Finding yourself a reliable pair of glasses takes a lot of time and most likely some discussions with your eye doctor. It’s always fun to pick out a frame and browse through all your options to find one that will fit your personality and style. Once you take those glasses home, though, you should make sure you’re taking care of them properly to make them last as long as possible. There are some important tips to keep in mind when caring for your new lenses, so find a trusted clinic, like Medical Arts Eye Clinic & Optical, which will keep you informed and prepared. Keep reading to learn about what ways you can take good care of your glasses.

1. Glasses Care 101: Rinse Before Cleaning

While it’s easy and quick to wipe your lenses on a shirt or cloth to get rid of any excess dust, you should avoid doing this as much as possible. Before you wipe your glasses down, rinse them with tap water and use a microfiber cloth. Without rinsing, you could risk smudging the dirt around even more on a dry surface, which can damage the lens. Also, using paper towels or shirts to wipe off the water increases your chances of scratching or leaving permanent smudges on the glass.

Additionally, be careful when you use water, and don’t let any drops dry onto your glasses to avoid water stains. If you don’t have water, you shouldn't resort to using spit or your breath to do a fast clean because spit may leave traces of bacteria and the latter doesn’t provide the right amount of moisture to wipe off what you need. If you choose to use a chemical, ensure it’s safe for eyeglasses and ask your ophthalmologist in case you’re unsure. Protecting your glasses should always be a priority!

2. Glasses Care 101: Hold Them Correctly

When you take time to clean your lenses, make sure you’re holding them in a way that won’t damage the frames or bend anything. It’s recommended you grip them between the lenses at the nose piece, however, if you wear thin frames, use caution. If you find that you need to move them around to reach certain spots where dust may be hiding, use two hands to keep yourself from accidentally dropping them and causing extensive damage. As much as you should hang on tight to your glasses, make sure you aren’t using too much force and pressure or you’ll harm the frame.

3. Glasses Care 101: Storage

Storing your glasses correctly can make or break your experience with them and determine how often you’ll have to clean them. Most glasses come in a case that’s suitable for storage, but there are other options if you find yourself needing them. Many people choose to invest in two cases, or a cloth one, to keep at their desk or on their bedside table so it’s always ready. Anytime you aren’t wearing your lenses, keep them in this case and make sure they aren’t in a place where they may get crushed by mistake. This also means no more resting them on your head when you stop needing them for a small amount of time.

You should also make sure you never set your glasses down in a very hot or cold place because, believe it or not, weather can impact their condition. Setting them on your car dashboard while it’s hot outside could warp the frame and lens, which ultimately affects your vision and comfort. Furthermore, leave them away from sinks or any large bodies of water to avoid water damage and exposure to bacteria.

4. Glasses Care 101: Making the Right Adjustments

While taking care of your glasses is relatively easy and straight to the point, it’s common for the frames to move during normal wear. If this happens to you, make sure you make the proper adjustments before putting them back on so as not to damage your vision. Even if your glasses seem to be working fine, it’s always important to get an eye exam if you feel that anything is off or want to ensure you’re seeing the best you can. With proper maintenance, your vision shouldn’t be a concern because of your glasses.

Your glasses should sit on your face and be centered, so if they aren’t, you’ll likely need to move some parts around. If the glasses are heavily tilting to one side, you may need to bend the temple arms back in place depending on your frames. Do this very gently and avoid snapping them or hurting yourself in the process. On top of this, if they are sitting too low or high on your nose, the nose piece is most likely what you’ll have to adjust. Like the arms, be gentle and push the pieces closer together to push the glasses further up or farther apart to move them down the bridge of your nose.

How We Can Help!

With some of the most qualified eye doctors in Auburn, Alabama, Medical Arts Eye Clinic & Optical offers solutions to any problems you may run into with your eye care. We are dedicated to providing you with the best experience and always leaving you satisfied with your vision. Whether you’re looking to schedule an eye exam or purchase a pair of our designer frames, we have a team that’s ready to help. Contact us today for more information about our services and ask any questions you may have regarding your glasses care.