Eyeglass Cleaning: Essential Things to Know

People often wear their eyeglasses for extended periods. It isn’t surprising for your glasses to get dirty at the end of the day. When not cleaned properly, they can compromise your viewing experience. Improper care can also cause lens scratches that can cause discomfort. Moreover, regular cleaning can help ensure your eyewear lasts long and stays in good condition.

Your local optician shares things you need to know about eyeglass cleaning.

Only Use a Microfiber Cloth to Wipe Your Glasses

Shirts and tissues are among the last things you want to use to clean your eyeglasses. The fibers in them may have tiny, hard particles that can scratch the surface of the lenses. Instead, invest in a high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth. Unlike regular cloths, they can pick up oils and dust without scratching the lenses.

Inappropriate Cleaning Products Can Cause Lens Damage

Your doctor will present you with different lens coating options during your eye examination. They can enhance your eyewear’s performance and longevity. For instance, anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare and increase vision clarity, especially when driving at night or working on a computer. Similarly, scratch-resistant coatings protect your lenses from daily wear and tear, helping prolong your glasses’s lifespan.

Household cleaners and hot water can damage the coating on your eyeglass lenses, potentially causing blurry vision. Today, you can get a specially formulated lens cleaning solution that can effectively tidy up your glasses without causing damage. Another thing you should consider purchasing are lens-cleaning wipes, which are ideal for on-the-go cleanups. If you’re unsure which products to use for cleaning your glasses, it’s best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult your eye doctor.

Know What Type of Lenses You Have

Different lens materials require specific care and maintenance. Glass lenses are heavy but highly resistant to scratches. However, they can shatter on impact, so handle them carefully. Plastic lenses, on the other hand, are lighter and safer but more prone to scratches. A scratch-resistant coating can be beneficial for this type of lens.

Polycarbonate lenses are lighter and more impact-resistant than plastic or glass, making them perfect for children and people with active lifestyles. High-index plastic lenses are thinner and lighter than glass or regular plastic lenses, but they can reflect more light and cause glare, making an anti-reflective coating necessary.

Being aware of the type of lens material you have can help you better care for your eyeglasses. For instance, you must clean plastic lenses gently to avoid scratches, and glass lenses should be stored in a sturdy case when not in use to prevent damage. Speaking to your eye doctor can help you understand the best maintenance practices for your lens material.

Your Eyeglass Frame Also Needs Care

The frame of your eyeglasses must be sturdy and well-adjusted to ensure they hold the lenses correctly and provide you with optimal vision. A misaligned or damaged frame can distort your vision and cause discomfort. Keeping your eyeglass frame in good condition is as important as caring for your lenses.

Make it a habit to check your frame for signs of wear and tear. Look for loose screws, bent arms or uneven nose pads. Avoid harsh cleaning solutions as they can cause discoloration or corrosion, especially for metal frames. Remember to handle your glasses by the bridge and not by the arms to prevent misalignment.

Always store your glasses in a protective case when not in use to protect your frames from damage. Never leave them in a hot car or expose them to high temperatures to keep the frame material from warping or developing damage. If you believe there’s something wrong with your eyeglass frame, don’t wait long before having it checked by an eye care professional.

How Do You Know If You Need New Glasses?

You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Visited an Eye Doctor

When was your last eye exam? If you can’t remember the last time you had your eyes checked, it’s probably time to see an eye doctor. Your age, family history of eye problems, pre-existing health conditions and other factors will determine how often you need to schedule eye exams. Generally, experts recommend healthy individuals aged 19-64 get an eye exam every two years. If you are 65 or older, it’s ideal to get annual eye exams.

Routine eye exams can do more than reveal if your eye prescription has changed. They can help in the early detection of vision-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Regular visits to your eye doctor can also aid in catching early indications of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and various forms of cancer.

You’re Experiencing Frequent Headaches

Frequent headaches are a common sign your eye prescription has changed. When your eyeglasses no longer provide sufficient vision correction, your eyes will work harder to help you see clearly. This can result in symptoms of eyestrain, which includes headaches.

You Have Blurred Vision

An outdated prescription often causes blurred vision. You might not see street signs or distant objects well if you have myopia or nearsightedness. If you are farsighted, you might struggle to see nearby objects. Another refractive error that can cause blurred vision is presbyopia. It usually occurs in people 40 and older.

You’re Squinting a Lot

It’s normal to squint when suddenly exposed to bright light. However, if you need to squint to see clearly, you might need to invest in a new pair of glasses. Many aren’t even aware they’ve been constantly squinting until they experience headaches or eye fatigue.

You’re Sensitive to Light

The older you get, the longer it might take for your eyes to adjust to different lighting conditions. If you have astigmatism, you are also more likely to experience photophobia or light sensitivity. New prescription glasses can help if your eyes are sensitive to light.