4 Tips to Take Care of Your Glasses

Your eyeglasses help you interact with the world. Whether you struggle to see while reading or driving, eyeglasses can help. It’s wise to take care of your eyeglasses – they’re valuable! Your eye doctor in the Pittsburgh area can provide you with eyeglasses care tips. Here’s what we suggest.

1. Use Your Eyeglasses Case

Most eyeglasses come with a case to keep them safe. Use it, and if needed, obtain more cases! When your glasses are not on your face, put them in a case to prevent them from getting scratched.

Never put glasses without a case in a purse, backpack, glove compartment, or drawer. Putting glasses in a case helps keep them in good condition.

2. Put Them Back In a Consistent Place

Putting your eyeglasses in a consistent place in your home or car helps prevent you from losing them. Designate a few places where your glasses are always kept if they aren’t on your face. This might be your dresser, nightstand, or bathroom counter. If you need to remove your glasses, this is where you’ll put them.

3. Don’t Lay Glasses on Their Lenses

Glasses can scratch easily when they’re laid on their lenses. If you do take your glasses off, fold them and place them with the lenses pointing upward.

4. Wash With Glasses Cleaner

Buy eyeglasses cleaner to ensure that your lenses are properly cleaned at all times. Do you need new eyeglasses in the Pittsburgh area? Contact Lappen Eye Care to get stylish new glasses.

Plastic Versus Wire Glasses: Which One Is Better?

When you buy new glasses, you’re faced with many options. One choice to make is whether to get glasses made of wires or plastic. It can be a tough call! To make your decision easier, visit the eye doctor in the Pittsburgh area. At Lappen Eye Care, it’s easy to try on glasses. When you put them on, you can see the pros and cons for yourself. Our experts can help you!

Benefits of Plastic Glasses

Plastic glasses have thicker frames than wire glasses, with a molded plastic bridge that fits directly over the nose. These glasses usually come in bright, bold colors that help express your unique personality. Plastic glasses can also come in interesting patterns that are easy to see.

What are the downsides? Plastic glasses don’t bend very easily, so if you accidentally sit or step on your glasses, they can break.

Plastic glasses can also be heavier than wire glasses. Many patients get used to the weight and stop noticing.

Benefits of Wire Glasses

Wire glasses are lightweight and often flexible, so they tend to bend rather than break. They’re available in subtle colors and patterns and are sometimes seen as more professional.

Wire glasses have plastic nose pads. These nose pads need to be replaced periodically because they can get dirty. If you don’t replace the nose pads frequently, they can become discolored.

Which One Is Right for Me?

Not sure which eyeglasses in the Pittsburgh area are right for you? Contact Lappen Eye Care. We have a full showroom and can help you find the right pair for your needs.

Are Glasses Safer for Your Eyes than Contact Lenses?

If you need glasses or contacts, the question of safety is important. The drawback is that it’s not as simple of a question as it might first seem. Below, we’ll look at the nature of contact lenses and glasses and why it might be better to base the decision on more than just the safety factor.

Glasses vs. Contacts

In general, glasses are usually given a slight edge regarding safety. Because they allow the eyes to breathe and there are fewer complications if you don’t follow a strict cleaning schedule, they are generally considered to be a safer choice. For example, if you’re lax about cleaning your contacts, it can lead to anything from cornea damage to infection.

Of course, this general advice doesn’t factor in how glasses can quickly become foggy or drenched in bad weather, slip off the nose, or break throughout the day. Contacts in McMurray, PA aren’t just more convenient for things like sports; they can actually be safer because you’ll be able to see from every angle without fear of breakage.

Find an Optometrist in McMurray

If you’re concerned about the risks of contact lenses or glasses, an optometrist in McMurray, PA can help you find the best solution. For example, if you’re concerned about daily maintenance, you can choose one-day disposable contacts to simply discard the lens at the end of the day. Usually, combining the two can help you find the best of both worlds.

Learning more about your eyes starts with the right eye exam. At Lappen Eye Care, our staff can answer your questions and provide custom recommendations based on your lifestyle, budget, and expectations. There’s no question that glasses and contact both require commitment — it’s a matter of finding the right commitment for you.

3 Signs Your Eyeglasses Don’t Fit

If youreyeglasses in Pittsburgh, PA, are constantly slipping off of your face, you don’t have to wonder whether they don’t fit. However, there are subtler signs that your eyeglasses either need to be adjusted or simply aren’t a good match for your face. We’ll look at a few reasons you might need to stop by your optometrist’s office or optics provider.

Eyestrain
If your glasses don’t fit, it can misplace the optical center of the lenses. If you cannot see through the right part of your lenses, you may find yourself straining to make out everything from letters to shapes in the distance. You may also experience headaches due to all the squinting.

Crooked Frames
Crooked frames are a sign that the fit is off, likely because the frames were bent or otherwise warped in some way. Frames should sit even and level on your face. You can always check your reflection if your friends or family haven’t mentioned that your eyeglasses are crooked.

Nose Pad Marks
You might be surprised at just how many people have tight glasses without realizing it. This is because you can become used to practically any sensation during the day, particularly if it’s not urgent pressure. Of course, your face won’t lie, so if you have bright red marks from the nose pads, your glasses are too tight. You may also get headaches if the pressure around your temples builds up.

See an Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA
A reputableoptometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, will look at more than just the fit of the frames. When the goal is to see better, they’ll recommend a pair of eyewear that will sit level and stay level so you always know what you’re looking at. At Lappen Eye Care, we’ll help you find the right pair for you.

How to Choose the Right Lens for Your Eyeglasses

There are a number of eyeglass lenses available today, and each comes with its own set of advantages. If you’re looking for a pair of eyeglasses in Pittsburg, PA, we’ll look at what you’re likely to find and what to keep in mind before you make your decision.

Basic Type of Eyeglass Lenses
Lenses typically come as either single-vision, bifocal, or trifocal lenses, and your eye doctor can recommend lenses that will help you see best from a variety of distances. From there, you’ll typically choose between the following materials for your lenses. We recommend basing this on the following factors:

Durability: Most lens materials are designed to be durable, but polycarbonates are often touted for their ability to withstand breakage and scratching. If you have a stronger prescription, consider plastic lenses (CR-39).
Thickness: As a general rule, the stronger the prescription, the thicker the lens. Both high-index and plastic lenses are good for higher prescriptions, though high-index lenses are thinner and lighter. For the most part, eyeglass wearers can become accustomed to any type of frame or lens, but there’s no denying that a lighter lens can feel more refreshing at first wear.
Protection: Lens coatings that can block out glare, UV lights, and blue lights can be added to your lenses. So whether you’re trying to improve your night vision, stave off sun damage, or reduce eye strain, you can get the right coating for a lens.
Eyeglasses in Pittsburgh, PA
It’s important to find a lens that you can feel good about putting on every day so you can get the most out of your investment. When you need an optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, who can steer you in the right direction, the staff at Lappen Eye Care is here to help.

Considering Plastic Glasses Frames? Here’s What to Know

Are you considering plastic eyeglasses for your next set of corrective lenses? Plastic glasses are common and attractive! Knowing the benefits of plastic frames, as well as some of the special considerations for these types of glasses, can help you decide if this is the right kind of corrective lenses for you. As your eye doctor in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, we’re here to help. Here’s what we want you to know.

Benefits of Plastic Frames
Plastic frames are bold and colorful in a way that wireframes often aren’t. If you’re looking for a pair of glasses to reflect your bold sense of style, then plastic frames are an excellent choice for you.

Plastic frame glasses also have no nose pieces like wireframes do, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. When you have plastic frames, you’ll no longer need to go to the eye doctor periodically to have your nose pieces replaced or cleaned.

Unique Considerations About Plastic Frames
Whereas wireframes are usually relatively lightweight, plastic frames can be bulkier and heavier. If you’re wearing plastic frames for the first time, you may need to spend some time getting used to your new glasses. You may feel some pressure on your nose and ears for the first 24 hours that you’re wearing your new glasses.

In addition, plastic frames are often less flexible than wireframes. Whereas wireframes can be bent a little bit, plastic frames are more likely to break when forced into the wrong position.

Need New Glasses in Pittsburgh and the Surrounding Area? Call Lappen Eye Care Today
Need new eyeglasses in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area? Call Lappen Eye Care today to make an appointment for an exam.

4 Tips to Pick Your First Eyewear

Your eye doctor in the Pittsburgh area has just prescribed you corrective lenses. What now? In this article, we’ll go over the steps to choosing your first eyewear, so you’ll be prepared for what comes next.

1. Visit an Eye Doctor With Many Options

The more glasses in the showroom, the easier it is to find the best pair for your eyes. At Lappen Eye Care, we have a fully stocked showroom with eyeglasses options from brands like Dior, Kate Spade, Hugo Boss, Fossil and more. We carry glasses in a range of prices and in many colors. We’re happy to help you find the right pair for your eyes!

2. Work With the Clerk

Finding the pair of glasses that actually fits your face can be surprisingly difficult. Visit an eye doctor with clerks on staff who can help you choose a pair of glasses that fits your face properly. The professionals at Lappen Eye Care are happy to help. Visit our showroom between during our convenient business hours to get help choosing the right pair.

3. Decide Plastic or Wire?

Plastic glasses come in bold colors, but they can also be heavier than wire rimmed glasses. Meanwhile, wire rimmed glasses are lighter, but also subtler.

Try on a variety of glasses made from different materials to help you decide which one you like best. Plastic glasses tend to be heavier than wire rim, and also less bendable. Wire rim glasses tend to be more forgiving when stepped on, and lighter. Take these factors into consideration when trying to decide which one is right for you.

4. Bring Someone for Feedback

Bring a friend to the eye doctor when you’re choosing your glasses in Pittsburgh, PA. At Lappen Eye Care, we welcome anyone who would like to come to our showroom to see our selection of attractive glasses.

4 Ways To Help Your Little One Keep Track of Their New Glasses

Kids can have a hard time keeping their new glasses safe. If your child just got their first pair of glasses, it will be up to you to teach your child not to lose their glasses. As your eye doctor in the Pittsburgh area, we have suggestions that can help.

1. Establish Good Glasses Habits Early

Have your little one wear their glasses every day. Establishing these good glasses habits early can help your little one get used to wearing their glasses, so they’ll be more likely to keep their glasses on their face, and less likely to leave their glasses someplace where they might get lost. If you see your child walking around without their glasses, have them put the glasses on.

2. Let Your Child Choose Their Glasses

Get your child invested in their glasses by allowing them to choose the glasses from the eye doctor. If you’re not comfortable allowing your child to pick some of the frames at the eye doctor, pick out a few frames that you would be alright with your child selecting, and then allow them to pick from that selection.

3. Make Sure They Fit Right

If your child’s glasses keep falling off or slipping down, they may need to be fitted better to your child’s face. Bring them to the eye doctor’s for a fitting. Glasses that fit properly are less likely to get lost.

4. Make Your Child Use Their Case

When your child gets their first pair of eye glasses in the Pittsburgh area, they should get a case to go with their glasses. Teach your child that when their glasses are not on their face, they should be in the case. Do you have questions about ways to help your little one keep their glasses safe? Call us at Lappen Eye Care. If you think your child needs new glasses, make an appointment today.

How Can I Tell If My Glasses Prescription Needs to Be Updated?

Do you have old prescription glasses? It may be time to get new ones. Knowing the signs that your prescription glasses are getting old and need replacement can help you decide when it’s time to go in and see the eye doctor in the Pittsburgh area. Here’s what you should know when it’s time to get new glasses.

Signs You Need New Prescription Glasses

If your prescription glasses aren’t doing the job anymore, you’ll have problems such as:

  • Squinting to see properly, even when wearing your glasses
  • Headaches from eye strain
  • Objects you would normally be able to see clearly now look blurry

You may also need new prescription lenses if your old glasses are getting too scratched. This can become a problem if you’ve had your glasses for a long time, especially if you don’t use a glasses case to protect your lenses.

Some people choose to get new glasses every year, even if the lenses aren’t scratched and the prescription is still valid. Fashions change, and getting a new pair of glasses can be good for your confidence.

What to Do If You Need New Glasses

If you need new glasses, the first step is to see an eye doctor. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes to determine how your prescription has changed. Once you have a new prescription, you can look through your eye doctor’s selection of frames to choose the right pair for you.

If you want glasses in the Pittsburgh area, work with your eye doctor at Lappen Eye Care to get an appointment. Call today to get started with an updated prescription and new lenses.

How Often Should I Get New Glasses?

You’re supposed to see the eye doctor in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area on a regular basis, but do you know how often? Establishing a regular schedule for getting eye exams and new glasses can help ensure that you’ll have the best vision possible for important activities like driving, reading and doing work.

How Often Should You See the Eye Doctor?

Most eye doctors recommend that their patients come in for vision exams between every one and three years. If you are at risk for eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration, your eye doctor may recommend coming in on a more frequent schedule. Seeing the eye doctor with this kind of frequency will catch changes in your vision as they occur, and will help ensure that you always have the proper glasses prescription.

When Should You Get New Glasses?

Many insurance companies will pay for a new pair of glasses every calendar year, as needed. If you have vision insurance, contact your insurance company to find out how often you can get a new pair of frames.

To get the most out of your vision coverage, get a new pair of glasses as often as allowed. If your insurance allows for a new pair of frames every year, you may choose to alternate between getting a new pair of sunglasses and a new pair of standard glasses annually.

Is It Time to See the Eye Doctor? Make An Appointment Today

If it’s been more than a few years since you last saw the eye doctor, it’s time to make an appointment. You may need new glasses! Call Lappen Eye Care today to make a vision exam appointment in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.