Wearing eyeglasses for the first time? Here are some simple and easy tips to help you look after your spectacles and make them last for years.
If you do require vision correction, there are a number of safe and effective options available including contact lenses and eyeglasses. Whatever you choose, your eyewear is an important investment and it’s crucial that you learn how to take care of and clean your eyeglasses/contact lenses correctly.
At Sunridge eye clinic, our eye doctors provide comprehensive contact lens fittings and eye exams for children and adults to help protect your eyes and ensure the long-term health of your vision.
How to Take Care of Your Eyeglasses At Home
Proper lens and frame care for your eyeglasses ensures clear vision and comfortable wear Get the most out of your spectacles by following these simple and easy tips:
Cleaning
Cleaning your eyeglasses regularly removes any dirt, dust or grime that may have collected on the lenses, ensuring you can see clearly at all times.
Here are some tips on how to clean your spectacles:
- Gently rub your lenses clean with your fingers using warm, soapy water.
- After rinsing, pat the lenses down with a clean, soft cloth. Many eye doctors will suggest a microfibre cloth that gently traps any dirt and/or dust.
- For quick cleaning, using a microfibre lens cloth alone can remove any dirt or annoying smudges.
AVOID:
- Rubbing prescription lenses with rags, facial tissues or paper towels as this can scratch your lenses.
- NEVER use household cleaners, acetone or soaps with cream as these chemicals can damage your frames, lenses and lens coatings.
Handling
With gentle and careful handling, your eyeglasses will last much longer and feel more comfortable. Here are some ways to properly handle your glasses:
- Always remove your eyeglasses using both hands
- Close your frames before placing them on any surface
- Grasp the temples in the middle, with equal pressure, and push the glasses over your ears. This puts the least amount of stress on your frame and prevents misalignment.
AVOID:
- Laying your eyeglasses lens-down
- Wearing your glasses on top of your head when you don’t need them. This may misalign the frames
Storage
Proper storage not only protects your eyeglasses from damage and expensive repairs, but also keeps them clean. Here are some tips on how to properly store your eyeglasses:
- Put your eyeglasses in a sturdy, protective case whenever you are not wearing them.
- If this is not possible, leave them upside down on a flat surface and in a safe place.
- To avoid any scratches, place a microfibre cloth inside the case to protect your lenses.
AVOID:
- Leaving your glasses lying in the sun or on the dash or console of your car.
- Putting prescription eyeglasses unprotected in your handbag as they can easily become scratched due to your keys or combs.
- Always keep your eyeglasses in a safe place. Avoid keeping them in places such as the floor, chairs or bathroom sink.
Repair
Whether you stepped on them, they fell, or simply have a loose screw, breaking your eyeglasses can be a frustrating experience. At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we understand the value of your eyeglasses. We can perform most types of repairs including:
- Lens replacements
- Metal frame repairs
- Plastic frame repairs
- Screw replacements
- Scratch removals
In addition, it’s important to have your eyeglasses adjusted by an optometrist regularly. Ill-fitting glasses can strain your eyes, interfere with vision correction and create possibly dangerous situations.
Children & Eyeglasses
Children are very active and tend to run, jump, fall and play hard. That’s why it’s important to show them how to take proper care of their new eyeglasses to extend the life of the spectacles and avoid any expensive repairs!
During a visit to our children’s eye doctor, your kid will learn how to:
- Clean their glasses
- Remove their eyeglasses using both hands to avoid misalignment
- Store their spectacles safely
Contact Lenses & Children
For young patients who are extremely active, your children’s eye doctor may suggest contact lenses as an alternative. While you may be hesitant, it’s important to know that contact lenses can provide significant benefits including:
- Better vision
- Improved self-esteem
- Better peripheral vision & improved sports performance
- Eye health protection (no risk of injury from shattered or broken eyeglass lenses)
If your child is considering an alternative to eyeglasses, it’s important to book an appointment with a children’s eye doctor. They can help determine whether or not your child is ready for the important responsibility of wearing and caring for contact lenses properly.
Call Today
To discover our wide collection of affordable, quality eyeglasses or to find out more about the cost & benefits of contact lenses, contact our Calgary clinic today at 403-280-7518.
