Your prescription glasses are a big investment. You may spend a lot of time choosing the frames and color to ensure that you get the perfect pair of glasses for your face shape, fashion sense, and lifestyle.
But once you have your glasses, you may not think much about how you care for them. Unfortunately, oversight, neglect, or incorrect cleaning techniques can damage the lenses or frames of your glasses.
Follow these guidelines to best clean, store, and even wear your prescription glasses.
Cleaning
If you wear your glasses most or all of the day, the lenses can pick up dust, fingerprints, and other types of grime that may affect your vision. Properly cleaning your glasses when they become dirty protects the lenses.
For general cleaning, use the following method:
- Spray the lens with a cleaning solution before wiping them. Dry lenses are more likely to be scratched by dust and other particles. Do not use spit or your breath to wet your lenses, as spit can leave bacteria on the glass and breath does not provide enough moisture.
- Use a microfiber cloth as your primary cleaning tool. Avoid abrasive cleaning cloths like paper towels or clothing.
- Let the lenses air dry before putting your glasses back on.
For occasional deep cleaning, take these steps:
- Rinse your eyeglasses in tap water that’s approximately room temperature or a little warmer.
- Use a gentle, lotion-free cleaning solution to wash the lenses. Apply only a few drops to avoid leaving any soap residue on the lenses.
- Rinse the lenses to remove any soap and inspect for any missed spots. If the glasses are still dirty, repeat the steps above. If the glass looks clean, use a lint-free towel to remove most of the water.
- Let your glasses air dry completely in a safe place.
You may often need to clean your glasses quickly while away from home, so carry cleaning materials with you.
Certain types of eyeglasses, such as pairs with specialized lens coatings, may require specific care. Always follow the cleaning guidelines provided by your optometrist.
Storage
How you store your eyeglasses when you aren’t wearing them can determine how well the lenses and frame hold up over time. Follow these dos and don’ts for safely storing your glasses.
- Do use a hard case that’s the right size for your glasses. If possible, place your glasses in this case every time you take them off.
- Do get a backup case so you have one on hand if your primary case breaks or if you forget your primary case.
- Do place your glasses in their case with the lenses facing upward. When the lenses are downward, they’re more likely to become scratched.
- Don’t leave your glasses in a hot area, especially on the dash of a car parked in the sun. The heat can warp the frame.
- Don’t set your glasses close to sinks or vanities since your glasses are likely to get splashed or exposed to corrosive substances in these areas.
- Don’t put your glasses into a bag of any kind without first placing them in a hard case. The contents of the bag could easily scratch or crush your eyeglasses.
Use common sense as you decide the best ways to store and transport your glasses. If a choice puts your glasses in danger of being warped or scratched, look for another solution.
Wear
Establish good habits for wearing your glasses, especially if you have prescription lenses that you rely on most of the time. Correct wear habits help prevent warping.
Avoid Putting Your Glasses on Your Head
When you take your glasses off, do not simply push them up on top of your head. The top of the head is generally wider than the face and setting your glasses there can widen the frames.
Don’t Push on the Nose Piece
If your glasses slip down your nose, avoid pushing them back up by putting pressure on the nose piece. If you have wire glasses, this motion can distort the nose piece.
Use Both Hands
When you remove and put on your glasses, use both hands, one on either temple arm. This motion encourages correct alignment and minimizes changes to the fit of your frames over time.
If you frequently lose or misplace your glasses, you may also want to invest in a glasses cord. A cord is preferred to placing the glasses in a shirt pocket or hanging them from the neck of your shirt since these positions encourage warping.
Use these comprehensive guidelines to keep your prescription glasses intact and functional until you upgrade to your next pair.
Has your current pair of glasses outlived its accuracy or attractiveness? Schedule an appointment with the All About Eyes location nearest you. We offer high-quality eyeglasses in a variety of colors and styles to fit your needs.