Are You Cleaning Your Prescription Eyeglasses Right?

According to the findings of the trade group Vision Council, almost 50 percent of people in the United States wear prescription eyeglasses. But what's more disturbing than this finding is that most people using corrective glasses damage their lenses while trying to clean them.

So how many of you breathe out onto your glasses and then clean the fog off with your shirt sleeve? Well, we all do it quite often. Though most people are aware of this technique's damaging results, they do it anyway. If you don't know why cleaning glasses with your shirt is a bad idea, here's a simple reason – your shirt is likely to be filled with dirt and dust particles that can scratch the lenses and damage them permanently.

Don't worry; you don't need to buy expensive sprays or special microfiber material to clean your prescription eyeglasses the right way. Instead, you just need to know a few basic cleaning solutions to maintain their optimal condition for longer periods.

Take Care of Your Corrective Glasses

When it comes to protecting and cleaning your discount prescription glasses, there's a simple rule that, if properly followed, will surely extend your glasses' life.

Though there are numerous lens cleaning products available in the market, a simple home-based cleaning solution can give you better results as well as help you make savings. Just wash your prescription glasses with fresh, warm water. A small drop of a mild dishwashing detergent is all you need to form lather on your glasses. Rinse the lenses with water. Use a clean, soft fabric to pat them dry.

While cleaning your eyeglasses, pay special attention to the earpieces and frames as these areas tend to be damaged by your makeup and hair products. Natural oils from your face, eyelashes, and hands can make your lenses dirty and reduce their effectiveness. If you're used to leaving your glasses on a vanity or sink, then it's time to change your behavior. After all, perfumes, hair sprays, and other cosmetics can add to the residue and damage your spectacles.

If you're looking to buy prescription eyeglasses online, choose an online store that can offer you a protective case for glasses storage. With a storage case, you never have to leave your glasses unprotected in your bag, jacket pocket, or purse. Proper storage can help you keep your eyeglasses free from scratches, grime buildup, and other damaging elements.

What You Should Never Use

Some people prefer using the handiest type of water to clean their lenses – saliva. Sounds disgusting, right? Saliva, vinegar, bleach, and ammonia are a few fluids that you should never use to clean your eyeglasses. While some of these agents don't have the best cleaning abilities, others have harsh elements that can strip away the covering on your glasses.

Don't let your household cleaners, soaps, or creams do what they are not designed for, clean your glasses. They tend to damage your lenses, frames, and lens coatings.

Don't use facial tissues, paper towels, or rags as they can scratch your precious glasses. What's more, you may find special microfiber cloths to clean optical instruments, but many of these fabrics can trap dust and dirt and cause further damage to your glasses. You may use them to dry your spectacles during the day, but they may not be the best option for thorough cleaning.

When your prescription eyeglasses are not helping you see the world clearly, keep them in the right case. Take care of your corrective glasses as they'll aid your vision in return. Clean them on a daily basis to keep them spotless and functional for years.

FAQs – Are You Cleaning Your Prescription Eyeglasses Right?

What is the best way to clean glasses?

While there are many products available to safety clean glasses (including spray solutions, wipes, and microfiber towels), the simplest method to use when wondering how to clean glasses is to use warm water and a drop of dishwashing detergent. Gently lather and rub the suds over lenses and frames and rinse thoroughly when finished.

Why is it important to clean my glasses?

Eyewear is subjected to a range of chemicals, body oils, dirt, and dust on a daily basis. Smudged lenses can make it difficult to see clearly and dirty frames can cause skin issues in the areas where frames come into contact with your body. Therefore, it is important to clean your prescription glasses regularly with a commercially-available eyeglass cleaner or mild soap and water.

How often should I clean my glasses?

The frequency with which prescription eyeglasses need cleaning will vary from person to person. If you use hair products, makeup, or perfume, you may find that those substances tend to smudge your lenses and frames and so your glasses will need to be cleaned more often. Also, those who wear glasses while exercising may need to clean excess perspiration off their glasses more often following a workout.

Is it ok to clean my glasses using my shirt?

Though it is a quick and easy way to clean glasses, using your shirt is not recommended. Clothing can be too abrasive for lenses and result in scratches or other damage to lenses and frames. We recommend using a commercially-available cleaning product designated safe for eyewear or simply warm water and mild dish detergent.

Where is the best place to buy prescription glasses?

There are many options to choose from when shopping for new glasses, including brick-and-mortar retailers and online stores. Eyeglasses Pro is an online retailer offering a wide selection of eyewear that includes prescription eyeglasses, safety glasses, sunglasses, and more. With affordable lens options and frame styles for the whole family, Eyeglasses Pro is a great place to shop for prescription eyewear.