How to Look After Your Glasses: An Optician’s Care Guide

Your glasses work hard for you. They are the first thing you reach for in the morning and the last thing you take off at night, and a good pair can last for years when you treat it kindly. The trouble is that most of us pick up small habits, a quick wipe on a shirt here, a casual toss into a bag there, that quietly wear our lenses and loosen our frames over time.

The good news is that looking after your glasses takes very little effort once you know what helps and what harms. Here is the advice we share with our clients every day, gathered into one simple guide so your prescription glasses stay clear, comfortable and looking their best for as long as possible.

How to clean your glasses the right way

Clean lenses are not just nicer to look through; they are easier on your eyes too, because you are not constantly straining past smudges and dust. The safest method is also the simplest.

Start by rinsing your glasses under lukewarm running water. This washes away the fine grit that would otherwise scratch the lens the moment you start wiping. Add a tiny drop of washing-up liquid, gently work it over both sides of each lens with your fingertips, then rinse again. 

Finally, dry them with a clean microfibre cloth, the kind we hand out at the practice, rather than whatever fabric happens to be nearest. A few well-chosen eyewear accessories make this even easier to keep up.

It is worth giving the frame a little attention, too. The arms, the bridge and the nose pads quietly collect skin oils, make-up and everyday grime, so a gentle wipe over the whole frame keeps your glasses hygienic as well as clear.

A quick daily clean keeps things effortless. If you only do one thing differently from today, make it this.

The cleaning habits are worth breaking

Some of the most common cleaning shortcuts are the ones doing the most damage. It helps to know why, so the better habit feels natural rather than fussy.

• Wiping lenses on your shirt or jumper. Fabric traps tiny particles of dust that act like sandpaper, leaving fine scratches you only notice once the light catches them.
• Breathing on the lens and polishing it dry. There is always a little dust on the surface, and rubbing it dry is exactly how scratches start.
• Reaching for tissue or kitchen roll. Paper is made from wood fibre and is far more abrasive than it feels.
• Using household glass cleaner or anything with alcohol. These can strip the delicate coatings on modern lenses, including the anti-reflective treatments on your lenses, which are not something you can replace at home.

Storing your glasses so they last

Where your glasses spend their downtime matters more than you might think. When they are not on your face, the safest place for them is a hard case. It takes a second and saves a great deal.

A few simple habits help here. Never rest your glasses lens-down on a table or worktop, as that is the quickest way to scratch them. If you are putting them down for a moment, fold them and lay them on their side, or better still, pop them in their case. And try to keep them out of the heat. A sunny windowsill, a radiator or the dashboard of a parked car can warp frames and damage coatings, which is worth remembering for your sunglasses in particular during the summer months.

Handling them day to day

Most frames that come back to us bent or loose have simply been handled a little roughly over time, and that is completely normal. A couple of gentle habits keep them in shape for longer.

Take your glasses on and off with both hands, one on each arm, rather than pulling them off one-sided, which slowly twists the frame out of alignment. And as tempting as it is, try not to push them up onto the top of your head. It stretches the arms and is a common reason glasses start to slip down the nose.

Keeping the fit comfortable

Even with the best care, frames naturally loosen with everyday wear, and a pair that once sat perfectly can start to slide or pinch. This is not a sign that anything is wrong; it simply means they are due a small adjustment.

This is where we would love to help. Every pair of glasses from Perspective comes with complimentary aftercare for life, which includes frame adjustments, a professional clean and minor repairs whenever you need them. There is no charge and no appointment needed for a quick tweak, so do pop in during opening hours, and we will have them sitting comfortably again in minutes.

When scratches and worn coatings appear

We will always be straight with you about this. Once a lens is scratched or its coating has worn, there is sadly no home remedy that will bring it back, despite what you might read online. 

Polishes and toothpaste tricks tend to make things worse by damaging the surface further.

The good news is that you usually do not need to start over. If you are noticing scratches, glare or tired coatings, bring your glasses in, and we will talk you through the options honestly, whether that means refreshing the lenses in a frame you love or finding something new, with no pressure either way.

Looking after children’s glasses

If your child wears glasses, you already know they live a busy, hands-on life, and their glasses live it right alongside them. A few scuffs are completely normal and nothing to worry about, but a little routine goes a long way.

Keep a spare microfibre cloth and a sturdy case in their school bag, and show them the rinse-and-dry method so cleaning becomes second nature. Bring them in for regular adjustments too, as children’s frames take more knocks and benefit from frequent tightening. 

If you would like to know more about protecting your child’s developing sight, including our MiYOSMART lenses that help slow the progression of short-sightedness, our team is always happy to talk it through at a children’s eye examination.

How often should you replace your glasses?

As a general guide, most adults benefit from an eye examination every two years, or sooner if your optometrist advises it or you notice any change in your vision. Good care extends the life of your glasses, but no pair lasts forever.

Coatings gradually wear, frames soften, and most importantly, your prescription can change without you really noticing, so it is worth getting to know what the numbers on your prescription mean and spotting when something has shifted. You can read more independent guidance on caring for your eyes from the College of Optometrists. 

A regular eye test is the best way to keep both your vision and your glasses in good shape, because we will check that your lenses are still right for you and give your frames a proper once-over while you are with us.

Frequently asked questions

Can I clean my glasses with washing-up liquid?

Yes. A tiny drop of plain washing-up liquid with lukewarm water is one of the safest ways to clean your lenses at home. Rinse first to clear away grit, then dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Avoid anything containing alcohol or ammonia, as those can damage your lens coatings.

Why do my lenses keep getting scratched?

Usually, it comes down to two things: wiping them dry when there is dust on the surface, and resting them lens-down. Rinsing before you wipe and storing them in a case removes most of the risk. Cloth, tissue and kitchen roll are more abrasive than they feel, so a microfibre cloth is always the safer choice.

Can scratches be removed from glasses lenses?

Sadly not. Once a lens is scratched or its coating has worn, there is no reliable home fix, and toothpaste or polish tricks tend to make things worse. If your lenses are looking tired, pop in, and we will talk you through your options honestly.

Is it bad to put my glasses on top of my head?

It is a common habit, but it does gradually stretch the arms and is one of the main reasons glasses start to slip down the nose. Resting them on a collar or popping them in a case is much kinder to the frame.

How often should I get my glasses adjusted?

Whenever they start to feel loose, sit unevenly or slide down, which for most people is every few months. Adjustments are quick, free and need no appointment, so do pop in during opening hours and we will sort them while you wait.

A little care goes a long way

Looking after your glasses really does come down to a handful of small, easy habits: rinse before you wipe, store them in a case, handle them with two hands, and let us keep them adjusted for you. Do that, and a well-made pair will reward you with years of clear, comfortable vision.

And when it is time for fresh eyes on your eyes, we would be delighted to see you. Book an eye examination with our friendly team in Belsize Park, and we will check your vision, review how your current glasses are wearing, and help you find your next pair if you are ready. Unhurried appointments, honest advice, and usually a cup of tea or coffee while you browse.