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How to Clean Reading Glasses — ReadingGlasses.CO/
After investing in a pair of good readers, it's important to maintain, repair, and clean them periodically. Your reading glasses will last longer and serve you better if a few easy steps are taken to keep them in top condition. Following, we've compiled some tips on proper eyewear cleaning and how to look after them to assure they last a long, long time.
As most reading glasses frames are manufactured from plastic, one must exercise care when cleaning them. Depending on how messy they are can help you determine the best way to clean them, a wet or dry method. If your eyewear is only slightly soiled, use a dry, soft, dust-free fabric to wipe both sides of each lens. Eyewear with more grime, or those with challenging "stuff" on them, will need a more thorough cleaning with water and glycerine soap. Run heated H2O over each lens, front and back. Use a tiny bit of mild detergent on the lenses. Rinse them immediately with heated H2O, and repeat, as necessary.
Dry with a soft dustless towel, If you don’t need to wear your readers immediately, let them dry on a flat surface. Eyeglass cleaners and sprays are available for those who prefer their convenience. Some are formulated for use with dry fabrics, others are for use with a mild detergent when cleaning them under a flowing faucet. When cleaning your reading glasses, be sure not to bend the temples or nosepieces. Many have metal reinforcements that can become misshapen if bent. If you do unintentionally flex them and aren't able to fix them properly, take them to an optician for repair.
While cleaning your lenses, inspect the metal screws that hold the frame together. It's possible they've worked themselves loose with wear. It's much easier to tighten them now than it is to find the many small parts that may have fallen on the floor. Use a little flathead or Phillips screwdriver to tighten those loose screws. If it is a recurring problem, your local optician can repair them, usually at no charge.
Another option is to place a drop of clear nail polish on the screw, sealing it in-place. While not a permanent solution, it should last a few weeks until you have time to visit your optician. When putting your readers down, never rest them on their lenses. That's almost a sure way of scratching your valuable lenses. Not only is it difficult to see through scraped lenses, most scratches cannot be effectively repaired. If you do get a light accidental scratch on a lens, your optician can recommend a polish to rub it out.
Such polish is not recommended for lenses with premium coatings, so verify first then follow the manufacturer's directions to avoid damaging your lenses. If you notice a deeper scratch, chances are repairs aren't possible. If your glasses are ophthalmic-grade, a professional may be able to replace the lens. Ask your optician.
Proper cleaning and care will enhance your pride in your new reading glasses which will serve you for several years. Just a minute or so each day for a cleaning and quick inspection is all it takes to assure the long life of your readers and lenses.
The material provided on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your eye care professional. Have your eyes examined regularly and always follow your eye care professional's instructions. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or visual distortion, consult your eye care professional immediately.