How to Take Care of Your Glasses

Medically reviewed by Shaune Wallace, OD

Last Updated: December 22, 2021 References Approved

For many people, glasses are essential to see clearly. It is important to take proper care of your eyeglasses so that your vision is the best that it can be, and you don't have to spend money fixing or replacing them. You should clean your glasses regularly, and when you handle them, take precautions to prevent scratching. With proper maintenance, your glasses can last for years.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Your Glasses

1
Run your glasses under warm water. Run the tap so that the water is lukewarm. Hold your frames beneath the water.^{[1]
X
Research source} Avoid using hot water as this can damage your glasses. This removes dust and other particles that can scratch the lens if rubbed into it.
2
Add a drop of dish detergent. If you do not have detergent, you may also use a gentle hand soap or a special eyeglass lens cleaner. With your fingers, rub the detergent over the frames. Make sure to cover both sides of the lenses. Rinse.

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3
Dry with a clean cloth. You should use a microfiber cloth or a smooth weave cotton cloth. Gently, rub circles over your glasses until they are dry. Avoid using paper towels, rough rags, or tissues, as these might scratch your lenses or leave lint on the glass.^{[2]
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4
Wipe off smudges with a lens cloth. In between cleanings, you can use a microfiber lens cloth to wipe off any smudges. Gently move the cloth in circles over each lens. Avoid using your shirt or a paper towel as these can scratch the lens.^{[3]
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- Laundry treated with fabric softener and/or dryer sheets can leave streaks on the lens, so avoid using your shirt to wipe your lens, or using a cloth that has been laundered using these products.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Handling Your Glasses

1
Remove glasses with both hands. When you take off your glasses, use both hands to remove each temple (or arm) of the glasses from behind your ears. This prevents your glasses from becoming misaligned.
- Do not push your glasses on top of your head when you are not wearing them. This could also cause them to become misaligned.^{[5]
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2
Avoid touching the lenses. Touching the lenses can leave fingerprints and smudges behind. When you handle your glasses, touch only the temples of the frames, not the bridge. This will prevent any accidental contact.
3
Rest your glasses with the frames up. Even clean surfaces can leave scratches on lenses. When you set your glasses down, make sure that they are resting on the temples, not on the frames. The frames should be facing up.^{[6]
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- Do not leave your glasses on a cluttered, wet, or dirty surface such as a bathroom counter.^{[7]
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- Soft cases are often made of a microfiber cloth that can be used to clean off occasional smudges.
4
Take off your glasses during certain activities. There are certain situations when you should not wear your glasses. Keep your glasses in their case until you are finished. These situations include:
- Sports^{[8]
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- Showering
- Sleeping
- Swimming

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Glasses in Good Shape

1
Have your glasses adjusted. Over time, your frames may start to feel loose on your head, or they may sit unbalanced on your nose. You should have your glasses realigned. Take the glasses into your nearest optician, and they will refit the glasses to your head. Many opticians will realign them for free.^{[9]
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2
Carry your glasses in a case. A hard shell case is ideal for protecting your glasses. Make sure that your glasses fit inside. The case should not have too much extra room, or the glasses might rattle and break. Never leave your glasses loose in a purse or in your pocket. This can scratch your glasses, and you might accidentally crush or break the frames.^{[10]
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3
Avoid wearing glasses during sports. If you wear your normal glasses during sports, you risk breaking them. If the lenses break while you wear them, it may cause injury to your eye.^{[11]
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Research source} You may want to consider investing in sports glasses. Look for Trivex or polycarbonate lenses and padded frames that stay firmly on your face while you swim, run, or play sports.^{[12]
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- Some designs look more like sunglasses. These would be suitable for sports like baseball, basketball, or soccer. Other types function as prescription goggles. These are good for swimming and skiing.
- Let your optician know what activities you participate in. They may be able to recommend a certain design of sports goggles for your particular hobbies.
4
Use a strap to avoid misplacing your glasses. If you only use glasses for reading or certain tasks, you may not wear them constantly. Instead of accidentally misplacing the glasses, you can attach a special strap to them that will keep them around your neck. Straps can also help keep your glasses on your head.

Warnings

Fabric softener is most often the reason that cleaning glasses with your shirt leaves smudges.

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Be careful so that you don't misplace your glasses.

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