How to Take Proper Care of Your Glasses

There are certain dos – and don’ts – of preserving your eyewear

Prescription glasses are more affordable than ever, but they aren’t always cheap. With anti-glare, blue light filters, fashionable frames, and a variety of other features to choose from, glasses can cost you hundreds of dollars, at least. Sounds like an investment you’d want to protect, right? Here are the best ways to get the most value out of your pair.

Do Clean Them Regularly
Keeping your glasses in good shape is the key to extending their lifespan. Even if they aren’t visibly covered in grime, your glasses are exposed to dust, debris, moisture, and other particles every time you wear them, some more harmful than others. Rather than encouraging a build-up, it is recommended that you clean them at least once a day.

Before you begin to clean your glasses, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid being counterproductive. Then you should rinse the lenses under cold running water to wash away bigger particles that could cause damage when rubbed against the lenses. After your glasses are free of particles, apply an approved lens cleaner to each lens and wipe them dry with a microfiber cloth.

If you do not have any lens cleaner, then you may use a pea-sized drop of dishwashing detergent on each lens, instead. For this method, use your fingertips to massage the lenses with the detergent before rinsing them thoroughly and drying them with a microfiber cloth.

Don’t Wipe Them with Clothing
When people need to wipe their glasses in a bind, they often resort to using the hem of their shirt, or a sleeve, or some other part of their clothes. This is a huge mistake. Many fabrics are made from fibers that can scratch your lenses. This is why we insist on the use of a microfiber cloth, which is made from fibers too tiny to cause any harm to your valuable eyewear.

Do Store Them Properly
Glasses are fragile pieces of eyewear that must be protected whenever they aren’t being worn. The best way to keep your pair safe is to always place them in their case, which should be hard and durable. This is especially important when you put your glasses in a crowded space, such as a drawer, backpack, or purse. If you don’t have your case with you, then you should set your glasses down on a flat surface, upside down and with the arms unfolded.

Don’t Leave Them in Hot Spaces
Even if your glasses are snug in their case, they are still vulnerable to damage from excessive heat. Whether your frame is made of metal or plastic, high temperatures can warp, melt, or simply disfigure your eyewear. A common mistake is keeping your glasses in the car during the summertime. Many will even leave them uncovered atop the dashboard, where the windshield can intensify sunlight on the lenses, melting them. Keeping your pair out of hot areas will make them last much longer.

Do Handle Them Carefully
Simply changing the way you handle your glasses can significantly reduce the chances of breakage. Everytime you touch your pair, always use both hands and hold them by each temple. This helps keep your glasses properly aligned, as using one hand to move them exerts an uneven force on the frame. Also, remember to always be gentle with your pair. Using the least amount of force possible will help prevent any accidents that result in the need for a repair kit.

Don’t Try to Fix Them Yourself
Inevitably, your glasses will suffer from wear and tear. The lenses will get scratched. The frame will shift. The arms will become uneven. This is the eventual fate of all pairs regardless of upkeep. Whenever your glasses get damaged, it is crucial that you avoid attempting to repair them yourself. If you do, you risk making the damage even worse. Most eyewear providers offer free adjustments to the glasses that they sell, and many will perform all doable repairs in the office.

Following these guidelines will greatly extend the lifespan of your glasses, but they won’t stay in perfect condition forever. At Sterling Vision, our opticians are capable of repairing and adjusting your eyeglasses to look brand new. To schedule an appointment with us, call 541-342-2201 or schedule online.