How to Take Care of Your Eyeglasses: Maintenance Tips

When you get eyeglasses, it’s like giving your eyes the care they deserve. But what about the eyeglasses themselves? They need just as much attention to serve you well. Whether you’re a seasoned glasses wearer or a newbie, it’s important to learn how to take care of glasses to keep them in top shape. How can you do it? Start by following these simple yet effective eyeglasses care tips to keep your lenses clear and frames sturdy.

How to Properly Clean Your Glasses

Cleaning your glasses might seem straightforward, but doing it right can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to keep glasses clean:

1. Rinse with Warm Water: Before you start scrubbing, rinse your glasses with warm water to remove dust and debris. This helps prevent scratching.
2. Use a Gentle Soap: Apply a drop of mild dish soap to each lens, gently rubbing with your fingers. Avoid soaps with moisturizers, which can leave a residue.
3. Rinse and Shake: Rinse your glasses thoroughly under warm water. Shake them gently to remove excess water.
4. Dry with a Soft Cloth: Use a microfiber cloth to dry the lenses and frame. Avoid using paper towels or clothing, as they can scratch the lenses.
5. Finish with a Lens Cleaner: For extra shine, spray a lens cleaner designed for eyewear and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.

Storage: The Biggest Way to Maintain — or Damage — Your Glasses

How you store your glasses plays a huge role in their lifespan. Improper storage is one of the most common ways to damage your glasses. It’s all too common for people to set their glasses on a car seat, only for them to tumble to the floor when hitting the brakes. Or, they’ll get tossed in a bag without a case, only to get scratched up by laptops, makeup, phone chargers, chapstick, and whatever else we keep in our bags.

To prevent such mishaps, always use a hard-shell case when not wearing your glasses. Place them lens-side up to avoid scratches, and never leave them in hot places like a car dashboard, as heat can warp the frames. Invest in a few sturdy cases so you always have one handy.

Protecting Your Lenses

Sure, you want to protect your frames, but the lenses are the heart of your glasses, and protecting them is just as important (arguably even more so) as caring for the frames. You can deal with iffy frames, but imagine having scratched, damaged, and dirty lenses. Take a look at these lenses and how to protect them!

• Handle with Care: Always hold your glasses by the bridge, not the lenses.
• Avoid Harmful Products: Never use household cleaners like Windex or vinegar, as they can damage the lens coating.
• Use Anti-Scratch and Anti-Reflective Coatings: These coatings add an extra layer of protection, making your lenses more durable.

Caring for Special Lenses

If you have special lenses like photochromic (transition) or polarized lenses, they require extra care. Photochromic lenses, for instance, should not be exposed to excessive heat, which can affect their ability to darken in sunlight. Polarized lenses are great for reducing glare but should be cleaned gently to avoid damaging the polarization filter. Always clean these lenses using products designed specifically for them and follow the same gentle cleaning steps mentioned earlier.

Spray Them Very Carefully

Lens sprays are handy, but they need to be used correctly. Spray the cleaner on both sides of each lens, holding the bottle about six inches away. Avoid spraying directly onto the frame to prevent damage to any screws or joints. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the lenses in circular motions, ensuring thorough cleaning without streaks.

Let Your Glasses Air Dry

Sometimes, letting your glasses air dry can be beneficial. After rinsing and shaking off excess water, place them on a clean surface to air dry. This method minimizes the risk of scratching from towels or cloths and ensures that no lint or fibers cling to the lenses.

How to Deal With Fogging

Fogging can be a nuisance, especially when transitioning between different temperatures. To combat this, apply an anti-fog spray designed for eyewear. Another trick is to wash your lenses with a little soap and water, leaving a slight film that helps prevent fogging. For a quick fix, try breathing through your mouth rather than your nose to reduce the likelihood of fog forming.

Readjust Your Glasses if They Loosen

Over time, your glasses may loosen, affecting comfort and fit. If you notice your glasses slipping down your nose, it might be time for an adjustment. Most optical stores, including us at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore, offer free adjustments. Alternatively, you can carefully tighten the screws at home using a small screwdriver. Just be gentle to avoid over-tightening or damaging the frame.

Make Sure You Have the Right Pair!

Having the right pair of glasses is a big deal. There’s no point in learning how to take care of glasses if they don’t help you see properly. Make sure your prescription is up-to-date and your frames fit well. Comfort and style all play a part in the right pair of glasses.

If you’re not sure about your current pair or need a new one, contact us at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore! Our team is ready to help you find the perfect pair of eyeglasses and provide expert tips to care for your glasses, helping them last as long as possible and serving you well every day.