Caring for eyeglasses is an investment in clear vision and the longevity of the frames and lenses. Consistent, gentle maintenance prevents microscopic damage that accumulates over time, preserving the optical quality of the lenses. Understanding the specific techniques for cleaning, handling, and storage is the most effective way to protect the specialized coatings. Simple daily habits can significantly extend the lifespan of your eyewear, keeping them looking new.
Proper Daily Cleaning Methods
The cleaning process must begin with rinsing the glasses under lukewarm running water to remove dust or abrasive particles. Skipping this initial rinse drags grit across the lens surface, creating micro-scratches over time. This step is important because modern plastic lenses are more susceptible to abrasion than traditional glass.
Once loose debris is gone, apply a small amount of non-lotion, mild dish soap to your fingertips and gently rub both sides of the lenses and the frame. Mild dish soap cuts through grease and oils transferred from the skin without containing harsh chemicals that degrade lens coatings. Rinse the entire frame and lenses thoroughly under lukewarm water to ensure all soap residue is removed.
To dry the glasses, gently pat them with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for eyewear. Avoid materials like paper towels, tissues, or shirt tails, as the wood pulp fibers in paper products are abrasive and can cause scratches. Never use household glass cleaners, which often contain ammonia or alcohol that can strip or degrade protective anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings.
Handling and Storage Techniques
Proper handling prevents physical strain on the frame’s structure and maintains its original fit. Always remove or put on your glasses using both hands, grasping the temples on either side. Pulling the glasses off with one hand stretches the frame, causing misalignment and loosening the hinge screws.
When the glasses are not being worn, store them securely in a hard-shell case to shield them from accidental pressure or impact. The case protects the frames from bending and the lenses from coming into contact with damaging surfaces. If you set your glasses down briefly outside of a case, ensure they are placed with the lenses facing upward on a clean, flat surface. This placement keeps the lens surface elevated, preventing scratches.
Avoiding Common Damage Sources
Exposure to excessive heat is one of the most common and damaging threats to modern eyewear. High temperatures, such as those found inside a parked car or near a stovetop, can cause plastic frames to warp and lose their shape. Extreme heat also causes different layers of anti-reflective coating to expand and contract at different rates than the lens material, which leads to fine cracks called crazing.
Certain household and personal care products pose a significant risk to lens coatings. Hairspray, perfume, acetone, and cleaning solvents contain chemicals that can dissolve the protective film, leaving permanent, cloudy marks. Apply hairspray or perfume before putting on your glasses, or remove them entirely to prevent aerosol residue from settling on the lens surface. If chemical residue lands on the lenses, rinse it off immediately with water and mild soap.
Basic Frame Maintenance and Adjustment
Regularly inspecting the frame hardware allows for proactive maintenance that preserves comfort and integrity. The small screws connecting the temples often loosen with routine opening and closing, leading to a wobbly fit. Gently tightening these screws with an optical repair screwdriver or having an optician perform the service prevents excessive wear on the hinges.
The nose pads and hinge areas accumulate body oils, makeup, and dead skin cells, which can cause discoloration and frame deterioration. Cleaning these specific areas with a soft brush and mild soapy water helps remove debris that can irritate the skin. While minor screw adjustments can be done at home, significant frame misalignment, such as a twisted bridge or a broken hinge, requires professional adjustment. Attempting to bend the frame yourself can cause the material to crack or snap, leading to irreparable damage.