Many people don’t realize that small habits, like wiping lenses with the wrong material or leaving glasses in unsafe places, can cause unnecessary damage over time. The good news is that keeping your glasses clear, sturdy, and comfortable doesn’t take much effort. With a few simple adjustments, you can protect them from wear and tear and enjoy sharp vision for longer.
In this guide, EyeCare Plus, an eye clinic in Calgary, shares the best ways to clean, store, and handle your eyeglasses to help them last:
1. Always Clean Your Lenses the Right Way
Smudges and dust can make it hard to see, but cleaning your lenses the wrong way can cause scratches.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Rinse with lukewarm water to remove dust and debris.
- Use a lens-safe cleaner or mild dish soap. Never, ever household sprays.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth, not your shirt or tissues.
- Let them air dry or pat gently. Please, no rubbing.
- Clean daily to keep your vision sharp and your lenses in top shape.
Taking a few extra seconds to clean your glasses properly helps them last longer and keeps your vision clear.
2. Use a Microfiber Cloth Instead of Your Shirt or Tissue
Wiping your glasses with your shirt, tissues, or paper towels may seem convenient, but it can do more harm than good. These materials are too rough for delicate lenses and can cause scratches, streaks, and lint buildup over time.
A microfiber cloth is specifically designed for lenses, offering a safer and more effective way to clean them.
Here’s why it’s the best choice:
- Prevents scratches by gently lifting dust and debris instead of grinding them into the lens.
- Removes smudges without streaks, keeping your vision clear.
- Protects special coatings, like anti-glare or blue light filters, from damage.
Keeping a microfiber cloth handy ensures your glasses stay in top shape, your vision remains sharp, and your lenses last longer.
3. Store Your Glasses in a Protective Case When Not in Use
Glasses are delicate, and even small accidents can lead to scratches, bent frames, or broken lenses. Leaving them unprotected on a table or tossing them in a bag increases the risk of damage, even if you’re careful. A protective case creates a barrier against dust, pressure, and accidental drops, keeping your glasses safe when you’re not wearing them. Hard cases offer the best protection, but soft cases work well for short-term storage. Making a habit of storing your glasses properly ensures they stay in top condition and are always ready when you need them.
4. Avoid Placing Your Glasses Face Down on Any Surface
It’s easy to set your glasses down without thinking, but placing them face down can cause tiny scratches that build up over time. Even smooth surfaces collect dust and debris, which can wear down your lenses. Once scratches appear, they can’t be removed and may distort your vision. Instead, always place your glasses with the arms folded and the lenses facing up to prevent unnecessary wear. If you don’t have a case nearby, setting them on a clean, soft surface helps minimize the risk of scratches and keeps your lenses in great shape.
5. Hold Your Glasses with Both Hands to Prevent Frame Misalignment
Taking your glasses off with one hand may seem harmless, but it puts uneven pressure on the frame. Over time, this can loosen the hinges and cause misalignment, making your glasses sit crooked or feel uncomfortable. When frames don’t fit properly, it can also affect how well your lenses correct your vision. Using both hands to remove and adjust your glasses ensures even pressure, a balanced fit, and longer-lasting durability. A small change in how you handle your glasses can make a big difference in keeping them comfortable and secure.
6. Keep Your Glasses Away from Extreme Heat and Direct Sunlight
Heat can easily warp your frames and damage your lenses. Leaving your glasses in a hot car, near a heater, or in direct sunlight for too long can cause the frames to bend and lens coatings to crack or peel. Once this happens, your glasses may not fit properly, and your vision can become distorted. To avoid this, always store them in a cool, shaded place and keep them away from heat-absorbing surfaces like dashboards or metal tables. A little caution goes a long way in preserving their shape and clarity.
7. Tighten Loose Screws and Adjust Frames When Needed
Over time, the tiny screws holding your glasses together can loosen, making the frames feel unstable or sit unevenly. If your glasses slide down your nose or one side feels higher than the other, they need an adjustment. A small eyeglass screwdriver can tighten loose screws in seconds, preventing bigger issues down the road. If the frames still feel off, a quick visit to an eye clinic for a professional adjustment will ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Regular maintenance keeps your glasses in place and working as they should.
8. Never Use Harsh Chemicals or Household Cleaners on Your Lenses
Using the wrong cleaning products on your glasses can strip lens coatings, cause discoloration, and leave behind streaks or residue. Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that may seem harmless but can damage your lenses over time.
Avoid using:
- Glass cleaners (like Windex) – Contains ammonia, which can break down lens coatings.
- Vinegar or lemon juice – Highly acidic and can erode protective coatings.
- Rubbing alcohol or acetone – Can cause fogging, peeling, and long-term lens damage.
- Soap with moisturizers – Leaves behind an oily residue, making lenses harder to clean.
Note: The safest way to clean your glasses is with a lens-safe solution and a microfiber cloth.
Using the right products ensures clear vision, long-lasting coatings, and lenses that stay in perfect condition.
9. Remove Your Glasses Before Sleeping or Showering
It’s easy to forget you’re wearing your glasses, but keeping them on while sleeping or showering can lead to unnecessary damage. Rolling over in your sleep can bend the frames, loosen screws, or misalign the lenses, making them sit unevenly on your face. Showering with glasses exposes them to steam, hot water, and soap residue, which can weaken lens coatings and make them harder to clean. Over time, these small habits add up, affecting both comfort and clarity. Taking a few seconds to remove your glasses before bed or a shower helps keep them in perfect shape for longer.
10. Schedule Regular Check-Ups to Keep Your Glasses in Good Shape
Even with the best care, glasses don’t stay in perfect condition forever. Frames loosen, screws shift, and lenses may no longer align as they should. Small adjustments over time can make a big difference in how well your glasses fit and how clear your vision remains. Regular check-ups at an eye clinic in Calgary ensure your glasses are properly adjusted, your prescription is up to date, and your eyewear remains comfortable. A quick visit for a professional fitting helps extend the life of your glasses and keeps your vision as sharp as possible.
Bottom Line
Taking care of your glasses doesn’t just keep them looking good. It ensures clear vision, lasting comfort, and a longer lifespan for your eyewear. With the right habits, your glasses will stay in top shape, giving you the best vision every day.
