Category
Eye Care
VSP Contributor, 1 Jul 2015

How To Clean Glasses

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When you stop and think about it, how often do you clean your eyeglasses? Sure, having dirty lenses can be a nuisance, but did you know you could also be causing serious damage your eyes? Smudged, unclear lenses can lead to excessive eyestrain, which can cause your eyes to become tired and achy. Very often this leads to headaches or sharp pains in your head and neck.

However, by following these five simple steps, cleaning eyeglasses has never been easier – or as effective. We’ll teach you how to clean your eyeglass lenses like a professional Optometrist. Not only will these steps help you achieve smudge-free lenses, but they will also condition you to get into the healthy practices of quality eye care.

Step 1: Rinse With Water

Before you go out and buy high-end eyeglass cleaner from your eye doctor or the drug store, consider running your glasses under clean tap water. There is nothing that bottled “eye glasses cleaner” can do that tap water can’t. Not only will you save money, but also by using the water from your sink you don’t have the hassles that come along with bottled cleaner.

Step one is important because the water removes unseen debris like dirt and dust that could scratch your lenses in the following steps.

Step 2: Soaps And Suds

Washing your lenses with soap is important for many reasons – it breaks down skin oils, makeup, sweat and other residue that has accumulated on your lenses throughout the day. TheAmerican Optometrist Association recommends that glasses-wearers clean their glasses once every morning with soap, concentrating on the lenses as well as the stems, earpieces and nose pads, to remove this grubby residue.

The best way to clean glasses is with foaming hand soap. It’s gentle enough to clean without damaging the coating on your glasses. Avoid ever using cleaner with ammonia, bleach, vinegar or window cleaner as these are harmful chemicals for your lenses.

Step 3: Rinse And Rinse Again

Again, head to your sink and use tap water to generously rinse your glasses. This step is important because it helps to ensure all of the soap is removed. We suggest using a lukewarm temperature that will help disintegrate any lingering suds. Be sure you’ve adequately rinsed your frames and lenses to avoid ending up with a soapy film.

Step 4: Dry, Dry, Dry

Stop! Before you reach for the corner of your shirt to dry your lenses with, consider where your shirt has been. It’s likely full of dust and other particles that could ultimately scratch your lenses and leave you worse than when you started this cleaning process.

We suggested staying away from expensive glasses cleaner in Step 1 and we’ll suggest something similar here: don’t go out of your way to buy special microfiber cloths for drying your lenses (though you will need them in Step 5). The best option for drying your glasses is to simply use a clean, soft cotton towel and gently run it over your freshly cleaned lenses.

Step 5: Polish To Perfection

Polishing your glasses is the perfect opportunity to use that microfiber cloth you have lying around your home. Start with the earpieces and give your glasses a complete rub down. Not only will you end up with a nice, polished look, but you will also get rid of any remaining smudges or debris.

It’s important to use only microfiber cloths during this step. Other cloths are typically harsher on your lenses and won’t leave the sleek, polished, smudge-free finish that you’ll get with microfiber.

We think that this is the most important step of the cleaning process: even if you don’t have time to complete all five steps, using your microfiber cloth for a quick, frequent rub-down will help prevent any excessive buildup. Consider keeping it in your glasses case and use it often.

Following these tips daily will not only keep your lenses and frames in top condition, but it will also help you maintain healthy vision and eye health. To learn more about how to clean your eyeglass lenses and other ways to ensure healthy eye care, visit VSP Direct. For years, VSP Direct has led the industry in providing reliable, affordable eye care for clients nationwide.

Licensed professionals are available around the clock to offer thoughtful eye care advice,assistance with individual vision insurance, consultation on what vision care best suits your needs, and much, much more. To learn more about VSP Direct services or to find a VSP Direct certified eye doctor in your area today, visit VSPDirect.com.