Maintaining Your Eyewear: Best Practices for Everyday Care
Maintaining Your Eyewear is essential to ensure your glasses stay clean, comfortable, and in great condition for as long as you need to keep them. At Mountain View Optometry, we want to help you get the most out of your frames and lenses with simple and effective care habits.
Why Proper Eyewear Maintenance Matters
Taking care of your eyeglasses isn't just about keeping them clean—it’s about protecting your vision and extending the lifespan of your lenses and frames. Here’s why it matters:
- Prolongs Durability: Regular care helps prevent wear and tear, saving you from costly replacements.
- Improves Clarity: Clean lenses mean fewer smudges and clearer vision throughout your day.
- Preserves Coatings: Anti-reflective, blue light, or UV coatings can degrade without proper maintenance.
- Prevents Scratches: A few bad habits can leave permanent marks on your lenses.
Daily Best Practices for Eyewear Care
Daily habits play a huge role in eyewear longevity. Here are some go-to best practices:
1. Clean Your Glasses Daily
-Use a microfiber cloth and lens-safe liquid spray cleaner. Avoid paper towels or clothing, which can scratch lenses.
2. Store Them in a Case
-When not in use, place your eyewear in a hard-shell case to protect it from dust, dirt, and physical damage.
3. Remove and Apply With Both Hands
-Using two hands ensures the frames don’t warp or stretch out over time.
4. Keep Them Off Your Head
-Wearing glasses on top of your head can misalign the frame and expose them to oils and dirt from your hair.
What Not to Do With Your Eyewear
Avoiding these common mistakes can help reduce the risk of premature damage:
- Don’t leave them in a hot car – Extreme heat can warp plastic frames and damage lens coatings.
- Avoid harsh chemicals – Some cleaners or rubbing alcohol can erode coatings.
- Never use rough materials – Tissues and napkins may seem soft, but they can scratch lenses.
- Don’t toss them in a bag unprotected – Always use a case to avoid accidental breakage.
How to Clean Glasses the Right Way
Here’s a quick, effective cleaning routine:
- Rinse under lukewarm water to remove debris.
- Apply a drop of lens-safe soap or cleaner – gently rub both sides of the lenses.
- Rinse again and gently shake off excess water.
- Dry with a clean microfiber cloth – never use your shirt or paper towel!
Need a professional lens cleaner or cloth? Visit our clinic to pick up everything you need.
How to Store & Travel with Your Eyewear
If you’re always on the go, these tips can save your frames from damage:
- Use a hard-shell case in backpacks, handbags, or luggage
- Bring a travel-size cleaning kit with microfiber cloth and spray
- Avoid laying glasses face down on hard surfaces
Tip: If you rely on prescription glasses, always pack a second pair in case you lose or damage your primary ones. Keep them in a separate location to reduce the chance of both pairs being damaged or lost.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes your glasses need more than a wipe-down. Here's when to visit us:
- Your frames feel loose or crooked
- Nose pads need replacement
- Lenses have smudges you can’t remove
- You’re noticing discomfort, pressure points, or slipping
At Mountain View Optometry, we offer free adjustments and ultrasonic cleaning. Just drop by or book an appointment for expert help.
Maintaining your eyewear is all about developing good daily habits—cleaning properly, storing safely, and handling with care. Doing so ensures you get the most out of your investment while keeping your vision sharp and your frames looking good as new.
Written by Rosendo
About the Author:
Rosendo was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where he began his professional journey studying Optometry and Optics. His career then took him to Dubai, where he worked in the optical field for two years as a Sales Associate. Now, he’s settled in Calgary and takes great pride in being a valued member of our Mountain View Optometry team as an Optical Associate.
