If you have invested in a good pair of glasses, whether they carry your prescription, a blue light filter, an anti-reflective coating or any other treatment, it is only natural that you want to keep them in perfect condition for as long as possible. Looking after your lenses properly does not just keep them free of scratches and other damage: it also means you can enjoy sharp, comfortable vision for years. In this post we share practical tips to care for your lenses and keep your glasses looking as good as new.
Whether you already wear glasses or are thinking about getting new lenses, take a look at what we offer at Lens4Glasses: we fit new lenses with the best coatings and materials into your own frame, so you can protect both your eyesight and your favourite glasses.
1. Clean your lenses every day, and do it properly
Cleaning your glasses correctly is one of the simplest ways to keep them in good shape. However, it is important to avoid some common mistakes that can damage your lenses:
- Don’t use your clothes or the wrong cloth: it is tempting to wipe your lenses on your T-shirt or whatever cloth is to hand, but this can scratch the lens or its surface coating. Always use a microfibre cloth made for glasses, like the ones that usually come with your lenses when you buy them.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products: never clean your glasses with window cleaner, alcohol, ammonia or multi-purpose sprays, as they can wear away the lens coatings. Instead, use a gentle lens cleaning spray designed specifically for optical lenses.
- Wash your lenses with water and mild soap: every now and then it is a good idea to rinse your glasses under lukewarm water with a gentle soap (ordinary hand soap will do). Make sure the soap has no abrasive ingredients or oils that could leave a film on the lenses. Then dry them with a microfibre cloth to avoid scratches.
2. Keep your glasses in a case
A case is your glasses’ best friend whenever you are not wearing them. We often leave our glasses on any surface we find, which makes it much more likely that they get scratched or damaged by accident. To avoid this:
- Always keep your glasses in a hard case when you are not wearing them. A rigid case protects the lenses and the frame from knocks, crushing and scratches.
- If you don’t have a case to hand, place your glasses on a flat surface with the lenses facing up so they don’t get scratched.
And if your lenses already show the marks of daily life, at Lens4Glasses we can replace them with new ones while keeping the frame you love.
3. Keep your glasses away from extreme heat
Although glasses are designed to cope with all sorts of conditions, extreme heat can warp both the lenses and the frame. Places such as the car dashboard, next to a heater or near any other heat source can damage your glasses for good.
- Don’t leave your glasses in the car on hot days or in direct sunlight. Heat can affect the anti-reflective coating and can even make plastic frames lose their shape.
- If you need to dry your lenses after cleaning them, never use a hairdryer or any source of hot air, as this can also damage the lens coatings.
4. Use both hands to take your glasses off
It is a very common habit, but taking your glasses off with one hand can bend the frame over time, especially if it is made of metal or flexible plastic.
- To keep your glasses symmetrical and make sure they keep fitting properly over time, always take them off with both hands.
- Also, when you are not wearing them, don’t push them up onto your head like a headband: this can stretch the frame too, and the lenses pick up sweat and oils from your hair.
5. Never put them down lens-side first
Putting your glasses down with the lenses touching the surface is one of the main causes of scratches. Even surfaces that look perfectly smooth can damage anti-reflective coatings or photochromic lenses.
- When you are not wearing your glasses and have no case available, always put them down with the lenses facing up on a clean, safe surface. That way the lenses never come into contact with anything that could damage them.
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6. Regular adjustments
Over time it is normal for glasses to loosen with everyday wear, so they may no longer sit properly or may keep slipping down your nose. A good fit is key for your glasses to stay comfortable and do their job.
- If your glasses feel loose or crooked, see an optician to have them adjusted professionally. Avoid trying to do it yourself, as you could make things worse.
- And if you wear your glasses for sport or physical activity, consider adding a strap to keep them firmly in place and prevent falls.
7. Regular eye tests
Finally, as well as looking after your glasses, it is just as important to look after your eyes. Visiting your ophthalmologist or optometrist regularly lets you make sure your lenses are still right for your vision.
- Lenses may need replacing over time, especially if your vision has changed or if they have deep scratches or a damaged coating.
- At Lens4Glasses we replace and upgrade the lenses in your own frame, so your vision can always be at its best.
Conclusion
Taking care of your glasses is essential to make them last longer and to keep your vision clear and comfortable. With these simple tips you can keep your lenses and frames in perfect condition, avoid unnecessary damage and enjoy uninterrupted vision.
Whether you wear glasses to correct your eyesight, to protect yourself from blue light or simply to feel more comfortable in front of screens, always remember these habits to keep your lenses like new. And when the time comes for new lenses, don’t hesitate to visit our online shop Lens4Glasses, where you will find a wide range of lenses designed to look after your eyes, fitted in the frame you already own.