You rely on your prescription glasses and contact lenses every day. Unfortunately, we don’t think about the toll our glasses take day in and day out.

What can you do to prevent the lenses in your glasses from getting scratched or the frames bent?

Properly Clean Your Glasses

GlassesYou notice a smudge or dust on your glasses and your first instinct is to clean them with a towel or even your shirt, this can damage the lens. If you don’t have the right cloth, dry cleaning your lenses can grind in the oils and dirt. This eventually clouds your vision and leaves hairline scratches.

If the lenses in your glasses are dirty, the American Optometric Association recommends rinsing them in warm water. A few drops of dishwashing liquid (on-citrus) can also be used.

Use a microfiber lens cleaning cloth (one may have come with your glasses) or a soft, clean cotton cloth after you rinsed them, to help preserve the protective coating.

Countless people spit on their glasses to clean them. This isn’t such a good idea, not only does the enzymes in saliva dissolve the anti-scratch coating, it can expose your eyes to germs and bacteria.

Protect Your Glasses When You Are Not Wearing Them

Be mindful of your glasses and keep them in a case if they are not on your face. They are easily dropped, sat on, and knocked off a nightstand. Perfume, cosmetics, and hairspray, can damage the lens coating.  Misaligned frames are a common problem, be gentle with your glasses. Using two hands when putting your glasses on can help keep them properly aligned.

Wearing Glasses When Working Out

If you wear your glasses to work out, make sure they are secure with a sports strap. Sweat can eat away at some coatings, so you may think about wearing your back-up glasses or invest in Activewear lenses.

Implementing a few of these tips can help your glasses last a long time. If you need new glasses, have your frames adjusted, or a comprehensive eye exam, make sure you go to a quality source, Lake Nona Eye Care.  Your eyes are important, don’t settle for just any optometrist, contact Lake Nona Eye Care.