Most brands offer prescription sunglasses which are a version of their standard lenses that provide the protection of sunglasses, which is helpful even for those who use contacts.
How to Take Care of Your Sunglasses
While a cheap pair of sunglasses can help protect your eyes, prescription lenses and more durable styles can get quite expensive. It is essential to keep them in good condition for the benefit of your eyesight and your wallet.
Taking care of your sunglasses isn’t hard. It just takes having a few necessary items for proper storage and cleaning, along with setting good habits.
Regular and Proper Cleaning
Sweat, smudges, and fingerprints; our sunglasses can quickly acquire a wide array of dirt and grime on the surface of their lenses and in the nooks and crannies of the frame. To keep dirt from getting out of hand, you should fully clean your sunglasses at least every week or so. And if you use them daily for long periods, you may need to do at least some cleaning every day.
Cleaning sunglasses is a pretty straightforward process. But if you are unsure of where to start or what materials to use, follow the steps below.
- Thoroughly clean your hands.
- Rinse your glasses under warm water.
- Using a few drops of mild dishwashing soap (no moisturizers), gently rub the lenses and frame.
- Rinse off all soap.
- Dry with a microfibre cloth.
It is important to use soap that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and moisturizers. The former will eat away at protective coatings, and moisturizers will leave streaks on the lenses.
The most important thing to remember is never to use paper products when cleaning. Paper towels, tissues, and other wipes will leave tiny micro-scratches. Also never wipe your lenses without first rinsing off any dirt or grit that may be on the surface of the lenses. This may result in your lenses getting scratched.
If you need to clear away smudges on the go, keep a microfibre cloth at hand. While some shirts are soft enough to avoid abrasions, it is best not to risk it. For those with a pair of prescription sunglasses, you may want to take the sunglasses to your optician for a full ultrasonic clean when you go for your annual eye exam.
Keep Lenses from Getting Scratched
Your sunglasses lenses are almost constantly at risk of being scratched, not just when cleaning them. Lenses made of glass are more naturally resistant to scratching over plastic versions, but you shouldn’t neglect proper care for either when it comes to storing, carrying, or wearing them.
Invest in a durable hard case, or at the very least a microfiber pouch. When you aren’t wearing sunglasses, get in the habit of putting them in the case or pouch instead of tossing them in your bag or on the table. Even if you are only setting them down for a few minutes, that is all the time it takes to scratch up the lens.
While you have the sunglasses on, consider adding eyewear straps. They aren’t just for when you are doing sports. These handy straps will help prevent your sunglasses from falling to the ground where they can get scratched or broken and help you from losing them.
Tackling Environmental Hazards
Preventing scratches and keeping the lenses clean might be the first things that come to mind when it comes to taking care of sunglasses. Still, there are several environmental hazards to be aware of that can damage or shorten the longevity of your pair. Here are the top dangers to watch out for and how to mitigate your risk.
- Heat: High temperatures like those in closed vehicles risk deteriorating lenses and can warp frames. Make sure to take your sunglasses with you when you exit your car.
- Chemicals: We already discussed not to use harsh chemicals while cleaning your sunglasses, but be sure to avoid wearing them while using ammonia-based cleaners or around highly chlorinated pools. Chemicals can react with many frame materials and oxidize protective lens coatings.
- Salt and Hard Water: Calcium, sodium, and magnesium often find their way into water. While they generally won’t react with sunglass materials, they can leave behind harsh residue after the water evaporates. If you notice white spots after your sunglasses dry off, be sure to give them a thorough cleaning.
Prescription Sunglasses and Eye Care in Asheville
If you are ready to invest in a great pair of prescription sunglasses, Asheville Vision and Wellness can help you choose the right pair for your style and comfort. It doesn’t matter how simple or complex your needs are; we have experienced doctors, a wide range of designer brands, and provide onsite finishing.
We have been helping patients throughout the mountains of western North Carolina with their eye care needs since 1989. Come see what sets us apart and put yourself on a path to healthier eyes. You can schedule an appointment online or call on weekdays during our office hours.
Our experienced staff can help you and your family determine the right glasses and sunglasses to keep your vision safe.