How to Take Care of Your Eyeglasses

Cleaning Glasses, Adjusting Frames and More

With over 65 years in the eye care industry, the experts at Pearle Vision pride themselves on keeping your eyeglasses in top shape. From properly cleaning glasses to storage and adjustments, read about the do’s and don’ts of eyewear care below.

Cleaning Glasses Lenses

While many people tend to use common household supplies when cleaning glasses lenses, many products can cause damage. If you want to learn how to clean your glasses lenses properly, you’ll need the right cleaning supplies.

Don’t:

• Use rough dish cloths to clean glasses lenses.
• Use ammonia-based chemicals or household glass cleaners that can damage the glass. Harsh chemicals can also damage any anti-reflective (AR) coating you may have applied.

Do:

• Wash your hands before cleaning your glasses to prevent grime from getting on your lenses.
• Use spray specifically made for eyeglasses.
• Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe your lenses.
• Use prepackaged eyeglass wipes to clean your lenses when on the go.

How to Clean Glasses’ Frames

While we rely on clean lenses to see properly, the frames can also accumulate grime and dirt through everyday use. Wiping them down is a step many people miss, but just like polishing jewelry, doing so can increase their longevity. Learn how to clean glasses’ frames correctly.

Don’t:

• Use products with harsh chemicals like ammonia.
• Apply beauty products and lotions with your frames on to avoid grime buildup.
• Do:
• Clean your frames daily by running them under warm, soapy water.
• Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean off any grime.
• Use a toothbrush to remove grime but be careful not to touch the lenses as the bristles can cause scratches.

How to Properly Store Your Eyeglasses

Glasses are prone to scratches and scuffs when left lying around or loose in your purse or bag. It’s simple to prevent damage and keep them looking good longer, but how? To properly store your eyeglasses:

Don’t:

• Toss your glasses in your purse or backpack without a hard-shell cover.
• Store your glasses in places that get too hot, such as by heaters or a fireplace. Too much heat can melt plastic frames or cause peeling.
• Do:
• Always store your glasses in a protective case to prevent scratches, bending and dust buildup.
• Place your glasses upside down so the bridge is at the bottom when the arms are unfolded to help protect the lenses. If the arms are folded, face the lenses up. This will help prevent scratches on the lenses.

How to Adjust Crooked Glasses

Time and time again, we see our patients wearing glasses that don’t fit properly. It’s common for your glasses to become crooked through normal everyday wear, but did you know that wearing your glasses incorrectly can negatively affect your vision? Learn how to adjust crooked glasses for better visibility and a more comfortable fit.

• Find What Adjustments Need to be Made: When you position your eyeglasses on your face, the middle of the lenses should ideally be in the center of your eyes. When you adjust your eyeglasses, keep this goal in mind.
• Check the Temple Arms: Crooked temple arms can cause your glasses to tilt heavily to one side. Adjustments will depend on the frame style you have. For wire frames, use padded pliers to gently bend the arms until they are straight. For plastic frames, you can apply low heat to the frames using a blow dryer to make the plaster flexible. However, you must be careful not to melt the plastic or apply too much force as the plastic can snap.
• Analyze the Nosepiece: If your glasses are sitting too high on your face, the nose pads should be moved further apart. Vice versa, if they sit too low, pinch the nose pads closer together.
• Adjust the Earpieces: If your earpieces are pinching the side of your head or are too loose and causing your eyeglasses to slip, adjust according to the material your frame is made of. Wire frames can be adjusted using pliers or your hands to move the arms either outward or inwards, depending on what you need. For plastic frames, you can use hot water or a blow dryer to make the plastic flexible. You can also use a small screwdriver to tighten the screws on each side of the temple, which will help stop your glasses from sliding down your nose.

Before making any adjustments, it’s important to know what material your frames are made of and to take the necessary precautions. Eyeglass frames are fragile and making manual adjustments to the frames and lenses could cause irreversible damage if done incorrectly. Furthermore, some styles, like titanium frames, may not allow for adjustments.

Have Questions on How to Best Care for Your Eyeglasses?

Protect your investment, and make sure to consult a trained specialist on how to maintain your glasses. Stop by your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center today with any questions you may have and our eye care experts will help you keep your eyeglasses looking and feeling as good as new.