In the optical world, lens cleaning and eyeglass maintenance might seem like basic advice, but it’s one of the biggest mistakes I see daily. Surprisingly, it’s often overlooked by other opticians and patients alike. You wouldn’t believe some of the things I witness! Patients regularly come into my office after cleaning their lenses with their shirt, placing their glasses face-down on hard surfaces, or even pulling the frames off with one hand. It’s shocking!
Every time I dispense new glasses, I ask my patients if they need any cleaning tips. And honestly, I can’t always believe the ones who say they don’t. But what amazes me is how many people ask for a “refresher.” You’d think everyone would know the basics of eyewear care after wearing glasses for years. Yet, time and again, I’m told by patients that they’ve never heard some of the simplest tips. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “Wait—you can wash your cloth?” It’s incredible!
But this highlights a bigger issue: We don’t treat glasses like the important medical devices they are. Glasses help us see the world clearly—vision being our most valuable sense—but many people treat their eyewear like just another accessory. It’s frustrating when people don’t realize how a few simple maintenance steps can help their glasses stay in one piece and working properly for longer.
This isn’t just something I’ve noticed in my office. You’ll see it all the time on TV and in movies: actors yanking off their sunglasses with one hand or wiping their lenses with their shirt, fogging them up with their breath. It makes me cringe. It’s almost as outdated as the “four-eyed nerd” jokes!
It’s time to change the conversation. I believe that educating patients about proper eyeglass care is essential. We can do so much more to prevent the damage caused by improper technique. One easy step? Take the time to explain how to properly clean and maintain their eyewear. This can include printing up care cards to include in dispense bags, posting signs with cleaning recommendations, or even engaging with your patients on social media through Q&As or educational posts.
My Top Cleaning Tips:
Wet is the way to go – Always rinse your lenses before cleaning them. You can use a gentle cleaning spray or a mixture of Dawn dish soap and warm water.
Microfiber Magic – Opt for a microfiber cloth or 100% cotton to clean your lenses. Be sure to clean the cloth itself once it collects debris or oil.
Wash the Cloth – When your cloth needs a wash, clean it with Dawn and warm water. Avoid using fabric softener, and air dry it only.
My Maintenance Tips:
The two handed tango – Always take off and put on your glasses using both hands to keep pressure off the hinges.
Protect the Hinge – Be mindful of your frame hinges; don’t apply unnecessary pressure.
Case closed – Keep your glasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches, abuse by your beloved pet, or misplacing.
Get Regular Check-ups – Have the screws tightened every 3 months to prevent frame loosening.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Never leave your glasses in extremely hot or cold environments like inside a car.
Avoid Placing Glasses on Frame Front – Avoid placing your glasses on their front (lens side down) on any surface.
When you take care of your glasses, you not only help preserve your vision, but you also make sure that your eyewear stays looking great, which ultimately helps you look great too. Let’s make sure we’re giving our patients the tools to protect their valuable eyewear. Because once they understand how simple it is, they’ll appreciate their glasses more—and keep them looking like new!
Let’s work together to educate and help our patients take better care of their glasses. It’s time to move past the myths and spread the right knowledge!