ask the labs
By Joseph L. Bruneni and Martine Breheny

KEEPING AN EYE ON THE BALL
Q Do you have any recommendations on manufacturers for youth soccer eye protection? My daughter was struck in the eye and I need to find eye protection that does not obstruct her vision. I have been referred to basketball and racquetball eye protection. Do you have any ideas?

A Eye protectors that are certified to ASTM F803 for racquet sports, lacrosse, basketball, or baseball would be fine. The eyewear should have been tested by an A2LA- accredited lab. The site www.protecteye.org lists several products that pass. If the child wears an Rx lens, the ZOOM (distributed by Hilco) with a 2mm poly lens would provide her with excellent protection.

WHEN WORDS FAIL
Q Is there an index of common terms for the eyeglass trade which would include, for example, rim, rimless, rim lock, temple?

A There is an excellent source that covers most of what you asked about. It is the Dictionary of Ophthalmic Optics, published by the National Academy of Opticianry. It can be ordered from the organization's Website, www.nao.org, or by calling 800-229-4828. The term "rim lock" is not listed in the dictionary. I suspect it is a trade name like "rimlon" and would not be included.

PROBLEMS WITH TITANIUM FRAMES
Q I have lots of trouble with the eyewire screws that are used with titanium frames. Specifically, the screws often bind. What can be done to make these screws turn more easily?

A  If you are threading a titanium screw into a titanium frame and the screw "cross threads," it will bind and become stubborn. When this happens with other frame materials, either the screw thread or the hardware threads will give slightly to allow insertion. Titanium, a strong and hard material, will not give easily.

To work with troublesome titanium, consider the following:

STEP ONE: Once the screw binds, do not force it! Back the screw out and try again. The threads may match more evenly the second time.

STEP TWO: If the screw continues to bind, place a drop of cutting oil into the hardware. That will help lubricate the threads. If no cutting oil is available, try three-in-one or sewing machine oil.

In general, however, I find cutting oil to be the best lubricant for spring hinges, tapping, and general lubrication needs.

Problem in KANSAS
Q What should we recommend to remove what appears to be a very thin layer of hard water deposits (calcium carbonate?) from a patient's polycarbonate eyeglasses? He uses Wichita city water to clean them, but this transparent layer has accumulated over a period of years.

A Hard water deposits are extremely difficult to remove from any material. Soaking the eyewear in warm water with a few drops of non-detergent dish soap for abut 15 minutes, followed by a warm water rinse and drying with a soft clean cloth will usually remove most of the deposits. As you have indicated, with accumulation of years of buildup it may be near impossible to remove all calcium buildup. Do not use harsh chemicals such as lime dissolver-type products, as they may also remove the scratch-resistant coating. Regular cleaning of glasses is recommended in order to avoid this buildup.

--Polycarbonate Lens Council

If you have a question you'd like to have answered in Ask the Labs, send it to Joseph L. Bruneni. Fax: 310-533-8165. Phone: 310-533-4975. E-mail: joe@bruneni.com. Or mail questions to: Vision Consultants, 2908 Oregon Court, #I-2, Torrance, CA 90503. An archive of past Ask the Labs columns can be found on the Eyecare Business Website at www.eyecarebiz.com.