How to Properly Care for Your Eyeglasses
Replacing scratched or broken eyeglasses can be expensive, particularly if you've already used your vision insurance coverage for the year. Although accidents may be unavoidable, damage can often be prevented by following these care recommendations.
Use a Hard Case
Soft cases provide some protection from scratches, but aren't as sturdy as hard cases. Hard plastic eyeglass cases offer the ultimate protection from breakage and scratches. Look for hard eyeglasses cases that close securely and include a scratch-resistant lining.
Follow Safe Cleaning Guidelines
Choosing the wrong cleaner or drying method may damage your glasses. Follow these suggestions when your eyeglasses become dirty or smudged:
- Remove Dirt. Get rid of dirt and smudges by rinsing your eyeglasses with warm water.
- Use a Safe Cleaning Option. Place a drop of mild, non-abrasive dishwashing liquid on each lens and gently rub. Consumer Reports cautions that window cleaner, bleach, ammonia, and vinegar can damage the lenses and shouldn't be used.
- Rinse the Lenses. Remove the cleaning solution or dishwashing liquid by rinsing the lenses thoroughly under warm water.
- Dry Your Lenses Carefully. Dry your lenses with a clean cotton or microfiber cloth. Don't use anything else to dry your lenses. Although a paper towel, tissue, or the corner of your shirt may be more convenient, fibers in these objects could scratch your lenses.
Don't forget about cleaning the other parts of your eyeglasses. Dip a cotton swab in a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid and clean the nooks and crannies, including the hinges, temples, bridge and nose pads.
Glasses don't just get dirty at home. All About Vision suggests buying eyeglass cleaning solution and spraying it on your lenses if they need a little attention when you're out.
Do you wash your cleaning cloth regularly? Although you may only use the cloth to dry your glasses, it can still become dirty. Dirt or debris from the cloth could transfer to the lenses when you dry your glasses.
Don't Share Your Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are not a one-size-fits-all solution to vision improvement. Everyone has a unique vision prescription, plus frames come in a variety of sizes. Although frames are designed to handle some wear and tear, they can stretch if someone with a larger head tries on or wears your glasses.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Although you should put your glasses in an eyeglasses case every time you remove them, we know that's not always practical. If you take your eyeglasses off for a moment, find a safe space for them. Place the eyeglasses lens side up to prevent scratches.
Don't put your eyeglasses on a chair, the floor, next to a heat source, or anywhere pets or small children could find them. If you put your glasses in the same place every time, you'll avoid blurry, panicked searches when you realize you can't find your eyewear.
Don't Leave Your Glasses in Your Car
Your glasses can be ruined by heat if you leave them in your car. Heat builds up quickly in a parked car and can soon warp your frames. Warped frames may no longer fit your head correctly and may feel looser than normal. According to VSP Vision Care, heat can also damage polarized lenses or coatings designed to prevent glare or scratches.
Inspect Your Glasses Often
Wear and tear can loosen the screws that hold hinges or nose pads in place. Finding those tiny screws once they fall out is almost impossible. When you inspect your glasses periodically, you'll have plenty of time to tighten loose screws. An inexpensive eyeglass repair kit that contains tiny screwdrivers and replacement screws is a good purchase for anyone who wears eyeglasses.
When you inspect your glasses, check for scratches on the lenses. Tiny scratches, depending on their location, may not cause a problem, but large scratches can interfere with your vision.
Make Protection a Priority
Remove your eyeglasses when applying hairspray or other aerosol products that could damage the lenses. Planning a few weekend home repairs? Wear protective goggles or safety glasses over your eyeglasses to avoid exposure to paint and strong chemicals that could damage the lenses.
Prolong the life of your frames by handling them gently. Place both hands on the temple when putting the glasses on or taking them off. Removing your glasses one-handed can stretch or break the frames.
Is it time for a new pair of eyeglasses? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.
Sources:
Consumer Reports: How to Take Care of Your Eyeglasses, 8/2012
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/08/how-to-take-care-of-your-eyeglasses/index.htm#
All About Vision: How to Clean Your Glasses, 5/10/2021
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/how-to-clean-glasses.htm
VSP Vision Care: Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Sunglasses in the Car
https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/lasik-glasses-lenses/frames-sunglasses/frames-in-a-hot-car