Tips From The Pros: Keep Your Eyewear Performing Their Best

By Jackie Garrow, ABOC, ABOP

To keep your car running it’s best, chances are, you’ve completed routine maintenance, such as regular oil changes, regular alignment and even new tires. Have you given the same attention to your eyewear? As an extension of your eyes and a major part of your appearance, it is important to protect that investment with proper care. Keeping them properly maintained not only ensures they continue to look nice, but also function optimally. During the eyeglass fitting process, your optician took detailed measurements to maximize your visual comfort. Those measurements allow the lens to be adjusted based on the fit of the frame, including the tilt, distance from the eyes, and height of the eyes in the lenses. This adjustment allows you to see well out of your glasses, and is especially noticeable to those with a progressive lens or a higher prescription. Over time, during your day to day activities, it is common for glasses to be bumped, resulting in tiny inadvertent adjustments to their fit. That’s where regular maintenance comes in! Over my 18 years in the optical industry, I’ve come across eyeglasses in all states of disrepair. In this article I will review some steps you should take to keep your pair(s) in good shape.

First, you’ll want to clean your lenses on a daily, or more frequent basis. There are a multitude of cleaning products available on the market - what should you use? Generally, you can find eyeglass sprays, cloths, and one time use towelettes, for sale at optical shops or pharmacies. It is important to use eyeglass specific cleaning products, most will be marked safe for anti-reflective treatments. Although these treatments have seen technological improvements to provide enhanced scratch resistance, improper cleaning can damage the lenses. Never use window glass cleaning products, as they often contain ammonia and other harsh chemicals that will damage scratch coatings and anti-reflective treatments. Spray the front and backside of each lens to remove debris before wiping. Good eyeglass cleaning cloths are generally made of soft cotton or microfiber - they are ideal for removing dirt and oils without leaving streaks. I don’t generally recommend using pre-moistened towelettes for regular cleaning. I find that if there are any dirt particles on the lenses, the towelettes act like sandpaper, grinding scratches into the lenses. They’re okay in a pinch, if you rinse the lenses with water before use.

Next, clean your frames and cleaning cloths on a weekly basis. Wipe the frame with a damp cloth. If you have visible dirt or grime build up, fill a small  bowl with warm water and a couple drops of dish soap (the regular, non moisturizing type). After soaking the glasses for a minute or two, rinse with water and dry with your cleaning cloth. If your eyeglasses have nose pads, dirt can collect under the metal supports, so you’ll want to clean in there too! Once your frame is clean, toss the cloth in with your general laundry (or hand wash). Fabric softener should be avoided, as it deposits a film on the cloth that can cause it to leave smears on your lenses.

A professional adjustment is recommended twice per year, more if you are very active or tend to bump your eyeglasses out of alignment. In addition to verifying the fitting height and ensuring the temples are snug to prevent slipping, your optician will tighten the screws and change the nose pads if desired. Most optical shops will provide adjustment services at minimal or no charge for a period of time following your purchase. There may be a small fee for replacement parts, such as screws or nosepads, if needed.

In addition, you should attend an annual eye exam, with dilation, if recommended by your doctor. At your appointment, your doctor will evaluate your eye health as well as help identify any additional optical products that may provide you better or more comfortable vision. If your doctor should have any concerns regarding your vision, they may recommend additional medical testing or more frequent visits.

Occasionally, even those eyeglasses who are properly cared for may become damaged or break. In this case, call your optical shop for a repair appointment rather than attempting a DIY fix. Screws in the over the counter repair kits are often an incorrect size, resulting in stripped frames when they are used. Super glue is never the answer - it will ruin the lenses and prevent a repair from being completed, and often voids a manufacturer warranty. Unfortunately, I have seen glasses that I could easily repair, but required a full replacement due to an improper repair. Opticians are trained professionals who have the skills and tools needed to help you with your eyeglasses.

As an Optician, it is my goal to enhance your life through great vision and quality eyewear. Following these tips for regular cleaning and adjustment, and contacting our office when in need, will help allow your eyewear to perform their best and provide you with clear, comfortable vision as long as possible.

--Jackie has an extensive background in the optical field, working in the industry since the early 2000s. Over the years, she has seen the technological improvements in frame and lenses, and enjoys fitting her patients with the best solutions to fit their needs.