Proper Care for
Long Lasting Eyewear

Eyeglasses aren’t just a means of correcting vision; they’re a significant investment in your eye health and daily comfort. To ensure your glasses stay in top condition, proper care is crucial. By following a few simple yet effective maintenance practices, you can prolong their lifespan, prevent damage, and maintain the clarity of your lenses.

Below, we’ve outlined some key tips to help you safeguard your eyewear and keep them performing optimally for years to come.

How To Care For Your Eyewear

General Eyewear Care

1. Removing Eyeglasses with Care

Why does it matter?

Eyeglass hinges are often the weakest points in the frame, and applying pressure to one side can cause them to loosen or even break. Over time, uneven pressure can also cause lens misalignment, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems.

Tip: To prevent this, when removing your eyeglasses, use both hands to avoid applying excessive pressure to a single hinge. This simple tip helps keep the hinges and frame structure intact, extending the lifespan of your eyeglasses.

2. Storing Eyeglasses in a Protective Case

Why does it matter?

Eyeglasses are susceptible to scratches, bending, and damage if not stored properly. A hard case serves as a protective barrier, safeguarding the lenses from scratches and dirt accumulation when not in use. Additionally, it helps maintain the frame’s shape.

Tip: A tip for better protection is to always store your glasses in the case when not wearing them, especially when setting them down in bags or on surfaces prone to bumps or scratches. A sturdy case offers the best protection against daily wear and tear.

3. Avoiding Household Cleaners

Why does it matter?

Household cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and solvents that can degrade lens coatings over time, causing discoloration or damage to the frame material.

Tip: Instead, opt for eyewear-specific solutions that are gentle on the lenses and coatings. Your optometrist may recommend or provide special cleaning sprays that are safe for both the lenses and the frame.

4. Opting for Microfiber Cloths Over Paper Towels

Why does it matter?

Paper towels, tissues, and other fabric materials may seem soft, but they can contain tiny fibers or particles that scratch your lenses when used for cleaning. Even tissues can leave behind lint, which can attract dust or debris.

Tip: To avoid these issues, always clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths are soft, non-abrasive, and specially designed to trap dirt and oils without damaging the surface. They are also washable and reusable, making them a sustainable cleaning option.

5. Avoiding Harsh Environments (e.g., Hot Cars)

Why does it matter?

Extreme temperatures, particularly heat, can cause significant damage to glasses. Plastic frames are particularly vulnerable to warping or losing their shape, while heat can also cause lens coatings to peel or discolor.

 Tip: To protect your glasses from these damages, it’s important to avoid leaving them in hot or cold environments. If you need to leave them in a car, try to place them in the glove compartment or another cooler area, out of direct sunlight. Similarly, avoid leaving them in areas with extreme cold, as this could cause the frame material to become brittle.

Caring for AR Coated Lenses

How to care for your Anti-Reflective Coated lenses

Anti-reflective coatings can be delicate and easily damaged by improper cleaning methods. Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain their effectiveness. Here are some guidelines:

Use appropriate cleaning solutions recommended by your optometrist. Avoid harsh chemicals such as household surface cleaners.

Frequently wash your microfiber cloths to prevent the accumulation of dust and lint.

Utilize a microfiber cloth provided by your optometrist.

Perform a quick, light daily cleaning and a more thorough cleaning weekly.

Anti-Reflective Coated Lens Cleaning Guide

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly in order to prevent the transfer of oil and dirt during cleaning.

2. Rinse your glasses in clean water from your tap or distilled water.

  •  Always rinse your lenses with lukewarm water (not hot!) before wiping them. This removes dust or debris that could scratch the lenses.
  • Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the AR coating.

 

3. Apply the Cleaning Spray

  • Spray a small amount of the optometrist-recommended cleaner on both sides of the lenses.
  • These sprays are usually designed to be gentle on coatings, unlike household cleaners which can damage them.

 

4. Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth

  • Use a clean, microfiber lens cloth to gently wipe the lenses dry in a circular motion.
  • Avoid paper towels, tissues, or clothing they can scratch or leave lint on the lenses.

 

Don’ts when caring for anti-reflective lenses

  • Refrain from using glass cleaners, vinegar, products containing ammonia, bleach, or acetone, as they can damage the lenses.
  • Do not exhale directly on your lenses or use saliva to clean them.
  • Avoid using clothing, paper towels, napkins, or facial tissues, as they can scratch your lenses and leave behind lint particles.

In essence, eyewear care extends beyond aesthetics, encompassing fundamental principles of material science, structural integrity, and chemical compatibility. Adopting practices such as using both hands to remove eyeglasses, storing them securely, cleaning with appropriate materials, and protecting them from environmental stressors ensures the functional performance and longevity of your glasses. By meticulously adhering to these principles, you can maintain optimal visual clarity, comfort, and durability for the extended period.