The Do’s and Don’ts of Glasses

Eyeglasses are sophisticated medical devices that help you see with clarity and precision, but they may not work effectively if not properly cared for. Without regular cleaning and careful storage, your glasses may become scratched or bent, making them insufficient for your vision correction needs. Here are the do’s and don’ts of glasses: how to take care of the perfect pair of glasses and extend their life.

5 different ways to clean your glasses (responsibly)

Eventually, everyone's lenses get… well, a little grimy. We're talking fingerprints, watermarks, dirt, grit, and other unidentifiable gunk. Not to worry, though, because here are five easy ways you can keep your glasses squeaky clean.

1. Go disposable
As a rule, it's never a good idea to wipe your glasses on dry, abrasive fabric— that includes wiping your lenses with your shirt or paper towels. Fortunately, there are a variety of disposable wet lens cloths on the market. These pre-moistened cloths use isopropyl alcohol to keep your glasses looking super clean without leaving any nasty streaks behind. Just clean, toss, and you're good to go!

2. Spray it, don't say it
You don't need an expensive lens cleaning solution to keep your glasses looking great. In fact, there are plenty of reliable and inexpensive options on the market. The key is to wipe your lenses off with a microfiber cloth. Be sure to stay away from cleaners with ammonia, bleach, or vinegar, which can eat away at the protective lens coatings and make them even more susceptible to scratches.

3. Everything in the kitchen sink
Believe it or not, you can clean your glasses using none other than your kitchen sink and a bit of good old-fashioned elbow grease. Simply rinse your glasses off under some warm water, apply a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid or a gentle, lotion-free cleanser, and rinse them clean. When you're done, dry your lenses using a microfiber cloth or a lint-free towel. For bonus points, why not also scrub that funky casserole dish that's been sitting in the sink all day?

Constructed out of polyester and nylon, a single microfiber is 100 times thinner than a strand of human hair. When woven together, these powerful little fibers lock in dirt, attract grease, and can absorb seven times their own weight in water. That makes microfiber the ideal scratch-free cloth for lens cleaning. They work best when wet but can be used to dry in a pinch. The best part is that they're relatively cheap and can be washed hundreds of times without wearing them down.

5. Go ultrasonic
If you really want to get fancy when it comes to scouring those lenses, there are a variety of ultrasonic cleaners on the market. These high-tech gadgets use ultrasonic waves to blast all kinds of dirt off your glasses. While an ultrasonic cleaner is a little on the pricey side, it is guaranteed to leave your lenses sparkling clean.

Whichever method you choose, we recommend cleaning your pair of glasses at least once a day. This not only keeps your lenses looking great but maintains the protective lens coatings and prevents scratches. The more you clean your glasses, the longer your lenses will last.

If you’re looking for eyewear cleaning supplies, you can find them at an FYidoctors location near you.

Have your glasses adjusted

When you first pick up your new eyeglasses, they will be carefully adjusted to fit your face for optimum clarity and comfort. However, over time, the fit may loosen or shift, causing your frames to pinch your head or slide off your nose. This can prove to be a nuisance and prevent you from wearing your glasses, so visit your optician for adjustments as needed.

Storing your glasses in their case

If you wear your glasses on your head, then this tip is especially for you. The best place to store your glasses when they’re not in use is in their original case. Be sure to place the glasses in the case with the lenses facing upward. Putting your glasses in a protective case will prevent accidental damage to both the frames and lenses.