Hey there! Living in the Pacific Northwest, especially around Portland, means dealing with a bit of everything when it comes to weather. One moment it’s bright and sunny, and the next, you’re caught in a drizzle. So, picking the right sunglasses isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s about being ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

Here are five things I’ve learned over the years about choosing the best lenses for our unique weather patterns:

1. Lens Color Matters!
The color of your lenses can really make a difference in how you see the world, especially here. Here’s what I like to keep in mind:

- Gray Lenses: These are my go-to for those rare sunny days. They reduce glare without messing with the colors around you. Perfect for when the sun peeks through the clouds in summer or even on those unexpected winter sunny spells.
- Yellow or Amber Lenses: These are a lifesaver on cloudy days, which we all know are pretty common in Portland. They brighten up your view and help you see better when it’s foggy or overcast. Great for hikes or bike rides when you want to spot those sneaky roots or rocks!
- Photochromic Lenses: If you’re like me and hate switching sunglasses throughout the day, these are fantastic. They adjust based on the light, so you’re covered whether it’s bright or getting dark.

2. What About Material?
The material of the lenses is super important too. Here’s what I’ve found works well:
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- Polycarbonate Lenses: These are lightweight and tough. I’ve dropped mine a few times (oops!), and they’ve held up beautifully. They’re perfect for anyone who’s active outdoors—hiking, biking, or just enjoying a stroll in the parks.
- Trivex Lenses: If you want something slightly fancier, Trivex lenses are your friend. They’re comfy and offer great clarity, making them ideal for long wear.

3. Don’t Forget UV Protection!
This is non-negotiable. Always go for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Even if it looks cloudy, UV rays can sneak through and harm your eyes. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

4. Polarized Lenses Are a Game Changer
These lenses are awesome for cutting down glare, especially when it’s wet out or if you’re near water. I’ve found they really make a difference when I’m out on hikes in the mountains or just driving around after a rain shower.

5. Fit and Comfort Are Key
Finally, make sure your sunglasses feel good on your face. I always look for ones with adjustable nose pads and flexible frames. You want them to stay put while you’re out running along the Willamette or exploring Forest Park.

Final Thoughts For the Road
Navigating Portland’s unpredictable weather can be tricky, but with the right sunglasses, you can be ready for anything. I usually recommend gray or photochromic lenses for their versatility, and definitely don’t skip on the polarized option for glare reduction. Most importantly, keep your eye safety in mind while enjoying all the incredible outdoor activities our beautiful Pacific Northwest has to offer!

In a world where health concerns can arise at any time, having access to immediate, reliable care is more important than ever—especially when it comes to your eyes. Whether it's the middle of the night or a weekend, eye issues like infections, sudden vision loss, or contact lens complications don’t follow a schedule. That’s why Spectacle's decision to provide an on-call optometrist service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week provides peace of mind and essential care for the Portland and Beaverton communities. 

Why You Might Need an On-Call Optometrist
Eye problems can emerge unexpectedly and sometimes require urgent attention. Common scenarios where immediate optometric care is crucial include:

• Eye Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause redness, pain, discharge, and blurry vision. If left untreated, these infections can lead to more serious complications.
• Eye Pain: Whether from an injury, dryness, or a more serious condition like glaucoma, eye pain can be alarming. Immediate consultation with an optometrist can help determine the severity and guide you toward the appropriate treatment.
• Sudden Vision Loss: If you experience sudden vision changes or loss, it’s essential to seek care right away. Conditions like retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or optic neuritis require timely intervention to prevent permanent damage.
• Contact Lens Complications: Issues like discomfort, infection, or allergic reactions due to contact lenses can disrupt your day and require professional attention. An optometrist can provide advice on proper care or even direct you to a new solution if needed.
• Foreign Objects in the Eye: Whether you’ve gotten something in your eye during outdoor activities or have been exposed to chemicals, it’s vital to have an expert assess your eye and remove any irritants safely.

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The Peace of Mind You Deserve
Knowing that you have access to professional care whenever you need it, day or night, can significantly ease anxiety when you’re facing an eye-related emergency. 24/7 on-call optometrists are trained to assess, diagnose, and recommend treatment for a wide range of eye health concerns. Whether you need advice, prescriptions, or even an urgent appointment, having an optometrist available at all hours ensures that you're never left in the dark when it comes to your eye health.

This service is especially important for those with busy lifestyles, parents with children, and individuals who may have preexisting eye conditions. It removes the stress of needing to wait for the next available appointment, giving you the flexibility to access the care you need when it’s most convenient for you.

How It Works: Accessing On-Call Eye Care
Getting in touch with an on-call optometrist is simple and efficient:

1. Call either office location: When you call our offices after hours, you can request to be connected to our on-call provider at any time, whether you're at home or on the go.
2. Receive Immediate Consultation: You’ll be connected with a licensed optometrist who can conduct an initial consultation over the phone. Depending on the situation, they may recommend at-home remedies, direct you to an urgent care facility, or set up an in-person appointment.
3. Prescription and Treatment: If necessary, prescriptions for medications (such as antibiotics for infections or eye drops for dry eyes) can be provided. In cases of serious eye injuries or conditions, they’ll guide you on the next steps, which may include emergency care or a visit to a specialist.
4. Follow-up Care: After the immediate concern is addressed, you can schedule follow-up appointments or get ongoing support as your treatment progresses.

Why 24/7 Eye Care Is Essential
Eye problems are often unpredictable, and their impact on daily life can be profound. Whether it’s dealing with the discomfort of an eye infection, managing contact lens irritation, or worrying about vision loss, knowing there’s always a solution available brings comfort.

Here’s why having access to an on-call optometrist service is invaluable:

• Immediate Relief: Avoid waiting until office hours or emergency room visits. Get the care you need instantly.
• Prevent Complications: Timely treatment can prevent minor eye issues from becoming more severe, preserving your vision and eye health.
• Convenience: Whether it's a late-night eye emergency or a weekend concern, you're not limited by traditional office hours. You get care when it’s most needed.
• Expert Guidance: With an on-call optometrist, you have an expert at your fingertips to guide you through concerns, answer questions, and provide peace of mind.

Final Thoughts
Eye health should never be put on hold, and now, with Spectacle's 24/7 on-call optometrist services, you don’t have to wait for care. Emergencies don’t happen according to office hours, but access to immediate professional advice and treatment can make all the difference in preserving your vision and overall eye health. The peace of mind of knowing expert help is just a call away—no matter the time—provides comfort and confidence that you’ll always have the care you need when you need it most.

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where wellness, sustainability, and holistic care are central to the community ethos, Spectacle stands as a testament to the values of preventive health and personalized service. With locations in Portland and Beaverton, Spectacle isn’t just another optical shop—it’s a locally-owned practice where eye care meets community, and where every patient is treated like family.

At Spectacle, the mission is simple: to provide specialist-level care without the specialist office experience. Here, patients receive expert eye care in a welcoming, friendly environment designed to reflect the values of Portland and Beaverton—places known for their emphasis on holistic wellness, sustainability, and community connection.

A New Kind of Eye Care Experience
Unlike traditional optometry offices that can often feel sterile and detached, Spectacle offers a warm, inviting space where the focus is on personalized care and comprehensive, preventative eye health. The clinic is founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to quality eyewear, not just in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of comfort, functionality, and well-being.
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Spectacle combines a thoughtful selection of stylish and sustainable eyewear with the expertise of optometrists and opticians who are not only experts in their field but are also deeply committed to the Portland and Beaverton communities they serve. Whether you need a routine eye exam, are looking for a new pair of glasses, or are in need of specialized contact lens fittings, Spectacle ensures that you receive the highest standard of care tailored to your specific needs.

The Vision Behind Spectacle
Spectacle was founded by Dr. Marc Schmitt, a highly experienced optometrist with a passion for preventative eye care and a dedication to holistic health. Dr. Schmitt’s vision for Spectacle was shaped by his desire to create a patient-centric practice that blends the best of modern optometry with the community-focused philosophies of the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Schmitt’s journey into optometry was driven by a deep interest in both healthcare and design. Growing up in a family of healthcare providers and artists, he understood the importance of prevention and the impact that good health practices could have on overall quality of life. He also recognized the significance of style and self-expression when it comes to eyewear. With his diverse skill set and understanding of the importance of both medical and aesthetic aspects of eye care, Dr. Schmitt was determined to create a space where patients could not only receive expert care, but also feel heard, valued, and cared for.

His mission was to bring a level of specialist care to a practice that felt more like a neighborhood gathering space—a place where patients could receive thorough, thoughtful consultations, and access eyewear that was as functional as it was fashionable, all in a stress-free environment. For Dr. Schmitt, eye care was never just about prescribing glasses or contacts; it was about empowering patients to take control of their vision health in a way that aligned with their overall wellness goals.

A Commitment to Preventative, Holistic Care
True to the holistic health philosophies that permeate the Pacific Northwest, Spectacle emphasizes the importance of preventative eye care. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even certain types of vision loss, can be detected early through regular eye exams. At Spectacle, eye health is seen as a lifelong journey—one where proactive care helps preserve not only vision, but also overall health and well-being.

Dr. Schmitt and the team at Spectacle take a comprehensive approach to every patient’s care. Rather than focusing solely on vision correction, the practice encourages patients to think about their eye health in relation to their lifestyle, nutrition, stress levels, and environmental factors—all of which can influence eye health over time. By taking this holistic approach, Spectacle’s team is able to help patients avoid potential complications and make informed choices about their eye care.

The practice also embraces sustainability—a value that resonates deeply with the Portland and Beaverton communities. Spectacle is committed to offering a curated collection of eco-friendly eyewear brands, which are not only stylish but also produced with sustainable materials, ensuring that their impact on the environment is minimal.

Community-Centered Care
What sets Spectacle apart is the genuine care the team offers, not only for the eyes of their patients but also for the communities they serve. As a locally-owned business, Spectacle prides itself on building lasting relationships with their patients. They don’t just want to provide excellent care for your eyes—they want to be a trusted part of your wellness journey.
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Dr. Schmitt and his team understand that access to quality care is essential, especially in a world where healthcare can sometimes feel overwhelming and impersonal. Spectacle’s goal is to make eye care approachable and accessible, providing a personalized experience that’s rooted in compassion and community involvement. Their investment in the Portland and Beaverton neighborhoods extends beyond just providing great eye care—it’s about being a positive, supportive force in the lives of those they serve.
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Why Choose Spectacle?

• Expert Care with a Personal Touch: At Spectacle, you receive specialist-level care from experienced optometrists who take the time to listen to your needs and concerns.
• Holistic, Preventative Approach: The team is committed to not just fixing vision problems, but helping you maintain and improve your eye health over time.
• Stylish, Sustainable Eyewear: Spectacle offers a curated selection of fashionable eyewear from eco-conscious brands, ensuring that your glasses align with your values.
• A Focus on Community: As a locally owned business, Spectacle is deeply invested in serving Portland and Beaverton residents with personalized, compassionate care.

Visit Us Today
Whether you're looking for an eye exam, a new pair of glasses, or simply want to learn more about how to take better care of your eyes, Spectacle is here for you. With locations in Portland and Beaverton, we’re ready to welcome you into our community and provide the specialist-level eye care you deserve—without the specialist office experience. Come experience the Spectacle difference, where your vision, health, and community matter most.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye syndrome—a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, many individuals with MGD don’t experience the classic symptoms of dry eyes, such as the gritty, sandy feeling, burning sensations, or excessive watering, until they’ve lost over 60% of their original tear function. This delay in symptom onset has made MGD notoriously difficult to diagnose early, and as a result, it is often left untreated until it becomes a significant issue. At Spectacle, we are dedicated to changing the way this condition is diagnosed and treated, with the goal of helping patients regain their comfort and vision before the damage becomes irreversible.

The Hidden Epidemic of Dry Eyes
While dry eye syndrome is commonly associated with discomfort like a foreign body sensation, burning, or excessive tearing, these classic symptoms typically don’t appear until the condition has progressed significantly. The meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, are responsible for secreting an oily substance that forms the top layer of your tears, preventing them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become clogged or malfunction (as in MGD), the tear film breaks down, leading to dryness and irritation. But most people don’t feel these symptoms right away.
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In fact, it’s common for individuals to have severe MGD with little to no discomfort until they’ve lost more than half of their tear production. As the condition worsens, people may eventually experience blurry vision, irritation, and even corneal damage—a loss of clarity in the eye’s surface. For many patients, by the time they realize they need treatment, the damage to their tear function is advanced, which can make recovery more challenging.

This delayed diagnosis has been a longstanding issue in the eye care profession. Too often, patients are only diagnosed when their symptoms have become unmanageable. At Spectacle, we are committed to changing that. Our team of dry eye experts specializes in the early detection and treatment of MGD, helping patients get ahead of their symptoms and restore their tear function before it’s too late.

The Spectacle Approach to Treating Dry Eye Disease
For years, the team at Spectacle has been successfully treating dry eye disease, from mild cases to more severe conditions. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing patients regain their quality of life after suffering from chronic dry eyes for years. Take, for example, the case of an educator who had been struggling with severe dry eye symptoms for almost a decade.
This educator had endured daily irritation, blurry vision, and fatigue from constantly trying to manage their symptoms. The dryness of their corneas, the clear surface that acts as the window to the world, had become so severe that they were forced to consider early retirement due to the debilitating effects of their untreated dry eye disease.

By the time the educator came to us at Spectacle, their quality of life had dramatically declined. They were unable to perform basic professional duties or even engage in daily activities like reading and teaching. The impact on their career and their ability to continue doing what they loved was immense.

After a comprehensive evaluation using our specialized infrared imaging equipment, we discovered that their meibomian glands were severely compromised. The breakdown of their tear film had caused significant corneal dryness, affecting their vision and overall comfort.

However, the good news was that treatment was possible. We introduced the educator to the latest dry eye therapies, including meibomian gland expression, Lipiflow, and intense pulsed light therapy—all of which work together to restore the function of the meibomian glands, reduce inflammation, and increase tear production. In addition, we used amniotic membrane treatments, which help stimulate stem cells and promote healing of the eye’s surface. With our tailored treatment plan, the educator’s tear function improved significantly, and their vision was restored to the point where they could continue their career and engage in their passions.

This educator’s case is just one of many where we’ve been able to successfully treat severe dry eye disease and restore normal function to the tear film. Whether a patient is dealing with mild irritation or more severe symptoms, we’re here to provide compassionate, effective care to help them get back to living life comfortably.

Cutting-Edge Dry Eye Treatments
Thanks to ongoing research and advancements in eye care, Spectacle is proud to offer the latest in dry eye treatments. Some of the most effective treatments for MGD and dry eye disease include:

• Meibomian Gland Expression: This procedure helps to clear the blocked meibomian glands, allowing the oil to flow freely and restore the tear film.
• Lipiflow: A device that uses heat and gentle pressure to unclog the meibomian glands, improving the oil secretion and stabilizing the tear film.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL therapy targets inflammation in the eyelids and improves meibomian gland function by using light pulses to stimulate the glands.
• Amniotic Membrane Therapy: Using natural tissue, this treatment promotes healing and regeneration of the corneal surface and the tear film, often providing relief for patients with severe dryness.

These therapies work in synergy to restore tear function, improve eye health, and reduce chronic discomfort. At Spectacle, we use advanced diagnostic equipment to evaluate the current state of your meibomian glands, assess their function, and develop a personalized plan to restore your eye health.

The Growing Impact of Screen Time on Dry Eyes
One of the leading contributors to the rise in dry eye disease is the increase in screen time. Whether you’re working on a computer, scrolling through your phone, or watching television, the simple act of staring at a screen for long periods of time can reduce your blinking rate—the natural mechanism that keeps your eyes moist. The average person blinks about 15-20 times per minute, but when focusing on a screen, this rate can drop to 5-7 blinks per minute, leading to tear evaporation and dryness. As a result, we’re seeing an increasing number of patients, particularly younger people, experiencing dry eyes earlier in life.

Our Mission at Spectacle
At Spectacle, our mission is to change the narrative around dry eye disease and MGD. By offering early detection and a variety of cutting-edge treatments, we can prevent the progression of these conditions and restore your tear barrier—the vital line of defense between your eyes and the world around you. Whether you’re dealing with a mild irritation or chronic, severe dry eyes, our team is here to help. We’re committed to making sure that you don’t have to suffer in silence, and we will work with you every step of the way to restore your vision and comfort.

If you’re experiencing dry eyes, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a consultation with our team at Spectacle today, and let us help you take control of your eye health. Together, we can work to ensure that your vision and tear function remain healthy for years to come.