When I first developed mild myopia at 19, my optometrist commented that I study too much. He explained that having my eyes flexed to focus on text for prolonged periods of time had hardened my lenses to the point that they lost the ability to perform for distance. I’m not certain if this is true. But it was the beginning of my wearing glasses. And a consistent pain that continues to this day is keeping them clean.
Whether you wear glasses “just for driving,” or, “to think straight,” or (my favourite) “because contacts are icky,” at some point you’ve struggled with specks, streaks, and smudges. You’re supposed to be able to see out of those lenses, so it’s imperative to keep them clean. But how? It’s a constant battle. I’m no expert but I do wear glasses for most of the day. What’s more, I have oily skin. In this post I’ll share with you my top three go-to methods for reducing the frustration and keeping those glasses spotless.
Cool water and dish soap (cheapest option)
Dish soap’s job is to remove oil. It is a neutral pH, so it will be gentle on your glasses and frames. Wash your hands first to remove any residue from skin. You’ll be using your fingers to gently wipe your lenses. Switch your tap to cool water and just have it trickling enough to wet and rinse your lenses. Add a tiny amount of dish soap and lather with your fingertips in circular motions. Rinse well.
You can run warm water, but I find this method works with cool or even cold water. The thing about adding heat is that you run the risk of damaging the frames, your lenses, and any coating(s) you may have on them. We’re talking permanent heat damage. Not good.
Dab dry with a paper towel. DO NOT use facial tissue, a fabric towel, or your clothing! Paper towel has a tight enough weave that it will not leave fluff behind. And I said DAB, not wipe. Once your glasses are dry, finish with a microfiber cleaning cloth.
A note about your microfiber cloth: The one that came with your eyewear should last a long time. If you find that it’s swirling dirt and oil around, then it is time to place it in the laundry. Run it through the wash, but avoid putting it in with towels, sweaters, or items that tend to release fluff. It’s handy to have some spares. Sometimes you can score a free one. This used to be a popular giveaway item at conferences and such.
Use pre-moistened lens wipes
Okay, using rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based products can clean your lenses and frames. I have tried store bought sprays and I’ve attempted homemade recipes. The thing is: you’ll need to use something to actually wipe the glasses. Even the softest cotton t-shirt can scratch and permanently damage your lenses. Paper towel isn’t the best either because rubbing it against the glasses can also scratch. And then if you use your microfiber cloth with a spray cleaner, then it’s wet! So you’re kinda back to square one.
Just buy a box of those individually wrapped pre-moistened wipes. Yeah it costs money and it’s disposable. But it works. Sometimes you’ll be in a situation where you can’t do the dish soap cleanse. Use your own judgement for this one. In the directions it says to clear your glasses of any debris before wiping. You can do this with a quick cold-water rinse, if available. Follow-up with a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Remember to wipe down the nose piece, frame, and arms after you’ve finished with the lenses. If there is any oil on the frame, it’s just going to blob-up your glasses the moment you put them back on your face. Give it a thorough clean. This will keep your eyewear sparkling into the long run.
Rotate eyewear
It’s always a good idea to have a backup set of glasses as a just-in-case. For me, I’ve developed a routine of having two sets of eyewear on the go. This came about after I opted for blue-light blocker on my lenses. Wearing the blue-blocker glasses outdoors or at special events wasn’t the best. The lenses darkened my face and altered my visible colour spectrum. The next time I went for new glasses, I opted for two: one with blue-blocker and one without. These became my screen glasses and my general use.
Now whether you have a set of blue-blockers or not, rotating two sets of eyewear is a good idea. It’s not about vanity (having a second “look” option), but practicality. If you’re wearing a pair of glasses for your writing, then switch to fresh ones for other activities. It saves you from having to go through a cleaning ritual multiple times per day. Just set ‘em down and go.
Do you wear glasses? Start the discussion by sharing your comments below. Stay tuned for my next blog post. Wanna get it in your email inbox? Subscribe to stay informed of my newest articles, story reviews, updates, and more.
Cover Image: Photo by Designecologist on Pexels.com
Pauline Shen 