Glasses and contacts can provide you with a clear picture of the world, but their benefits disappear when you don’t take proper care of them. While the care process isn’t too terribly long or involved, there is some maintenance that needs to be done on a regular basis. The following tips will ensure that your lenses stay safe and effective.
Glasses Care
When caring for glasses, protecting the lenses and earpieces are the most important factors to consider.
Glasses lenses are typically made from one of three materials: plastic, glass, or polycarbonate. Plastic is the material most likely to scratch, so be extra careful with lenses made of this material, but don’t think that glass or polycarbonate is completely immune either. Avoid touching the lenses directly to prevent smudges or scratches, and clean them regularly with a microfiber cloth and an approved cleaner. Additionally, when you’re being fitted for glasses, make sure the frames fit snugly on your face. If they’re too loose they can slip off, which may lead to scratches as well.
Protecting the earpieces is important to prevent your frames from becoming warped. Things like sleeping with your glasses on or resting them on your head when they’re not in use can put unnecessary pressure on the joints, which may lead to a poor fit. In extreme cases, the earpiece may become completely detached from the rest of the body. While issues like this can sometimes be fixed by the wearer, serious damage will need to be repaired by a professional.
Contacts Care
Unlike glasses, improper care of contacts can lead to some potentially serious complications with your eyes. These problems can range from a simple eye infection all the way up to loss of vision.
When you’re putting in your contacts, make sure your hands are clean and free of debris. Washing your hands is always a good idea, but make sure they’re thoroughly rinsed and dried or soap may transfer to the lenses, which can lead to eye irritation.
When removing your contacts, make sure to remove any buildup by lightly rubbing them in solution before they’re stored. Some contact solutions are created to be “No Rub”, which means that they will clean your contacts without rubbing, but unless this is explicitly stated on the bottle, it’s best to manually clean them.
Finally, make sure you’re familiar with the instructions for wearing your contacts. Some varieties can be worn overnight, but doing so with contacts that aren’t designed for it can lead to eye infections, dryness, and even corneal abrasion. Additionally, make sure to replace your contacts as prescribed, as their effectiveness and safety diminishes after a certain point.
