How to Take Care of Your Prescription Glasses and Contacts
Prescription eyewear is an investment, and both glasses and contact lenses can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. In addition to the financial commitment, finding the perfect frames or lenses often takes effort. Whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or both, proper care and maintenance can help protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your eyewear. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your glasses and contact lenses in top shape.
How to Care for Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses, but they require daily maintenance to ensure they remain comfortable and safe to use. Without proper care, contacts can accumulate bacteria, which may lead to eye infections or discomfort. Follow these essential dos and don’ts to keep your lenses in the best condition possible.
Do:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses or touching your eyes. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring small particles onto your lenses.
- Use an approved disinfecting solution to clean your contact lenses every time you remove them. Saline solution isn’t the same as a disinfecting solution and won’t remove bacteria effectively. You can visit one of our Edmonton locations to purchase high-quality contact lens solutions.
- Replace your contacts as often as needed. Your optometrist will recommend a specific replacement schedule based on your lens type. Daily, biweekly, and monthly lenses all require different care and should not be worn past their intended use.
- Follow the wearing schedule provided by your optometrist. Overwearing contacts can cause irritation, dryness, and even eye infections.
Don’t:
- Sleep with your contact lenses in. Unless you have extended-wear lenses that are specifically designed for overnight use, always remove your contacts before bed. Sleeping in lenses can increase your risk of eye infections.
- Wear contact lenses in the shower, pool, or hot tub. Water can contain harmful bacteria that may become trapped between your eye and the lens, leading to irritation or infection.
- Rub your eyes while wearing contact lenses. Rubbing your eyes can cause your lenses to shift, fold, or even tear, leading to discomfort or scratches on your cornea.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your contact lenses remain comfortable and your eyes stay healthy.
How to Care for Your Eyeglasses
Glasses are a great way to correct your vision without the daily maintenance required by contact lenses, but they still need proper care to prevent damage and extend their lifespan. Here are a few simple but effective ways to keep your glasses in top condition.
Do:
- Remove your glasses using both hands. Taking them off with just one hand puts pressure on the hinges and can lead to bending or loosening over time.
- Store your glasses in a hard-shell case when you’re not wearing them. Setting them down unprotected can lead to accidental scratches or frame damage.
- Clean your glasses properly. Use warm water and a small amount of mild dish detergent to remove smudges and dirt. If you prefer a commercial cleaner, use an approved lens cleaning spray.
- Use a microfibre cleaning cloth. This soft fabric is designed to remove smudges without scratching your lenses. Always keep a microfibre cloth on hand for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
- Schedule regular eye exams. Vision changes over time, and wearing an outdated prescription can lead to headaches, eye strain, and discomfort.
Don’t:
- Use paper towels or tissues to clean your lenses. Even though they may seem soft, these materials contain tiny fibres that can create small scratches on your lenses over time. Stick with a microfibre cloth instead.
- Leave your glasses in the car. Heat and cold can warp plastic frames and damage lens coatings. Always store your glasses in a safe, temperature-controlled environment.
- Place your glasses face down on a surface. This can scratch your lenses, leading to blurry vision and reduced lens clarity. Instead, fold them and rest them on the arms when not in use.
Making the Most of Your Eyewear Investment
Taking care of your prescription glasses and contact lenses doesn’t have to be complicated, but a little effort goes a long way in protecting your vision and saving you money. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your eyewear remains in excellent condition and provides clear, comfortable vision for as long as possible.
Prescription Eyewear in Edmonton
If you need new glasses or contact lenses, the friendly team at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. is here to help. We offer a wide selection of designer frames, specialty lenses, and contact lenses to suit your needs. We also provide adjustment and repair services to keep your eyewear in top condition.
To learn more about our products and services or to schedule an eye exam, contact us today or visit one of our five locations in Edmonton, Leduc, and Westlock.
