Why Do Eyeglass Lenses Turn Yellow Over Time? Can They Still Be Used?
People with myopia often encounter a common problem: after wearing eyeglasses for a period of time, the lenses start to turn yellow. What’s going on? And, more importantly, can the glasses still be used?
There are two main reasons why your eyeglass lenses may turn yellow:
- Prolonged Use: Over time, the lens material can degrade, causing yellowing.
- Oily Skin: People with oily skin tend to have higher sebum production. This oil can transfer to the lenses, gradually causing them to yellow.
This yellowing effect occurs regardless of the brand or material of the lenses and becomes more pronounced the longer you wear them. Unfortunately, there's no way to completely prevent this from happening.
How to Deal with Yellowed Lenses?
If your lenses have turned yellow, here are the main solutions you can consider:
1. Replace the Lenses
The most direct solution is to replace the lenses. The longer lenses are used, the more likely they are to deteriorate. As lenses degrade, their optical performance weakens. In severe cases, this can even lead to a decline in vision. Therefore, if your lenses are yellowed, it’s best to replace them. Eyeglass lenses also have a shelf life, and using them beyond that period can lead to changes in their properties. Typically, lenses should be replaced every 1 to 1.5 years, especially for younger wearers. Furthermore, lenses that have been worn for a long time often accumulate scratches and other wear, which can also affect your vision. It’s always a good idea to replace worn-out lenses to ensure clear vision and eye health.
2. Use Lens Cleaning Products (Yellowing Removal)
If you don’t want to replace your lenses, you can try using specialized lens cleaning solutions to remove the yellowing. These cleaning agents can help to restore the clarity of your lenses. However, it’s important to test the optical performance of the lenses using a laser or other optical test methods. If the lenses have lost significant optical quality, it’s best to replace them. But if the yellowing has only a minor effect, cleaning may be enough to extend their usability.
That said, if the lenses are damaged, it’s always better to replace them. Using damaged lenses can lead to further degradation of optical performance and could even strain your eyes.
Conclusion
In summary, lens yellowing is a common issue caused by prolonged use or skin oil accumulation. While you can try cleaning the lenses, replacing them is often the best solution to maintain optimal vision and eye health. Remember, eyeglasses have a lifespan, and it’s important to replace them regularly to ensure clear, comfortable vision.
