarized Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes From Glare

Polarized coatings on your sunglasses can help reduce instances of glare. Glare is defined as “uncomfortably brilliant light.” Glare can emanate from headlights, streetlights, or even reflect back from snow or sand. Polarized sunglasses help eliminate glare, making it easier to perform routine activities, such as driving or walking on the beach on bright, sunny days.

Mirrored Sunglasses Shield Your Eyes From Reflected Light

You’ll often see skiers and snowboarders wearing mirrored sunglasses, and for good reason. Mirrored glasses reduce the amount of reflected light that enters your eyes. This not only makes it easier to see where you’re going on ice and snow, but it can prevent you from freezing your cornea while riding a snowmobile, climbing a mountain, or wooshing down the slopes. You may have heard this referred to as snow blindness. Mirrored sunglasses help prevent this painful condition.

If you’re ready to invest in new eyewear that helps protect and prolong your perfect vision in Portland, OR, call or stop by Asterix Eyewear today. Our experienced opticians are always friendly and professional, and we’ll help you select sunglasses that best suit the way you live and play.

Sunglasses for Kids – Common Parent FAQs

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You probably know how important it is to wear sunglasses yourself, but have you picked up a pair for your children? Finding sunglasses in Portland, OR for children is easy when you entrust a good optics center that has a nice selection of products. Take a look at a few common questions parents tend to have about children and sunglasses.

Do kids really need to wear sunglasses?

Even though about three out of four adults wear sunglasses, only about half of those adults make sure their kids are wearing sunglasses as well. However, UV exposure is just as hard on the eyes of children as it is on the eyes of adults. Therefore, it is definitely important for children to wear sunglasses. It truly is never too early for children to start protecting their eyes.

How do you find the best sunglasses for kids?

Just as it is when shopping for good sunglasses for adults, you have to be careful what you buy. While you can find kid-friendly or kid-themed sunglasses in a lot of stores, not all of them are created to offer protection. Be sure you watch for sunglasses that fit well and fit comfortably, but also meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and protect against UVB and UVA rays.

How can you encourage your child to wear sunglasses?

Children may be more apprehensive about wearing sunglasses simply because they don’t understand why they need to wear them. First and foremost, be sure the glasses you choose are comfortable for the child to wear. Second, talk to your children about the dangers of not wearing sunglasses. Let them know their vision could be at risk with too much sunlight exposure. Another good pointer, get your child involved in picking out the frames; children will be more likely to wear what you buy if they chose them.

Find High-Quality Sunglasses from a Portland Optics Center

When your children step out into the sunlight, they should have protected eyes with well-made sunglasses just for them. If you are looking for sunglasses for your children, be sure to swing by and see us at Asterix Eyewear in Portland, OR to look at our collection. Reach out to us today if you need more information about finding the best sunglasses for your children.

Why Portland Residents Also Need Sunglasses in Winter

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The city of Portland, OR, kicks off its summer season with a civic festival that lasts for several weeks. Now in its 113th year, Portland’s Rose Festival celebrates everything about Portland, including its characteristic gloomy weather during the majority of the year. Portland gets rain clouds, fog, ice, and even snow, which causes many residents to put away their sunglasses with the rest of their summer gear when the time comes. However, wearing sunglasses on a year-round basis is a smart strategy for those seeking to maintain optimal eye health. Here’s why you should keep those sunglasses handy in Portland no matter what the time of year.

The Sun’s Ray Are Still Strong in Winter

Even though it’s not nearly as bright during the daytime in the winter as it is in the summer, that doesn’t mean the sun’s UV rays can’t wreak havoc on your eyes and skin. Even if you don’t see much of the sun during winter doesn’t mean you should leave your sunglasses at home when you go somewhere — up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays come through clouds.

UV rays also reflect off of wet surfaces, including puddles and even sidewalks if precipitation levels are high, and puddles are extremely commonplace in Portland. As an added bonus, a good pair of sunglasses provides a protective layer between your eyes and potentially damaging elements of urban living such as vehicle emissions and tiny flying pebbles.

Portlanders Spend a Lot of Time Outdoors

Portland residents don’t let a little gloom and rain stop them from enjoying their favorite outdoor activities, even if that’s just walking or biking to work. Winter temperatures are rarely so low that they keep people indoors for any length of time, and it’s possible to take a long walk in Forest Park even during the middle of January. Even though Portland only gets a few snow days every year, it’s within easy driving distance of some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing on the West Coast, and you’ll definitely need to wear sunglasses when you’re enjoying a day on the slopes.

Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Asterix Eyewear if you’d like more information on maintaining optimal eye health.