Are you exasperated by the ceaseless battle against those persistent smudges, mysterious streaks, and the never-ending greasy film that mysteriously reappears on your glasses immediately after a meticulous cleaning?

Let’s take a deep dive into the art of eyeglass maintenance and unveil the secrets to achieving impeccable, gleaming eyewear that maintains its clarity for extended periods.

4 Key Reasons Why Proper Glasses Cleaning Matters

Less rubbing, fewer imperfections, improved clarity.

• Guarding Against Lens Damage: Each time you clean your glasses, you expose them to the risk of tiny scratches. Over time, these nearly invisible abrasions can accumulate, clouding your lenses and affecting your vision. Cleaning your glasses correctly is your best defence against this gradual harm.
• Preserving Optical Precision: Glasses are meticulously designed to offer precise vision correction. Incorrect cleaning methods can disrupt the surface of the lenses, compromising your visual sharpness. By adhering to proper cleaning techniques, you safeguard the precision of your eyewear.
• Extending Longevity: Your eyeglasses are an investment. Correct cleaning practices prolong their life, reducing the need for replacements due to worn or damaged lenses.
• Elevating Comfort: The accumulation of oily residue, streaks, makeup, and even unexpected substances like glue and food (you’d be surprised at the stories we’ve got!) on your glasses can lead to visual discomfort and, for those sensitive to such distractions, even headaches. Proper cleaning restores comfort and ensures clear, hassle-free sight.

How To Clean Your Glasses With Care & Precision

Knowing how to clean your eyeglasses is paramount to avoid inadvertently damaging them.

Follow these 8 steps, and your specs will look like the day you picked them up from Island Optical! Keeping up the routine will assist in reducing the risk of harming your eyewear or causing unsightly scratches over the life of your glasses.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

• Gentle Dish Soap: Select a mild dish soap without added scents or moisturizers.
• Microfiber Cloth: The unsung hero of eyeglass cleaning, a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth.
• Lukewarm Water: Ensure you have lukewarm (not hot) running water from the tap.

Step 2: Rinse with Lukewarm Water

• Start by rinsing your eyeglasses under a stream of lukewarm water. This initial step is essential for removing loose debris and dust.

Step 3: Apply a Tiny Drop of Liquid Dish Soap

• Dispense a small drop of mild dish soap onto each lens. Choose a high-quality solution akin to what you’d use for delicate glassware—free from abrasive particles or harsh compounds. With your fingertip, gently distribute the soap evenly across both lens surfaces, including the nose pads and frames.

Step 4: Delicately Massage the Lenses

• Use your fingertip to gently massage both sides of the lenses and the frames for about 20-30 seconds. Ensure you cover the entire lens surface, paying attention to edges and corners

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

• Rinse your eyeglasses thoroughly under room-temperature running water to eliminate any remnants of the cleaning agent. Exercise caution and avoid hot water, as extreme temperatures could potentially harm lens coatings.

Step 6: Pat Dry with a Microfiber Cloth

• Using a clean microfiber cloth, softly pat your eyeglasses dry. It’s crucial to avoid vigorous rubbing in circular motions. Also, refrain from rubbing the lenses between your thumb and fingers to prevent the introduction of micro-scratches. Confirm that the cloth is free of any particles or dirt. Remember: pat, don’t rub.

Step 7: Scrutinize for Streaks or Smudges

• Hold your eyeglasses to the light and examine them for any streaks or smudges. If necessary, consider repeating steps 2 through 6. Focus on checking for any lingering smudges around the edges of the lenses, particularly where they come into contact with the frame.

Step 8: Store Properly

• Store your eyeglasses inside a dedicated spectacle case when not in use. This simple step helps shield them from dust and dirt buildup. While it may seem like a straightforward suggestion, keeping your glasses in a shirt pocket, nestled within the depths of a handbag, or casually placed on various surfaces can attract future issues.

Proper handling is of utmost importance!

Expert Advice for Superior Glasses Care

• Avoid using tissues infused with oils (like vitamin E or eucalyptus), paper towels, or clothing to wipe your glasses. These materials can potentially harm your lens surface. It may surprise you, but we’ve witnessed folks using the corner of their shirts or blouses to rub their lenses in circular motions right before us vigorously! Shocking, isn’t it?
• Steer clear of household cleaners, vinegar, or industrial-strength alcohol-based solutions. These products can harm your lens coatings if used frequently. We often get inquiries about Windex; you can attempt a diluted mixture (25% Windex: 75% water), but please note that Windex contains solvents and ammonia. If your frames are made of softer, high-end acetates or optyl, don’t risk it!

OF COURSE, YOU CAN SHOW US YOUR GLASSES.
WE’D BE HAPPY TO EXPLAIN THE MATERIAL THEY ARE MADE OF AND ANY FURTHER HITNS OR TIPS!

• Make it a habit to wash your microfiber cloth with a mild detergent regularly to prevent dirt from transferring to your glasses. Can you clean a microfiber cloth? Absolutely! Avoid using a product that contains fabric softeners, as this can leave residue in the fine loops of the fabric and render the cloth less effective. When in doubt, consider replacing it. Visit your nearest Island Optical store, and we’d be delighted to provide you with a fresh microfiber cloth—we’re here to assist!
• DID YOU KNOW? Island Optical offers a complimentary “DEEP CLEAN” service using a sonic cleaning unit. We disassemble all the essential components of your eyeglasses and clean the frame eyewire and the bevel or grooves of your lenses. This free cleaning service ensures that your at-home glasses cleaning routine remains trouble-free for many months.

VISIT YOUR NEAREST ISLAND OPTICAL STORE TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY GLASSES CLEANING SERVICE.

We’re here to start you on the right path right away!

Following our ‘How To Clean Glasses Masterclass’ guarantees that your prescription eyewear maintains its excellent condition, providing you with clear vision and prolonged lens life.

You can indeed keep your glasses clean and in top shape for years.

Always keep in mind the golden rule: Less rubbing, fewer scratches, more clarity.

Looking after your glasses is an investment in your eye health and overall well-being. Your eyes will thank you!