Proper lens and frame care ensure clear vision and comfortable wear. This section presents easy care tips for your glasses.
Lens care
Why do my glasses get dirty so quickly?
Oily fingerprints, specks of dirt and tiny scratches can reduce the clarity of your lenses. For clearer vision, experts advise you clean your lenses twice daily. They recommend wetting the lenses, especially plastic lenses, before cleaning to avoid scratching them with a dry cloth.
What is the best way to clean my lenses?
Lens manufacturers advise people who wear prescription glasses to dip their lenses in warm, soapy water, then rub them gently with their fingers. Rinse to wash away dirt and oil. A gentle dishwashing liquid makes a good cleanser, but people should avoid using household cleaners or disinfectants, acetone, or soaps with cream.
People are advised to wipe lenses gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. The cloth should be cleaned often. Experts suggest that people avoid rubbing their lenses with paper towels, silicone tissues, facial tissues or old rags, which may have embedded dirt. These materials can scratch your lenses.
Many optical suppliers sell microfiber cleaning cloths. These super-efficient cloths are machine-washable. Experts recommend them for cleaning binocular and video-camera lenses, too!
Do I need to clean my frames?
Experts advise people who wear glasses to clean their frames regularly. People can use the same method to clean both lenses and frames. The temples need to be cleaned often, because they rub against the skin and accumulate oils that can degrade the decorative finish of frames.
How do you care for lenses with an antireflective coating?
Lenses with antireflective (AR) coatings used to be hard to clean but not anymore! Experts highly recommend the new generation of AR coatings, which include an antitarnish coating that reduces spotting from greasy oil and water droplets.
Many optical suppliers sell ultra-fine, microfiber cleaning cloths, specially adapted for AR coatings. These incredibly soft cloths are 10 times finer than silk and 30 times finer than cotton. Their wedge-shaped microfibers trap grease, dust and even bacteria. Synthetic microfiber cloths are long-lasting and machine-washable.
How can I make my glasses last longer?
With proper care, your glasses will last longer and feel more comfortable. To avoid twisting which can alter frame shape, experts advise people to use both hands when putting on and taking off eyeglasses. Gently grasp the temples (arms) midway with equal pressure, and carefully push the glasses over the ears. To remove eyeglasses, using the same grip, carefully slide the glasses forward. This movement puts little stress on the frame and prevent misalignment.
How often should I have my glasses adjusted?
Experts advise people to have their glasses adjusted by an eyecare professional occasionally or as needed. If the glasses are out of alignment, they caution people against trying to bend the frames back into place.
How should I put down my glasses?
To prevent damage, experts advise you to close your frames before laying them on a table or other surface. They caution people never to lay their glasses lens-side down.
To prevent accidental scratching or loss, experts advise people to store their glasses in a case. Never put glasses in a purse, sports bag or other tote bag without proper protection. Photochromic lenses should be allowed to lighten completely before storage.
How can I keep my frames in good shape?
Frames will last longer with proper maintenance. Experts advise people to check their frames periodically for loose screws or temple misalignment. For emergency repairs, they recommend a small eyeglass tool kit, which usually contains a screwdriver and a few temple screws of different sizes.
Experts advise that bedroom floors and bathroom counters are no place to store glasses. On the floor, glasses are easily forgotten and stepped on. In the bathroom, AR coatings can be damaged by hair spray, and lenses are easily dirtied by cosmetic oils.
They also advise against wearing glasses on top of your head, as this method of storage can misalign the frames. They suggest that everyone keep an extra pair of glasses handy in case of emergency.
For more information
http://www.aoanet.org
