ASK THE LABS
Q&A
by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

STICKING POINT

Q: What's the best way to remove frame screws that have been painted, enameled, or sealed over and are stuck?

A: First, be sure to use the correct size screwdriver blade and replace the blades as soon as they have worn. Then:

1. Attempt to remove the screw by gradually increasing pressure with your fingertips, backing off, and applying pressure again.

2. Ultrasonic the frame in a heated ultrasonic cleaner for five minutes; if necessary, repeat.

3. Heat the barrel in a beadpan for two minutes; repeat if necessary.

4. If it's a new frame and time allows, replace it from the manufacturer before attempting the next step.

5. Carefully align the frame on the anvil and tap the handle of the screwdriver with a hammer; repeat if necessary.

6. Drill the screw out.

7. Touch-up any marred surfaces with a patching pen.

—Paul Zito, president, Encore Optics LLC, South Windsor, Conn.

FUNNY FEELING

Q: I have a patient who complains about getting a headache/ill feeling from her polarized eyewear. She says her view through the lenses is distorted. Is it her, or is the polarized lens being improperly processed or fitted?

A: Typically, a patient that has these complaints is exhibiting symptoms of an axis problem. The maximum a polarized lens can be off axis is three degrees. Most manufacturers do a good job of keeping a very tight tolerance on their axis placement, but not all.

The axis can also be misplaced during subsequent processing. If the axis is OK, the polarized lenses could be distorted by over-tightening a frame, which causes stress marks. Typically, these stress marks occur with polycarbonate lenses due to the material's inherent birefringence.

If the lenses are in a wrap frame, they may be experiencing "base curve shock" or problems with the wrap, which may need to be fixed with a change in Rx. But most likely, the problem is due to axis issues.

—David Rips, president & CEO, Younger Optics

Salty Solution

Q: How often do I need to change the beads in my saltpan to help avoid problems such as sticking, lens and frame scratching, and beads or salt getting stuck in frame cracks and crevices?

A: The best solution may be to utilize a hot air warmer rather than a saltpan. Invest in a good quality hot air warmer. They require very little if any maintenance and are "plug and play." Lower quality hot-air warmers may initially cost less, but elements tend to burn out as well as other problems down the line. If you still have a saltpan, it's a good idea to clean the beads around every two or three months. You can do this by cooling, then emptying, the beads into a container, rinsing them well, and letting them dry before placing them back in the pan. If the beads are sticking, you can use a tiny bit of talcum powder mixed in.

—Mike Estes, vice president of quality assurance, Pech Optical Corp., Sioux City, Iowa

If you have a question you'd like to have answered in Ask the Labs, send it to Karlen McLean. E-mail: mcleank@LWWVisionCare.com. Fax: 215-643-1705. An archive of past Ask the Labs columns can be found on the Eyecare Business Website at www.eyecarebusiness.com.