Should I Repair or Replace My Eyeglasses?

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Buying a pair of eyeglass frames can be a purely practical decision: you buy a plain frame to see things more clearly. For others, it’s more about style: you buy a fashionable frame instead of wearing contact lenses or simply to spice up your outfit. However, no matter why you buy your eyeglasses, they won’t last forever. Here, we’ll look at tips to decide when to repair or replace your eyeglasses.

Repair Vs. Replace: What to Know

Generally, eyeglasses in Champaign are designed to withstand a considerable amount of wear. In other words, the frames will likely withstand minor bumps and bruises. That said, if you step on them or just treat them without a lot of care, you might yourself replacing them more often than you want.

For minor repairs, such as missing nose pads, broken bridges, damaged rims, or missing screws, it usually makes more sense to take the time to repair them rather than replace them. This is especially true if you love your frame and the manufacturer is either out of business or no longer produces the model. Of course, an eye doctor in Champaign will tell you that if you’re considering replacing a relatively new pair because you’re already tired of it, it could be a good excuse to splurge.

Where to Find Repairs in Champaign

You can find repair specialists in various locations throughout the Champaign area, including big-box stores. However, if it’s a more complex repair on a designer frame, you may want to take it to the specialist at Champaign Eye Professionals. Our technicians have plenty of experience tackling an array of issues. We also offer adjustments to your eyeglasses, so they fit more comfortably on your face.

Can a New Eyeglass Prescription Fix My Cataracts?

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Cataracts impact millions of people across an array of age groups, making it one of the more common eye disorders that you can get. However, even though it’s extremely common, the actual progression of the disease can vary drastically from one person to the next. Here, we’ll look at whether you can manage cataracts with little more than a new prescription.

Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts are more likely to affect people over the age of 50, though everyone from infants to pregnant women can get them. For some people, cataracts progress slower than molasses, meaning they may be able to manage the disorder just by getting a stronger progression. For most people, though, they’ll need more to help them see — especially for activities like driving in the dark.

How to Treat Cataracts

Treating cataracts is often a matter of paying attention and making sure that you visit an eye doctor in Champaign, IL. Cataracts can creep up on people if they’re not careful. If your vision has taken on a yellowish tinge, colors are becoming muddier, or you’re seeing double vision, it could be a sign of cataracts. Even if all you need is a new pair of glasses, you won’t want to wait for things to get worse.

At Champaign Eye Professionals, we know just how difficult it can be to experience any changes to your vision, let alone a lifetime condition of cataracts in Champaign. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to treat the condition, with cataract surgery being as effective as it is painless. Quick, simple, and nearly foolproof, you can explore any number of ways to treat cataracts with our expert team.

Can I Buy Designer Eyewear on an Eyemed Plan?

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Designer eyewear can do more than just complete your outfit; it can give you a whole new perspective on your face. If you change your mind as often as you change your style, the right pair of frames can open up a world of options. If you’re wondering whether you can get frames through your insurance, though, we’ll look at the facts below.

Designer Frames and EyeMed

Most EyeMed plans allow you to select a pair of designer frames through their coverage. The catch? You’ll need to find a provider within their network for the best deal, and the plan may only cover a portion of the frame. In some cases, you may be able to find an out-of-network provider; however, reimbursement will be lower (often significantly lower).

The Perks of Designer Eyewear

Most people buy designer eyewear because they love a particular brand and know it will enhance their favorite outfits. Of course, an eye doctor in Champaign can tell you that they may also be more durable than your standard set of frames, meaning you can keep them for longer and just keep swapping out the lenses as needed. In rare cases, though, designer eyewear can be thought of as an investment. If you get a limited-edition set of frames and you take excellent care of them, they could end up selling for a mint price in a decade or two.

If you’re looking for designer eyewear in Champaign, contact Champaign Eye Professionals to learn more about selection and the types of insurance we accept. We’re here to help you find the perfect pair of frames for your face.

Should You Buy Your Glasses Online?

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If you’re tempted to buy glasses online, it’s likely because you’re trying to save time and money. (With nearly everything available as a virtual service, you may even find eye tests to help you get your prescription for free.) Of course, the real question is: should you buy your glasses online in Champaign? Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons.

Choosing Glasses

When glasses first debuted, they came in an array of prescription strengths. Instead of being tested, people would just look through different options and pick the pair that helped them see the best. You can imagine that this setup could get especially dicey when a person’s eyesight slowly got worse over the years — to say nothing of whether the glasses felt comfortable on a person’s face!

Weighing the Odds

Today, the process of picking eyeglasses in Champaign, IL, is much more precise, and this is true even if you choose to buy online. The main drawback of buying online is that you can end up with glasses you don’t want and never end up wearing. (If you’re going to spend money on prescription, it’s going to be that much harder to return.)

Plus, it only takes one wrong button click to end up with tinted lenses when you thought you were buying standard ones. Just like you might buy a suit from an e-retailer that doesn’t fit you, the virtual measuring you receive just isn’t the same as a custom fit.

Today, you can visit an eye doctor in Champaign for a prescription and tailored frames, so you can be certain that you have the most up-to-date information. If you choose to skip this step, you can end up compromising both your vision and all-over comfort. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we’re here to narrow down your options to the perfect one for you!

The Real Reason Your Glasses Keep Sliding Down Your Nose

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Are you constantly having to push your eyeglasses in Champaign, IL back into place? This shouldn’t be a normal part of wearing glasses, and it means that some kind of adjustment needs to be made. Here are several possible reasons why this may be happening to you.

Poorly-Fitting Frames

Sometimes glasses slip because they’re just too big for your face. You know that part of your optometry visit where you sit down with a technician and they assess the fit of any frames that you’ve chosen? Well, that’s an important step, because every person’s face is different. We all have different proportions. Just because a frame says it’s made for a woman doesn’t mean it’s going to fit every woman’s face.

The Arms Are Too Loose or Too Short

The arms of your glasses are those two lengthy parts that tuck over your ears. The curve of the arms is supposed to create a snug—but not too tight—hold over your ears. If the curves don’t reach correctly over your ears, this makes the glasses free to slide down your nose.

Oily Skin and Sweat

Your skin naturally produces oil, called sebum. This oil isn’t a bad thing, unless it builds up in excess. You may also get sweaty on hot days or when moving swiftly. This can create a slippery surface—literally a slippery slope on your nose! Through no fault of yours or your glasses, this can cause them to slide down your nose. Plastic frames tend to slide more easily than frames made from other materials.

Worn-Out Nose Pads or Temple Tips

Over time, the small rubber or silicone nose pads on your glasses can wear out, harden or become smooth, making it easier for your glasses to slide. Even the rubberized coating on the temple tips can lose its grip. Replacing these parts can make a noticeable difference in how well your glasses stay in place.

Visit your Champaign, IL optometrist and explain the issue you’re having. We’ll be able to figure out a solution, whether it’s tightening your frames, making other frame adjustments, adding anti-slip nose pads, helping you to choose alternative frames. Contact us today to book an appointment!

Trying to Decide Between Glasses and Contacts? What to Consider

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If you need corrective lenses, you’ll have to pick between wearing contacts or glasses. Some people prefer eyeglasses, while others prefer contacts.

If you’re new to prescription lenses and not sure which is best for you, your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, can provide you with guidance and information. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we’re happy to answer patient questions and give them information about these two types of prescription lenses.

Glasses: Pros and Cons

Glasses are worn on the face. They’re easy to put on and take off, and easy to clean. Glasses are a good option for people who want ease of use.

Glasses can impact how your face looks, so some people like glasses while others don’t. If you’re choosing glasses over contact lenses, it’s important to find a pair of glasses that you appreciate aesthetically.

Contacts: Pros and Cons

Contact lenses offer better peripheral vision compared to eyeglasses. Contacts are also safer to wear when playing sports. If you don’t like the way that eyeglasses look on your face, contact lenses may be the best option for you.

Contacts aren’t always easy to wear or take off, so some people are nervous about wearing them. Contacts can’t be worn all the time. Contacts that aren’t well-cleaned or are worn when they shouldn’t be can cause infection.

Which Is Right For You?

If you’re unsure whether to choose eyeglasses or contact lenses in Champaign, IL, contact your eye doctor at Champaign Eye Professionals. We can answer your questions and help you decide between these two prescription lens options.

Why Prescription Sunglasses are a Must for Vision and Eye Health

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If you have a prescription for eyeglasses, consider getting prescription sunglasses to go with them. There are multiple benefits of prescription sunglasses that the team at Champaign Eye Professionals wants you to know. Here are some of them.

Adding UV Protection

Even if you don’t feel uncomfortable in the sunlight, your eyes can be damaged by UV rays. Prescription sunglasses that you order from your Champaign eye doctor will protect your eyes. They also protect the skin around your eyes from damage due to UV ray protection.

Limiting Eye Strain

When you don’t wear sunglasses, your eyes may face strain from the sun and the glare it creates. You will find less eye strain when you add prescription sunglasses to your eyecare toolbox. You can spend the entire day out in the sun without getting a headache or pain in your eyes.

Lessening Risk of Eye Disease

Did you know your eyes can get sunburned? This condition, known as photokeratitis, is serious and can impact your eyesight for life, increasing the risk of other eye diseases. Sunglasses reduce that risk, and they can also lessen the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinal deterioration.

Keeping Vision Clear

Prescription sunglasses keep your vision clear when you’re outdoors. You won’t be squinting, and you won’t have to take off your prescription glasses to wear regular sunglasses. You will have your prescription and your sun protection all in one place.

Are you in the market for prescription sunglasses? Schedule a visit with Champaign Eye Professionals today to talk to your eye doctor about ordering prescription sunglasses. You can also visit our optical shop to see the attractive frames we have available.

Do Designer Eyeglasses Last Longer than Off Brands?

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Designer sunglasses are everywhere these days, with nearly every designer trying to get in on the action. However, their prices might raise an eyebrow or two, which then raises the question of what exactly you’re paying for. Are you paying strictly for the name or are these designers using better materials that are configured in a way that will stand up to wear and tear? At Champaign Eye Professionals, we offer a number of designer eyeglasses in Champaign, IL, so we can tell you more about what you can realistically expect from your purchase.

Designer Frames in Champaign

There is a lot of variability between eyeglass frames, but in general, the quality of designer frames may exceed those of off-brands. They may also come with a better warranty than other pairs, which can be a great comfort to someone who’s less-than-careful when it comes to caring for their frames.

Enduring Style

There’s another major benefit to designer eyeglasses that has everything to do with your style. While fashion trends come and go, enduring designers like Safilo and Dolabany are attuned to what their customers are looking for. By tapping into their needs, they’ve created frames you’ll want to wear repeatedly. So you can end up getting frames that last you a decade or more and may only need to be repaired once or twice.

Optometrists in Champaign, IL

If you’re looking for an optometrist in Champaign, IL, who carries the best brands, the staff at Champaign Eye Professionals can help you pick out a frame that fits your face to a tee. If you don’t want to spend money on a designer frame, we can point you in the right direction for your best alternative.

Where to Get Your Eyeglasses Repaired

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A pair of eyeglasses can last for years, but even people who take meticulous care of them will eventually need a repair or two. If you’re wondering where to get your glasses fixed in Champaign, IL, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Experience with Different Frames

There have never been more options on the market when it comes to frames. This is great news for eyeglass wearers, but it can present some logistical challenges when it comes to repairs. For lasting results, you want to work with an on-site optician who knows the various brands and how they work.

You’ll also want to deal with an expert who has all the supplies they need at their fingertips. Worn pads, scratched end pieces, broken rims, lost screws: these components are not necessarily easy to find or source, depending on the design of the frames. If you have a limited edition pair, taking your eyeglasses to a local shop may not be all that helpful.

When you visit the right optician, though, they’re more likely to either have what you need on hand or the resources and the expertise to order it. In the best-case scenario, you may not even need to replace any of the parts. The right site will have the tech and expertise needed to make the right decisions about the future of your frames.

Eyeglass Repairs in Champaign, IL

If you want to change your eyeglasses to complement your style, that’s one thing. It’s an entirely different thing to purchase eyeglasses simply because your frames are broken. If you want to save yourself some money (and hassle), the staff at Champaign Eye Professionals is here to help. Whether the break just happened or you have a pair of glasses that have been sitting in a drawer for a while, contact us today to check in with our on-site optician.

What to Consider When Choosing Glasses

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Many people wear their eyeglasses every day, so choosing the right pair is important! Knowing what to consider as you select your eyeglasses can help you pick a pair that you’ll be happy to wear day in and day out until you replace them. It helps to choose an eye doctor in Champaign, IL with a wide selection of frames. Below are the questions to ask yourself as you select the glasses for you.

Plastic or Wire Rimmed?

Plastic and wire rimmed glasses are very different from one another. Plastic glasses tend to be heavier, with thicker frames. This takes some getting used to, as some people with plastic frames may have a period of one or two days when their glasses cause an ache behind the ears.

Plastic frames typically have bolder, more vibrant colors than wire rimmed glasses, so if self-expression is a priority for you, then plastic frames may be the perfect choice. Wire-rimmed frames tend to be subtler and more professional. If you’re seeking glasses that blend in, wire-rimmed may be the right choice.

Do They Fit Properly?

Typically, glasses come in different sizes. Finding the right size for your face can be difficult. One way to tell is if the bridge of the glasses fit easily without pinching your nose, or sliding down. If you’re not sure whether a frame fits your face properly, ask for help from a clerk at the eye doctor.

Are they Versatile?

Do you think you could wear these glasses with any outfit? Would you be happy wearing these glasses every day? Ask yourself these questions as you try on the glasses you’re considering.

Do you need eyeglasses in Champaign, IL? Contact Champaign Eye Professionals to make an appointment for an eye exam. Once you have a prescription, you can choose eyeglasses from our large selection.