Routine care and cleaning ensure your glasses stay strong and dependable for years to come. For kids with glasses, starting them off on good cleaning practices will make certain they know how to take proper care of their prescription lenses for as long as they have to wear them. Below, optometrist Calvin Graham and his team at Graham Optical in Greenwood, AK, share three pointers for parents who want to help their kids practice smart eyeglass cleaning habits.

3 Tips for Parents Who Want to Teach Their Kids How to Properly Clean Eyeglasses

1. Always Wash Hands Thoroughly First

Proper eyeglass cleaning starts with sparkling, dirt-free hands. Get your child in the habit of washing their hands with soap and water before handling their glasses for a cleaning. It's remarkably easy to transfer dirt, debris, and germs from the fingertips to the lenses, which can be both unhygienic and cause scratches to the sensitive glass.

2. Use Lukewarm Tap Water & Dishwashing Liquid

With clean hands, run the lenses under a stream of lukewarm tap water. Show your child how to very gingerly rub each lens with their fingertips under the stream of running water. Then, apply a single drop of lotion- and moisturizer-free dishwashing liquid to each lens. Rub gently for a few seconds to cover all parts of the glass, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

3. Dry With a Clean, Lint-Free Towel

Optometrists recommend drying wet glasses with a soft, lint-free towel. The towel should be clean, though you don't want to use one that has been washed in fabric softener or dried with dryer sheets, as these substances can scratch lenses. Generally, the softer the towel, the better; cotton is usually a wise choice. For even better results, invest in microfiber towels. Demonstrate for your child how to carefully dry each lens, holding the glasses up to the light to make sure they are dry and streak-free.

If you, your child, or anyone else in the family requires the services of an optometrist, trust Graham Optical. With offices in Greenwood and Fort Smith, Dr. Graham and his staff provide quality, compassionate eye care in a comfortable and supportive environment. Call (479) 996-2441, visit them online, or contact them on Facebook to make an appointment with an optometrist today.