Tips on Taking Proper Care of Your Eyeglasses

If you rely on your eyeglasses day in and out, you’ll want to take better care of them. Here are some tips.

Rinse Your Eyeglasses First Before Wiping Them

Most people clean their eyeglasses by simply wiping the lenses. However, doing this can drag small abrasive particles across the lenses, resulting in scratches. To safely clean your eyeglasses, rinse them under running tap water first, pat dry, and then wipe using a separate dry microfiber cloth. Be careful not to let tap water evaporate on the lenses as this could result in water spotting.

Use Products That Are Intended for Eyeglass Lenses

Avoid using window glass cleaning sprays, car cleaning cloths and other products that are not intended for use on eyeglasses. Window glass cleaners, in particular, could strip the lenses of its coatings. Any kind of paper is abrasive and should never be used on lenses. Most eye doctors would have cleaning cloths and other eyeglass care products available to you.

You’ve probably seen tips or “hacks” about using acetone or nail polish remover for cleaning the eyeglasses. Acetone will cause damage to both plastic and glass lenses. In addition to stripping the coatings off the lenses, acetone reacts with certain plastics like acrylic, which cause permanent discoloration on the frames.

Handle and Store Your Eyeglasses Properly

Make it a habit to hold your eyeglasses by the piece that crosses the bridge of the nose. This helps prevent accidentally bending the frame – a common problem on wire frame glasses. If you need to put your eyeglasses down, the lenses should be oriented vertically instead of touching another surface. You’ll also want to keep an eyeglass case or a microfiber pouch on your bedside table and another one in your handbag or everyday carry bag.

Insight Vision Center Optometry is your leading provider of ortho-k and other eye care services. Give us a call at (714) 486-3315. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA.