Keeping your contact lenses healthy requires using the appropriate cleaning methods. Refrain from using household cleaners or saliva as they can harm the lens coating.
Instead, wash your lenses with a mild dishwashing liquid and a solution made specifically for glasses. Then, use a lint-free cloth to wipe the lenses down.
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Clean Your Glasses Regularly
Lens care Harrisburg, PA is one of the most important steps. Not only does this help keep your lenses clear, but it also helps extend the life of your frames.
To clean your glasses, start by wiping down the front and back of each lens with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using a paper towel or tissues, as these can scratch the surface of your lenses and leave them full of lint.
Next, apply a small amount of lotion-free dish soap to both sides of the lenses. Use your fingers and thumbs to massage the soap into the front and back of each lens and into the glasses frame. Be sure to pay special attention to the nose pads and arms of the frames, as these often collect a lot of sweat, oils, and other dirt.
Be sure to rinse the soap off of your lenses and frames with a stream of room-temperature water. Once the soap is completely removed, dry your glasses with a clean, 100% cotton towel.
Wipe Your Glasses Down With a Soft Cloth
Even with the best cleaning routine, it is possible to develop streaks and smudges on your lenses. To minimize this, regularly wipe your glasses down with a soft cloth designed specifically for eyewear. Avoid household items like paper towels, dishtowels, or a shirttail, as these can easily scratch your lenses and damage your frames. Instead, invest in a bottle of lens cleaner or purchase prepackaged moistened cleaning wipes and use these to clean your lenses gently.
Start by rinsing your glasses under a gentle stream of water to remove any built-up dirt and natural oils from the frame. Then apply a small drop of lotion-free hand soap to each lens and use your fingers to rub them through, taking care not to scratch your lenses. Rinse both sides of your lenses thoroughly, then dry them with a lint-free towel. Using a towel that hasn’t been washed with fabric softener or dryer sheets is best, as these can leave smears on your lenses. If you have one, a microfiber cleaning cloth is ideal.
Let Your Glasses Air Dry
When you wipe your glasses down with a cloth, you should always let the lenses air dry afterward. You should also avoid letting them sit around on your vanity, exposing them to perfumes, colognes, or hair spray that could smudge the lenses and damage their anti-reflective coatings. Don’t use paper towels, napkins, or tissues to wipe your glasses down either, as they are often abrasive and can scratch the delicate lenses of eyeglasses.
Rinse your glasses in a soft stream of tap water, then gently clean the lenses with lotion-free soap. Rinse both sides of the lenses and the frame thoroughly, including the tiny edges and creases. Once rinsed, gently shake off excess water and carefully dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Don’t Use Paper Towels or Tissues to Wipe Your Glasses Down
The wood fibers in paper towels and facial tissues are coarse and can scratch your glasses. These scratches are hard to remove and can eventually create a visual haze. Similarly, your shirt hem can scratch your lenses because it contains small dust and dirt particles.
Instead of using your shirt or other fabric to clean your glasses, invest in lint-free cloths or microfiber wipes designed for eyeglasses. These are available at most optical shops and photography stores.
Use these to clean your lenses, nose pads, and frames carefully, then rinse with warm water (not hot). Avoid rubbing your glasses when washing them, as this can damage protective or anti-reflective coatings. Lastly, use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry your lenses, and remember to wash the cloth frequently! To avoid smudging your lenses, it’s best to use a cloth that hasn’t been washed with fabric softener or dryer sheets.