Why Your Glasses Break Easily: 4 Common Habits You Should Avoid

For many people who wear glasses, frequent replacement is a reality, with a significant portion of these replacements happening because the glasses get damaged. But why do your glasses break so easily? It's not just about the quality of the glasses; a lot of it has to do with our everyday habits. Improper use of glasses can not only shorten their lifespan but also cause actual damage to them.

Here are some common habits that are damaging your glasses:

1. Taking Glasses Off Improperly

Many people have the habit of using only one hand to remove their glasses. However, this can easily damage the temples of your glasses. When you use one hand, you risk disrupting the balance of the frame, which can cause screws on the temples to loosen. In some cases, a rough movement may even cause the screws to snap!

The Correct Way: Always use both hands to gently hold the temples of the frame when taking off or putting on your glasses.

2. Cleaning Glasses Incorrectly

Over time, dust accumulates on your glasses, especially in places like the gaps between the frame and the lenses, around the nose pads, and in the hinges. In an attempt to clean them, many people use soap or handwash liquid. However, these cleaning agents can damage the lenses. Most lenses have multi-layer coatings, and using acidic or alkaline soap can easily cause the coating to peel off. Additionally, soap containing alkali can leave behind soap scum, and many handwashes contain oils that fail to clean the lenses properly, often leading to a cloudy or greasy lens surface.

The Correct Way: Use a dedicated eyeglass cleaner, neutral dishwashing detergent, and a soft microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Cleaning your glasses once a day will not only prolong their lifespan but also ensure clearer vision!

3. Folding Glasses Improperly

Many people fold their glasses without any particular method, but folding glasses should be done with care. The correct way is to fold from the left side, as most frames are designed to fold starting from the left. If you fold from the right, it will be more difficult and can lead to frame distortion.

Once the glasses are folded, make sure to place them with the lens facing up or store them vertically. Never place glasses with the lenses facing down, as this can cause wear and tear on the center of the lenses. Additionally, when storing your glasses in a case, always wrap them in a microfiber cloth to avoid any scratches from friction inside the case.

4. The “Three No's” for Glasses

As mentioned earlier, most modern lenses are multi-layered. So, here are the "three no's" for glasses:

• No wearing glasses in hot showers, hot springs, or saunas: The heat and steam can cause the lens coating to peel off, expand, or warp.
• No leaving glasses in the car during hot weather: The temperature inside a car can rise drastically compared to the outside. When the car reaches 60°C (140°F), the lenses can become cloudy and develop a mesh pattern, which can damage the lenses and affect your vision.

Final Tip: Always be mindful of how you handle your glasses, and remember that proper care can significantly extend their life and protect your vision.