Buffalo Horn Eeywear : 5 Common Mistakes in Cleaning Eyeglasses & How to Properly Care for Them

Eyeglasses are as important to those with nearsightedness as their eyes themselves, yet we often neglect their care and maintenance. Due to constant wear, dust, oils, and other residues inevitably accumulate on the lenses. However, most eyeglass wearers don't take the proper care of their glasses, often using the wrong methods to clean them, which can significantly reduce their lifespan. 

5 Common Mistakes When Cleaning Eyeglass Lenses

1. Don’t Use Clothing to Wipe Your Lenses

Many people have the habit of wiping their lenses with their clothes as soon as they take them off. However, this is a mistake. The fabric surface of clothes is rough and can easily scratch the lens, damaging the coating.

2. Don’t Apply Soap Directly to the Lenses

Soap contains certain chemicals that can damage the lens material. It’s better to dilute soap with water before using it to clean your eyeglasses.

3. Don’t Use Toothpaste to Clean Your Lenses

Some whitening toothpastes contain fine abrasives that could scratch the lens surface. It’s best to avoid using toothpaste for cleaning your glasses.

4. Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Your Lenses

Most eyeglass lenses are coated with a thin layer of resin. Hot water can damage the coating due to its high temperature. Instead, wash your glasses with lukewarm or cold water.

5. Don’t Scratch the Lenses with Your Fingernails

When sticky residues get on your lenses, simply rubbing with your fingers may not be enough to remove them and could lead to scratching. Some people instinctively use their fingernails to scrape off the residue, which can cause significant damage to the lens surface. It’s important to avoid doing this.

Proper Way to Clean Eyeglass Lenses

Cleaning your lenses is simple. First, rinse the lenses with lukewarm or cold water, then use diluted soap water to remove surface oils. Finally, use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for glasses to gently dry the lenses.

When cleaning your eyeglasses, it’s a good idea to clean the frame as well. Cleaning the frame is usually easier, but make sure to address any accumulated oils, sweat, makeup, or skincare products, as these can corrode the frame’s surface and coating over time. Also, eyeglass frames with removable nose pads should have the pads changed regularly to avoid discoloration, deformation, and to ensure continued comfort and aesthetics.

5 Signs Your Eyeglass Frame Needs Adjusting

After wearing your glasses for a while, you might notice these issues that require frame adjustment:

1. The curvature of the frame has deformed.
2. The temple arms have become too wide or loose.
3. The nose pads no longer fit properly or have changed shape.
4. The temples have become misaligned or pressed unevenly.

5. The temple arms are not level, causing discomfort.

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Eyeglasses

1. Yellowing Lenses

If your lenses have turned yellow, it means they’ve aged significantly, and the optical parameters of the lenses may have changed. It’s time to replace them.

2. Peeling Lens Coating

Lens coatings that peel off are irreparable. If the peeling is affecting your vision or comfort, it's best to replace the lenses immediately.

3. Peeling Paint on the Frame

If the paint on your eyeglass frame starts peeling, it can affect the appearance. If your frame is made of a copper alloy, peeling paint can lead to rust and the development of toxic copper oxide, which can also damage your skin.

4. Severe Frame Deformation

If the frame is badly deformed and cannot be restored, it’s time to replace the frame. It’s recommended to replace both the frame and the lenses together, as mismatched optical centers can cause discomfort.

5. Changed Prescription

Over time, your vision might change, and your current prescription may no longer provide clear vision. If you notice that your glasses no longer offer clear sight, it’s time to replace them to prevent further strain on your eyes or worsening of your vision.

For all the eyeglass wearers out there, take good care of your glasses! For those with nearsightedness, eyeglasses are an indispensable part of daily life, and proper maintenance will help extend their lifespan and maintain your vision’s clarity.