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New Year, New Look: A Frame Buying Guide for Everyone

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Selecting the perfect pair of glasses frames is not only about enhancing your vision but also making a stylish statement. At Papale Eye Center, we can assist you with the prescription and refer you to a local optical shop! With a myriad of options available, finding frames that complement your face shape, personal style, and lifestyle can be a delightful journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the world of fashionable glasses frames.

1. Face Shape Matters:

Before diving into frame styles, it’s crucial to determine your face shape. Different face shapes pair well with specific frame shapes. For instance:

  • Square faces may benefit from rounded or oval frames.
  • Round faces can be complemented by angular or geometric frames.
  • Oval faces generally suit a wide range of frame shapes.
  • Heart-shaped faces may find balance with frames that are wider at the bottom.

2. Frame Materials:

Frames come in various materials, each offering a unique blend of style, durability, and comfort. Common materials include:

  • Metal: Sleek and modern, metal frames are lightweight and durable.
  • Plastic: Available in a variety of colors and styles, plastic frames are versatile and budget-friendly.
  • Acetate: A type of plastic, acetate frames are known for their durability, flexibility, and vibrant color options.
  • Wood: For an eco-friendly and distinctive look, consider frames made from wood. They are lightweight and often handcrafted.

3. Color Palette:

Choosing the right color for your frames can enhance your overall look. Consider the following tips:

  • Neutral Tones: Classic black, brown, or tortoiseshell frames offer timeless appeal and versatility.
  • Bold Colors: Make a statement with vibrant frames that complement your wardrobe or add a pop of color to your look.
  • Two-Tone Frames: Frames with contrasting colors or patterns can be a stylish choice for a contemporary aesthetic.

4. Frame Styles:

Explore different frame styles to find the one that resonates with your personal taste:

  • Classic Frames: Timeless and versatile, classic frames have clean lines and a simple design.
  • Retro and Vintage Frames: Channel a nostalgic vibe with frames inspired by past eras, such as cat-eye or round frames.
  • Geometric Frames: Make a modern statement with frames featuring unique shapes and angles.
  • Wire Frames: Delicate and lightweight, wire frames offer a minimalist and sophisticated look.
  • Bold Frames: Embrace boldness with oversized or statement frames for a fashion-forward appearance.

5. Consider Lifestyle and Comfort:

Your daily activities and lifestyle play a crucial role in choosing the right frames. Consider the following factors:

  • Durability: If you lead an active lifestyle, opt for durable materials that can withstand wear and tear.
  • Comfort: Ensure a proper fit by paying attention to the frame’s size, weight, and the nose bridge design.
  • Special Features: Some frames come with additional features like adjustable nose pads, spring hinges, or lightweight designs for enhanced comfort.

6. Try Before You Buy:

While online shopping is convenient, trying on frames in person allows you to assess the fit, comfort, and overall appearance. Visit us to explore different styles and get personalized recommendations from eyewear professionals.

7. Prescription Considerations:

If you need prescription lenses, ensure that the frames you choose can accommodate your prescription. Some stylish frames may have limitations regarding lens types or thickness.

Choosing fashionable glasses frames is an exciting opportunity to express your personal style and enhance your overall look. By considering your face shape, exploring various materials and styles, and keeping comfort in mind, you can find frames that not only provide clear vision but also make a fashion statement that suits your unique personality. Whether you prefer a classic, retro, or bold look, the perfect frames are out there, waiting to frame your stylish vision.

Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.

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Your eyes and the sun

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Most of us remember to apply sunscreen to our skin to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t forget to protect your eyes as well. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning can damage the eye and surrounding tissues. Here’s a look at eye conditions you can avoid by taking special care when in the sun.

Sunburn on your eye?

Yes, it is possible to have a sunburn on your eye. Keratitis is a corneal sunburn caused by UV exposure. UV radiation is a cause of several other serious eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and conjunctival eye cancers.

Damage to eyelids

Ultraviolet radiation can lead to premature aging of the delicate skin around the eyes and even skin cancer on the eyelids. Eyelid cancer typically responds well to treatment if it’s diagnosed and treated early. Untreated eye cancers lead to tissue damage and blindness.

Protecting your eyes

Here are simple actions you can take when you’re out in the sun to protect the health of your eyes and the sensitive skin surrounding them:

  • Wear sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Wear sunglasses all year long when you are out in the sun. And don’t think that cloud cover means you’re safe. The sun’s rays can penetrate clouds and haze.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes, ears, head and face.
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
  • Find shade, especially when the sun is most intense (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
  • Be extra cautious when you’re near water, snow and sand, and 80 percent or more of the sun’s rays reflect off of these surfaces. Wear eye protection when you’re skiing, snowboarding or hiking as UV intensity increases with altitude.

These are just a few things you can do to protect your eyes. Regular eye exams are important to maintaining eye health. To schedule an eye exam at Papale Eye Center, contact our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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5 steps to reduce eyestrain

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Your smartphone, tablet and other screens might be to blame for your eyes feeling dry and tired and your blurry vision at the end of a day. But giving up the digital devices that cause eyestrain is not realistic or possible. So, here are five steps you can take to reduce or prevent eyestrain when using your devices.

Start with adjusting the digital device. Place your computer screen at an arm’s length from your face and just below eye level. Place an anti-glare cover over the screen as too much glare can strain your eyes. Increase the text size on the device or computer screen to make it easier to read, and play around with the brightness and contrast settings to where you’re most comfortable. You can lower the color temperature of your screen, which reduces the amount of blue light it gives off, as blue light is linked to eyestrain.

Take regular breaks and often. There’s a useful rule for device use called the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object that’s at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or more. If you plan on being on your device for two or more hours, take 15-minute breaks to truly give your eyes time to rest. If you wear contacts, you can give your eyes a much-needed break by wearing your glasses instead.

Improve your air quality. Dry moving air contributes to dry eye. Use a humidifier in the room where you use your devices most often. Use artificial tears to treat dry eyes. Avoid smoking and being around smoke if you can, because the smoke will dry your eyes and worsen eyestrain.

Check your lighting. Lighting can make a huge difference on eyestrain. When reading, try to position the light source behind you so the light is directed onto what you’re reading. If you’re reading at a desk, position a shaded light in front of you to keep the light from shining directly into your eyes.

Get a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can recommend glasses and contact lenses that are designed specifically for computer work. During this exam, simple refractive errors can be detected and treated, and serious eye problems or diseases can be diagnosed and treated at their earliest stage.

Regular eye exams are important in maintaining eye health. To schedule an eye exam at Papale Eye Center, contact our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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Why do I need a regular eye exam if my vision is fine?

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Even if you aren’t having symptoms of vision problems, you need to have regular eye exams to identify problems at their earliest, most treatable stages, to help prevent vision loss that could lead to blindness. The frequency of comprehensive eye exams is based on the patient’s age and circumstances. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you get regular eye exams every five to 10 years if you are younger than the age of 40, every 2-4 years for those ages 40-54, every 1-3 years for those between 55-64 and every 1-2 years for those 65 years or older.

The difference between an eye exam and vision screening

Vision screening only tests visual acuity and often performed by an optician, pediatrician, or even a school nurse. A comprehensive eye exam is a thorough evaluation of the eyes to detect any problems. A variety of tests are performed on the eyes in addition to visual acuity, including retinal examination, slit-lamp, tonometry for the presence of glaucoma, keratometry for astigmatism, and refraction.

Correct blurry vision

An eye exam will help you pinpoint the common eye conditions causing your blurry vision. These common refractive errors include nearsightedness, in which nearby objects are clear and distant objects are blurry; farsightedness, where distant objects are in better focus than objects closer to the eye; astigmatism, which is blurred vision at any distance caused by an irregular curvature of the eye; and presbyopia, an age-related condition in which the eyes lose their ability to focus on close objects.

Detect glaucoma early

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. If you have glaucoma, you may not have any symptoms until you’ve lost a significant amount of your vision. That’s why early detection during a comprehensive, routine eye exam is necessary for early detection and treatment to help prevent or delay further vision loss.

Depending upon what is found during the examination, you may need eyeglasses or contact lenses for vision correction, medication for infection or inflammation or other therapies. To learn more or to schedule an exam, call our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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3 After School Snacks That Are Good For Your Eyes

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In between ensuring that your kids eat breakfast every morning and that you pack their lunches for school, you also need to make sure that they have something to eat as soon as they get home. Although your kids may want to reach for those cookies in the cookie jar, we have a few healthier alternatives for them to munch on instead. And the best part is that they are good for your eyes. Let’s take a closer look.

Carrots

Whether your kids like to dip their carrots in hummus, ranch dressing, or eat them on their own, these Vitamin A enriched veggies can support active and healthy vision. Because vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness, it’s essential that your child is getting enough of it in their diet.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Having some hard-boiled eggs on hand for your kids to munch on is a fast, easy, and healthy snack for them to eat after school. Plus, egg yolks contain lutein in them, which help to prevent against macular degeneration. And, the extra protein can support healthy blood sugar, which is also good for your vision.

Almond Butter

Raw almonds may not be your kids first choice of a snack to eat, but almond butter might be. Almonds contain Vitamin E, which can prevent bot cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Just make sure that you choose raw nut butter that doesn’t have any sugar or salt additives. If you want to be creative, you can spread almond butter on celery, toast, apple slices, or even frozen waffles as a fun treat.

Keep these three after school snacks in mind this year. To learn more about vision health, contact our office and call (413) 782-0030.

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3 Ways to Get Some Relief from Your Spring Allergies

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If you are like most people then you may be both really excited about the warm spring weather even though you are suffering from seasonal allergies. If it seems like that no matter how hard you try, you just can’t get rid of your itchy, water, red eyes, then this article is just for you. Here at Papale Eye Center, we have created a list of a few tips to help you find some much needed relief.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

If you haven’t already tried some over-the-counter eye drops then run— don’t walk— to your nearest pharmacy. Oftentimes, your eyes get really red and itchy because they are dry. Luckily, with some over the counter allergy eye drops for dry eyes, they can lubricate your eyes which will help you get rid of any discomfort or itchiness in the process.

Try Warm Cloths

Sometimes when our eyes get really irritated it can be hard to calm them down. Before you go to bed at night, wash your face and then get a clean, warm, wet washcloth and place it over your eyes. The warmth will help your eyes to tear up which may help to get rid of any allergens in them in the process. Plus, the heat and moisture should help to calm down your inflammation as well.

Watch the Eye makeup

If you are notorious for wearing a lot of eye makeup, consider giving it a little bit of a break. Why? Even though your eye makeup itself may not be causing a problem, it may exacerbate your allergy symptoms; making things feel a lot worse.

Come in for an Exam

If you can’t seem to find any relief from your eye allergies— no matter what you do— then it’s time to come into our office for an examination. During your exam, we will take a closer look at your eyes, and maybe do some testing just to make sure that you are in, fact, suffering from allergies and not anything else.

Are you interested in learning a little bit more about how you can kick your spring allergies to the curb? If so, contact us today and call us at our Springfield office at (413) 782-0030.

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3 Ways to Avoid An Eye Infection During the Holidays

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The last thing anyone wants during the holidays is a nasty cold or virus; especially when it involves your eyes. To help you steer clear of an eye infection, we have created a brief list of a few things that you should try. Ready to learn more? Read on

Wash Off Your Eye Makeup

Going to holiday parties is all about dressing up, right? And one of the most fun ways to really accentuate your holiday look is by wearing some fun, holiday-inspired makeup. Before you hop into bed after your party, make sure to wash off all of your eye makeup. Why? Dirty eyes can lead to an eye infection either in the eye itself, on the eyelids, or around the eye; something you want to avoid. Plus, too much makeup can clog your tear ducts which may lead to a sty or chalazion. To fully get rid of your eye makeup, use a gentle eye makeup remover and then follow up with a facial cleanser to get off any oil or residue.

Wash Your Hands

Our motto around our office? Wash, wash, wash. Just because it’s the holidays it doesn’t mean that the cold and flu season has gone on vacation. To avoid getting any sort of virus that may be going around, make sure that you wash your hands as much as possible. After all, the last thing you want is to get a bacterial eye infection that you got by shaking someone’s hand.

Keep Your Lenses Clean

If you are a contact lens wearer then make sure that you are keeping them as clean as possible. Every night before you go to bed make sure that you are not only putting clean contact lens solution into your case, but that you are cleaning your case as well. A lot of people don’t know it, but your contact lens case can harbor a lot of germs and bacteria which can lead to an eye infection.

Skip the eye infections this holiday season. To learn more about your vision, schedule an appointment with us at our Springfield office and call us today at (413) 782-0030.

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Glasses as Old As Time: How to Tell If You Need New Glasses

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Eye Glasses Consultation Springfield MassachusettsYou may think that those 1980’s eyeglasses you’re still sporting are making you blend in with the millennial hipster crowd, but it may be time to upgrade those bad boys to a new pair. Even though glasses can last for years if they are taken care of properly and your lenses are switched out, they can easily wear down. Here are some signs that you need new glasses. Read on to learn more.

The Screws Are Loose

Admit it: How many times have you had to use a drugstore screwdriver to tighten your glasses? If you have to tighten the screws on your glasses more than once every few months, then it’s likely time to get new frames. Over time, the screws and holes on your glasses start to wear down and fall out.

Things Are Lopsided

Do you look like you just got in a fight with a dragon? Are your glasses leaving you looking more disheveled than professional? If your glasses are lopsided, then you may need new ones. Although we can bend your frames a little to fix this problem, if it’s too severe, then we may need to fit you for an entirely new pair of frames instead.

Your Head Is Aching

Do you remember getting headaches as a kid when your mom would make you wear a headband or hat for a family picture? Similarly, if your glasses are too tight on your head, they can cause constant headaches. To see if your glasses are the culprit of your head pain, try taking them off for about 10 minutes. Have your symptoms improved? If so, they are likely the problem.

New glasses can make you see life in a whole new way. If your screws are loose, your frames are lopsided, or if you suffer from frequent headaches, you may need to buy a new pair. To learn more about glasses or to schedule your next examination, contact Papale Eye Center today!

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