Your glasses are more than just a tool to improve your vision—they’re an investment in your daily comfort, clarity, and style. Proper care is essential to ensure your eyewear lasts as long as possible and continues to perform at its best. As the founder of Iconyx Eyewear, a company dedicated to providing premium eyewear solutions to optometrists, I’ve seen how a little extra care can make a big difference in the longevity and appearance of glasses.
Here’s a guide to the key dos and don’ts for taking care of your glasses.
The Dos of Caring for Your Glasses
1. Use the Right Cleaning Tools
Always clean your glasses with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a lens-safe cleaning solution. These products are designed to remove smudges and debris without scratching the lenses or damaging any coatings. If you don’t have lens cleaner on hand, lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap are great alternatives.
2. Store Your Glasses in a Case
When you’re not wearing your glasses, keep them in a hard-shell case. This protects them from accidental scratches, bending, or breaking. Cases with soft interiors are ideal to prevent scuffs on the lenses or frame.
3. Handle Your Glasses with Both Hands
Always use both hands to put on or take off your glasses. This prevents unnecessary stress on the hinges and ensures the frame stays properly aligned.
4. Regularly Inspect Your Glasses
Check for loose screws or other signs of wear and tear. Many optometrists will tighten screws or make minor adjustments for free, so don’t hesitate to stop by their office if something feels off.
5. Rinse Before Cleaning
Before wiping your lenses, rinse them under lukewarm water. This helps remove dust or particles that could scratch the lenses during cleaning.
6. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
If your glasses have special coatings, like anti-reflective or blue light filtering, follow the care instructions provided by your optometrist or the lens manufacturer. Coatings can extend the life of your lenses but require proper handling to avoid damage.
The Don’ts of Caring for Your Glasses
1. Don’t Use Your Shirt or Paper Products
It’s tempting to grab the nearest item—like the corner of your shirt or a paper towel—to clean your lenses. However, these materials can leave scratches or lint on your glasses. Stick to microfiber cloths for safe, effective cleaning.
2. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Avoid cleaning your glasses with household cleaners like window spray, ammonia, or bleach. These chemicals can damage lens coatings and degrade the material of your frames over time.
3. Don’t Leave Your Glasses in Extreme Temperatures
Heat can warp frames, damage lens coatings, and weaken adhesives. Avoid leaving your glasses in hot places like a car dashboard, and don’t expose them to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Similarly, extreme cold can make frames brittle.
4. Don’t Rest Your Glasses on Your Head
Wearing your glasses on top of your head might be convenient, but it stretches the arms and misaligns the frame. Over time, this can cause discomfort and make your glasses sit unevenly on your face.
5. Don’t Sleep or Lie Down While Wearing Glasses
It’s easy to forget you’re wearing your glasses and accidentally fall asleep with them on. However, this can bend the frames and even crack the lenses. Make it a habit to remove your glasses before lying down.
6. Don’t Neglect Regular Cleanings
Smudges, oil, and dust build up over time, reducing the clarity of your lenses. Regular cleaning isn’t just about keeping your glasses looking good—it’s about ensuring they perform their best.
Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Glasses
Keep a Backup Pair: Accidents happen, so having a backup pair of glasses can save you from a stressful situation if your primary pair needs repairs.
Protect Against Scratches: If your lenses don’t already have a scratch-resistant coating, ask your optometrist about adding it during your next prescription update.
Visit Your Optometrist for Adjustments: Over time, the fit of your glasses may change. Periodic adjustments can keep them comfortable and aligned properly.
Why Proper Care Matters
Proper care for your glasses isn’t just about preserving their appearance—it’s about protecting the quality of your vision. Scratched or dirty lenses can strain your eyes and reduce the effectiveness of your prescription.
At Iconyx Eyewear, we provide premium-quality frames to optometrists who want to offer their patients eyewear that is stylish, durable, and easy to maintain. By following these simple care tips, you can ensure your glasses continue to serve you well, enhancing your vision and lifestyle every day.
Conclusion
Your glasses are an essential part of your life, and with the right care, they can last longer and perform better. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll protect your investment and keep your glasses looking and feeling great for years to come.
Remember, your optometrist is your go-to resource for maintaining your eyewear. Whether you need adjustments, repairs, or advice on proper care, they’re there to help. And when it’s time to update your frames, ask your optometrist about Iconyx Eyewear. Our frames are designed with durability and style in mind, ensuring you get the most out of your glasses every day.
Take care of your glasses, and they’ll take care of you!