How to Care for Your Glasses (And Make Them Last Longer)

I've seen it countless times in my 40+ years as a licensed optician: people invest in quality frames and lenses, only to replace them within a year because of preventable damage. The truth? Most glasses can last three to five years with proper care. Yet simple mistakes like cleaning with your shirt or tossing them on your nightstand are silently shortening their lifespan.

Your glasses are more than a vision correction tool, they're a daily investment in how you see and present yourself to the world. Whether you chose classic frames during one of my in-home consultations or found the perfect pair elsewhere, these professional care tips will help protect that investment.

The Right Way to Clean Your Glasses (And the Mistakes That Damage Them)

The Do's of Glasses Cleaning

Always rinse first. Before touching your lenses with anything, run them under lukewarm water. This simple step removes dust particles that can scratch your lenses when wiped dry. I can't tell you how many scratched lenses I've seen that could have been prevented by this one habit.

Use proper cleaning solutions. A drop of dish soap (without lotions or moisturizers) mixed with water works perfectly. Apply it to both sides of the lenses, gently rub with your fingers, then rinse thoroughly. For on-the-go cleaning, lens-specific spray cleaners are your best friend—just make sure they're designed for coated lenses.

Microfiber is your only cloth option. That microfiber cloth that came with your glasses? Use it. These specially designed fabrics lift dirt and oils without scratching. Wash your microfiber cloths regularly with mild detergent, and replace them when they start looking worn.

The Don'ts That Destroy Your Investment

Never use your shirt, tissues, or paper towels. I know it's tempting when your glasses fog up or get smudged, but these materials contain wood fibers that act like sandpaper on your lenses. One client told me she couldn't understand why her anti-reflective coating was peeling—until I watched her polish her lenses with her cotton t-shirt after every cleaning.

Avoid household cleaners. Window cleaners, ammonia-based products, and even some hand sanitizers can strip the protective coatings from your lenses. Those coatings, anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV protection are what make modern lenses perform so well. Harsh chemicals compromise them permanently.

Don't use hot water. Extreme temperatures can damage lens coatings and even warp plastic frames. Stick with lukewarm water for all your cleaning needs.

Skip the saliva. Yes, people do this. Please don't. It's unsanitary and ineffective, leaving residue that attracts more dirt.

Storage Solutions That Prevent Damage

Where you put your glasses when you're not wearing them matters more than most people realize.

Create a Consistent Home Base

Designate one spot for your glasses, a nightstand, bathroom counter, or desk, and always use a case. "But I only take them off for a few minutes," clients tell me. That's precisely when accidents happen. Your glasses get sat on, knocked off surfaces, or stepped on by pets.

The hard-shell case that came with your frames isn't decorative; it's essential protection. If you've lost yours, invest in a new one. For those who wear glasses occasionally, keep a case in your car, purse, and at your bedside.

Avoid These Common Storage Mistakes

Never leave glasses face-down on any surface. This seems obvious, but it's the number one cause of lens scratches I see during adjustments. Even on soft surfaces, microscopic particles can scratch your lenses.

Don't store glasses in hot environments like your car's dashboard or near heating vents. Heat can warp plastic frames and damage lens coatings. I've adjusted countless frames that became misshapen simply from being left in a hot car.

Keep them away from hairspray, perfume, and cleaning products. These substances can spot or damage both frames and lenses. Put your glasses on after applying these products, not before.

When to Seek Professional Adjustments

Even with perfect care, glasses need periodic adjustments. Knowing when to seek professional help can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Signs You Need an Adjustment

Your glasses slide down your nose constantly. This isn't just annoying, it means you're not looking through the optical center of your lenses, which can cause eye strain and headaches. A quick adjustment of the temple arms or nose pads usually solves this.

They sit crooked on your face. One lens higher than the other? One temple tighter than the other? These issues affect both your vision and comfort. What many people don't realize is that frames naturally shift with daily wear, it's not a sign of poor quality.

The frames feel uncomfortably tight or loose. Frames should rest comfortably without pressure points. If you're getting indentations on your nose or behind your ears, or if your glasses feel wobbly, it's adjustment time.

You notice loose screws. Don't wait for them to fall out completely. A loose screw can be tightened quickly, but a lost screw often means replacing the entire temple or hinge.

The Benefits of Professional Care

As a mobile optician serving the Fraser Valley, I often make house calls specifically for adjustments and repairs. Many people don't realize that regular adjustments, every six months or so, can significantly extend your glasses' lifespan.

During these visits, I check not just the fit, but also inspect screws, nose pads, and frame integrity. I can spot potential problems before they become emergencies, like hairline cracks developing in plastic frames or nose pads that need replacing.

The beauty of mobile service is convenience. I bring the tools and expertise to you, whether you need a simple tightening or a more complex frame repair. No need to drive to a store, wait in line, or feel pressured into purchases you don't need.

Your Glasses Deserve Professional Care

Quality eyewear is an investment in your daily comfort and clarity. By following these cleaning, storage, and maintenance guidelines, you're protecting that investment and ensuring your frames serve you well for years to come.

Remember, I'm here to help with everything from that perfect frame selection in the comfort of your home to ongoing adjustments and care advice. Because great vision care doesn't end when you choose your frames—it's an ongoing relationship built on trust, expertise, and the honest guidance you deserve.

Ready for a professional adjustment or considering new frames? Contact True Vision Mobile Optical for convenient, pressure-free service throughout the Fraser Valley. Let's make sure your glasses are working as hard for you as they should be.