A spare pair of eyeglasses is an investment in reliable vision, functioning as a necessary backup when your primary pair fails. Proper preservation requires specific steps to ensure the lenses and frames remain usable over months or years. Ignoring long-term storage needs can lead to material degradation, making them ineffective when needed. The longevity of your eyewear depends on meticulous preparation and a carefully selected environment.
Essential Preparation Before Storage
Preparing spare eyeglasses for long-term storage begins with a thorough cleaning to remove contaminants that accelerate material breakdown. Use lukewarm water and a drop of mild, lotion-free dish soap to gently wash the lenses and frames, removing skin oils, makeup, and dirt particles. Avoid hot water, as high temperatures can damage or crack specialized lens coatings, such as anti-reflective layers. After cleaning, rinse the glasses completely to remove all soap residue, then dry them using a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth.
Ensure the frames are completely dry before storage to prevent corrosion on metal components or the formation of mildew. Once dry, inspect the frame structure for any mechanical issues that could worsen over time. Check the screws at the hinges and near the lenses, gently tightening any that appear loose to prevent parts from separating. This ensures the hardware is secure and minimizes the risk of dirt becoming abrasive against the lens surface inside the case.
Selecting the Optimal Storage Environment
The physical environment where you store your spare glasses is the greatest factor determining their long-term condition. Eyeglasses should always be placed in a rigid, hard-shell case that is appropriately sized. This prevents movement and protects the frames from being crushed by external pressure. Soft pouches or leaving the glasses exposed offer insufficient protection against accidental impacts or dust accumulation, making them unsuitable for prolonged storage.
Temperature stability is a primary concern because high heat can significantly damage frame materials and lens coatings. Excessive heat, such as in a hot car interior or attic, can warp plastic frames and cause anti-reflective coatings to crack or peel. Store the case in a cool, dark location, such as a closet or drawer indoors, where temperatures remain stable and moderate. High humidity should also be avoided, as moisture interferes with lens coatings and may cause materials like acetate to absorb water and change shape.
Direct sunlight or strong artificial light must be excluded from the storage environment to protect material integrity. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause plastic frames to yellow or become brittle, compromising their structural strength. Keeping the glasses in an opaque, protective case within a dark area minimizes the photochemical degradation of the frame polymers and the lens materials.
Periodic Inspection and Long-Term Care
Even in an optimal storage environment, long-term care requires occasional checks. A routine inspection every six to twelve months allows you to proactively identify and address subtle degradation before it becomes a serious issue. During this check, remove the glasses from the case and examine the frames for signs of stress, such as hairline cracks in plastic or corrosion on metal hinges. Pay close attention to flexible parts like nose pads and temple tips, which can become brittle, stiff, or discolored over a long period.
If the frames have become stiff from being untouched, handle them carefully to avoid snapping the material, as forcibly flexing them could cause a break. Perform a light cleaning with a mild solution and inspect the lens surface for any coating separation before returning them to the case. A final, thorough cleaning and a check for loose screws should always be the first step before putting the spare glasses into service.