Designed to meet your vision needs, prescription glasses help you see clearly in a comfortable fashion. But to get the best view, you’ll need to do more than put your glasses on—you’ll need to keep them clean as well. To help you maintain clear sight while avoiding damage to the lenses, here are a few do’s and don’ts of cleaning eyeglasses to keep in mind.

Do:

Clean daily.

Get in the habit of cleaning your prescription glasses at the start of your day to remove any smudges from the previous day, including those left behind by makeup or natural skin oils. Sticking to a routine will also lower your risk of needing to clean your glasses unexpectedly when you don’t have the right materials.

Wash your hands first.

Oils and dirt on your hands can easily transfer to lenses as you clean them. For proper handling, wash your hands with soap and water before touching your glasses.

Stick to water and soap.

Saliva isn’t effective at cleaning lenses and may make them even dirtier. Glass cleaner, on the other hand, contains chemicals that are harmful to eyes and caustic to lenses. Instead, all you need to clean your glasses is lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap applied to both sides of the lenses. If you don’t have water and soap on hand, use optometrist-recommended lens wipes.

Don’t:

Dry with your shirt.

A shirt may be the most convenient drying resource you have on hand, but these fabrics can dirty up glasses, leave lint behind, or scratch the lenses. For similar reasons, you should also avoid drying glasses with paper towels, toilet paper, or napkins. Instead, use a clean cotton towel or a microfiber lens wipe.

Forget the frames.

Over time, dirt and oil can build up on glasses frames and cause premature wear. A quick wipe with a disinfectant wipe is usually all it takes to leave frames looking fresh.  

Store outside of the case.

If you’re not wearing eyeglasses on your face, put them in a clean, dry case. Protecting your eyewear will not only help them stay clean, but also minimize the risk of breakage.

While adopting the right cleaning technique will help you get the most out of your prescription glasses, it’s also important to invest in quality eyewear from the start. That’s why Nelson O. Yoshioka Jr., O.D. offers a wide range of durable glasses frames and lenses in Honolulu, HI. With over 20 years of experience, this optometrist will help you find eyewear to fit your prescription needs as well as your personal style and comfort preferences. Visit this Oahu vision care center online to learn more about the prescription glasses, designer frames, and contact lenses they offer. To schedule a stress-free eye exam, call (808) 734-7050.