The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Your Eyeglasses

If you're a glasses wearer, you're no stranger to the daily struggle of dealing with smudged, dirty, or greasy lenses. Not only is this annoying, but it can also lead to eye strain and headaches. What's more, neglecting to clean your eyeglasses can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, especially in the nose pad and ear clip areas, posing potential risks to your health.

Why Cleaning Matters?

A 2018 study confirmed that dangerous bacteria can grow on eyeglasses, including those responsible for staph infections. Nose pads and ear clips were identified as the most contaminated areas of eyeglasses (Fritz et al., 2018). 

Daily Lens Cleaning:

Keeping the lenses of your glasses clean is essential for sharp and clear vision. Here's a straightforward method for cleaning them:

Supplies:

Microfiber cloth: The safest and most effective tool for cleaning your glasses without smearing or scratching them.

Cleaning solution: Use a spray designed for eyeglasses that explicitly states it's safe for polycarbonate lenses and lens coatings. Alternatively, you can use lotion-free dish soap.

Steps:

1. Rinse your glasses with water to remove loose debris.
2. Gently wipe the lenses with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and dirt.
3. Apply a small amount of cleaning solution or a drop of dish soap to the lenses.
4. Use the microfiber cloth to gently clean the lenses, ensuring even coverage.
5. Rinse your glasses again with water to remove any residual cleaning solution or soap.

Weekly Frame Cleaning:

The frames of your glasses can accumulate sweat and oils from your skin, particularly in areas like the nose pads. Follow these steps to clean your frames effectively:

Instructions:

1. Run warm water over your frames.
2. Apply a mild soap, like lotion-free dish soap, to your frames using your fingertips.
3. Rinse the frames thoroughly under warm water.
4. Use a moist towelette with rubbing alcohol to clean the nose pads and earpieces of your frames.

What to Avoid

When cleaning your eyeglasses, there are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or your shirt to clean your lenses, as these materials can scratch the surface.
2. Refrain from using products with acetone, such as nail polish remover, as it can damage the lenses and frames.
3. Avoid using saliva to clean your lenses, as it can introduce germs and make the smudges worse.

Professional Cleaning:

If you find that your own cleaning efforts are not sufficient to remove persistent oil buildup or if you experience repeated skin issues where your glasses touch your face, it may be time for professional cleaning. Many eyeglass retailers offer complimentary cleaning services, and it's a good idea to seek professional cleaning when you get your glasses adjusted or during your annual eye exam.

Proper Storage:

Properly storing your glasses is just as important as cleaning them. Avoid throwing your glasses into a bag or placing them on a surface without protection. When on the go, use a hinged, hardshell case to protect your glasses. Ideally, store your glasses in a case at night. If a hardshell case is not available, a soft pocket-style case can suffice as long as you secure your glasses inside a zippered pocket. Alternatively, place your glasses on a clean, stable surface with the lenses facing up, and open both sides of the temples to store them correctly overnight without a case.

Conclusion:

Incorporate eyeglass cleaning into your daily routine to maintain clear vision and prevent eye infections and skin issues. Proper care and cleaning will help you enjoy a more comfortable and hygienic eyeglass-wearing experience.

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References:

Fritz, B., Jenner, A., Wahl, S., Lappe, C., Zehender, A., Horn, C., Blessing, F., Kohl, M., Ziemssen, F., & Egert, M. (2018). A view to a kill? – Ambient bacterial load of frames and lenses of spectacles and evaluation of different cleaning methods. PLOS ONE, 13(11), e0207238. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207238