Published on Oct 31, 2022 and last reviewed on Feb 03, 2023 - 4 min read
The people who wear spectacles should know how to keep them clean. Read the following article to know about the do’s and don’ts of cleaning glasses.
Spectacles, also known as eyeglasses, are frames with lenses worn in front of the eyes to improve vision. Other reasons for wearing spectacles include eye protection, concealment of eye defects, and a fashion accessory. Despite the increase in contact lenses and refractive surgery, spectacles are still the most commonly used method of correcting refractive errors.
Despite their inherent benefits, such as control over their use, spectacles present significant challenges. For example, spectacles are out of reach for many people who need them and can cause ocular discomfort if prescribed incorrectly. Refractive errors are a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. Because of a lack of standardization, unnecessary prescriptions, and distribution by individuals with no professional experience in eye care or dispensing, spectacle dispensing has been abused.
Films are applied to some lenses to provide UV (ultraviolet) protection and shatter and scratch to improve your prescription further. These films are the most delicate part of the glasses, and they can be easily destroyed when they come in contact with abrasive chemicals. With the increasing number of people who wear spectacles, there is an increased need to understand how to maintain the spectacles. As these are daily worn objects, it is of utmost importance that we keep them neat and tidy. If it is not maintained properly, it could be a host of several bacteria and viruses, which may, in turn, cause diseases of the skin and eyes. Clean glasses are needed for clear vision, and here are the steps that one must adhere to in order to see this beautiful world without any stains.
The first step is to wash your hands before cleaning your glasses, preferably every time you handle your glasses. We handle different things with our hands on a daily basis and do not wash our hands frequently. You do not want dirt or grease from your hands to get on your lenses when handling your glasses. Before you begin cleaning your glasses, it is recommended to wash and dry your hands thoroughly. You should also avoid using a moisturizing hand wash because it may leave a residue on the hands that will smudge the lenses.
Use the proper method. The best method is to apply a small drop of lotion-free washing-up liquid to the lens of the glasses and gently rub both sides of the lenses and the nose pads with lukewarm running water. Rinse the frames thoroughly, then clean and dry all areas of your glasses with a cotton cloth until there are no smudges or smears.
Any optician can also sell you a lens cleaning solution and a microfibre cloth. Using the above water method, you can save time with this method. The microfibre cloth has the advantage of trapping dirt and liquid in its fibers, leaving a clean surface.
When your glasses are not being used, they must be kept in a protective case. The casing shields your spectacles from dust particles.
When removing your glasses, always use both hands to avoid misalignment of the frames. Avoid touching the lenses because your hands may contain moisture and dust particles.
To avoid transferring germs from your hands to your glasses, thoroughly wash your hands.
Run warm water over your glasses to remove any dust or debris that could scratch the lenses. If your locality has hard water, use distilled water instead of tap water.
Wipe your glasses with a microfiber cloth.
Spray cleaning solution on both sides of the glasses. If you are using dish soap, apply a single drop to both sides of the lenses and gently rub it in. If soap is used, rinse thoroughly.
Any excess water droplets from your glasses must be removed. To avoid streaks and watermarks, dry them with a gas duster (canned air).
Do not clean the glasses with daily use fabrics. It is incredibly convenient for people to clean the lenses with their clothing vigorously. This is not the proper cleaning method because the clothing may contain dust and debris that will scratch the lenses. The texture of the clothing may be rough, which can scratch and damage the lenses.
Window cleaners should be avoided. The fact that ammonia-based cleaners make the house or car windows clean does not imply that they are safe for the glasses.
The ammonia in these cleaners can damage the lenses’ protective coating. Many of these window cleaners contain chemicals that can cause eye irritation.
Always protect the frames. The spectacle frames purchased from reputable opticians will have a protective case to keep the frames in. They must be kept in a storage case to protect them from debris and dust particles when not in use. Avoid putting the frames in handbags or pockets.
Another thing to avoid is cleaning the glasses with tissues or paper towels, as these can scratch or smear the lenses.
Professional cleaning can be availed from ophthalmologists, optometrists, and spectacle retailers. You can take it to the store where you purchased them to avail a free cleaning. A professional cleaning might be the only answer if your glasses have an oily buildup around the ears or nose that does not go away despite your best efforts to clean them. You should also consider professional cleaning if you get breakouts around the area where your glasses touch your skin. It is also a good idea to request a cleaning whenever you get your glasses adjusted or go for your annual eye exam.
We should place importance on preserving our daily items and ensure they are clean. For example, cleaning eyeglasses regularly should become part of one’s daily routine. This will not only help them see better, but it will also help avoid infections of the eye and skin conditions like infections, blackheads, and acne.
Last reviewed at:
03 Feb 2023 - 4 min read
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