How To Take Care Of Your Prescription Glasses For Long-lasting Use

Prescription glasses are not only a stylish accessory but are essential eyewear worn to correct refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism, ensuring sharper and clearer vision.

However, those who need to wear them every day are not unacquainted with a few hassles that tag along with them.

If not properly taken care of, they can easily get bent, scratched or damaged, impacting their efficacy and long life.

Whether you’ve bought prescription glasses or from a high street optician, they certainly require proper maintenance to stay in good condition for as long as possible.  

Let’s learn in this detailed guide about ways and certain things to be mindful of to ensure long-lasting use of your prescription glasses:

Cleaning Techniques

Cleaning your glasses appropriately is the first and foremost step you can take to prevent lenses from getting scratched.

Improper cleaning techniques cannot only damage the lens coatings but can also leave irreparable marks. 

Dos Of Cleaning Prescription Glasses

  • Always use a soft microfibre cloth to clean your eyeglasses, especially lenses.
  • You can rinse your glasses with lukewarm water to get rid of dirt and debris before wiping lenses.
  • Always use a cleaning solution specially designed to clean the lenses to remove smudges and fingerprints effectively. 

Don’ts Of Cleaning Prescription Glasses

  • Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or a piece of cloth, as they can create tiny scratches.  
  • Avoid wiping dry lenses, for it can cause micro-abrasions, reducing their clarity and causing hindrance in clear vision over time.  
  • Avoid harsh household cleaners, including window cleaner or alcohol-based solutions, at all costs, as they can strip away protective coatings of lenses.  
  • Avoid using hot water and extreme heat, as it can cause lens coatings ineffective over time and frames to twist or bend. 

How To Store Glasses To Prevent Scratches And Damage

Storing your prescription glasses properly can prevent scratches and accidental damage when they are not in use. 

  • Make sure to store your glasses in a hard-shell case for the best protection, especially when on the move. In case you don’t have a sturdy frame case, you can also use a microfibre pouch. 
  • Always carry a spare pair of prescription glasses with you, as they can come in handy if your prevailing pair gets damaged or lost.  
  • When it comes to travelling, take extra caution, especially when flying. Ensure to keep your spectacles in a carry-on bag rather than in checked luggage to avoid losing them. A travel-size glasses cleaning kit can help a great deal when in transit.   

Best Practices For Handling And Adjusting Frames

Adequate handling of your prescription glasses ensures they remain intact and comfortable to wear for longer periods.   

  • Always use both hands when wearing or taking off your eyeglasses to maintain their alignment. Removing them with one hand can loosen the hinges, misaligning your frames over time. 
  • Always store your glasses in a sturdy case to safeguard them from dust, debris and damage. Never leave them unattended on the table or in your pocket where there’s a high chance of them getting easily bent or broken.   
  • Always place your glasses with the lenses facing up to keep scratches at bay. A clean and flat surface is your best bet to keep them if there’s no frame case at hand. 

How To Prevent Smudges And Lens Discolouration

Fogged-up, smudged and discoloured lenses can hamper your vision and reduce the durability of your lenses.  

  • Consider getting scratch-resistant coating for enhanced longevity if your glasses don’t already have it. While it may not make your lenses absolutely scratch-proof, it can significantly extend their lifespan.  
  • Avoid touching lenses with your fingers now and then to refrain from oil and dirt from your hands to transfer on lenses, damaging the lens coatings. Make sure to handle your glasses by the frame, not the lenses.  

When And How To Replace Nose Pads And Screws

Even though if you use your glasses with utmost care, they can loosen with time, and regular maintenance is necessary for optimum comfort and efficacy.  

  • Hinges of glasses can loosen with frequent usage of glasses. Invest in an eyeglass repair kit with a screwdriver that can help tighten loose screws. However, if the problem persists, visit an optician to have your frames professionally adjusted.   
  • Nose pads should sit comfortably on your nose without leaving marks or causing discomfort. Also, they can wear down or become discoloured with time. Make sure to get the worn-out nose pads replaced by an experienced optician. 
  • If your frames seem misaligned, have them adjusted by an optician rather than attempting to bend them yourself to avoid breaking them.   

Signs That Your Glasses Need Replacement

Even if you’ve managed to keep your glasses in great shape, your prescription may change over time.

Make sure to get your eyes tested every two years to have your prescription up to date, ensuring crystal-clear vision.

Additionally, if you notice persistent scratches, smudges or a decline in visual clarity, it’s a sign for you to get a new pair of glasses.   

Feel Good Contacts is a renowned UK-based online eye care retailer. The brand offers a wide variety of prescription glasses online.

You can choose from big designer eyewear brands such as Ray-Ban, Hugo Boss, Superdry and more at affordable prices.