Why Eyeglass Care Matters
Eyeglasses are more than just a vision aid, they’re a daily essential, a personal style statement, and an investment in your eye health. But even the most durable glasses can be damaged by poor handling or neglect. Whether you’ve picked up designer frames in Langley or a pair of affordable glasses from Brookswood, the key to making them last is proper care. At Debbie Mozelle Optician, we’ve helped thousands of Langley residents not only find the perfect pair of glasses but also keep them in excellent shape. This guide offers our top eyeglass care tips to extend the life of your lenses and frames.
Clean Your Glasses the Right Way
It sounds simple, but most people clean their glasses incorrectly, often using materials or products that can cause scratches or buildup over time. Skip the shirt sleeve or paper towel and opt for a gentler, more effective approach.
Start by rinsing your glasses under lukewarm water to remove dust and debris. Then, use a small drop of lens-safe liquid soap (fragrance-free is best) and gently rub both sides of the lenses and frames. Rinse again, then pat dry using a clean microfiber cloth.
Never use household cleaners like window spray or vinegar, they contain chemicals that can damage lens coatings. At Debbie Mozelle, we offer approved lens cleaning kits and microfiber cloths that are safe for all types of lenses, including progressive lenses and anti-reflective coatings.
Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes
Besides using the wrong cloth, one of the most common mistakes is using hot water. High heat can warp plastic frames or loosen the adhesive used for lens coatings. Also avoid breathing on the lenses and wiping them dry, this introduces moisture without removing particles and can cause smudging or scratching.
If your lenses feel persistently oily or streaky, visit our clinic in Valley Centre Mall, Langley for a complimentary professional cleaning. Our in-store machines gently clean even hard-to-reach areas around nose pads and hinges.
Store Your Glasses Properly
How you store your glasses can greatly affect their lifespan. When you’re not wearing them, always place them in a hard-shell case with a soft lining. Avoid tossing them into bags, pockets, or glove compartments, where they can easily get scratched or crushed.
If you need to set them down temporarily, make sure the lenses are facing upward. Placing them lens-side down is a sure way to pick up micro-scratches that can impair your vision over time.
If you tend to take your glasses off frequently throughout the day, consider getting a glasses strap or chain to keep them secure around your neck, especially useful for those who work on screens or alternate between indoor and outdoor lenses.
Handle Your Glasses with Both Hands
Using one hand to remove your glasses might feel natural, but it puts uneven pressure on the frame and can cause it to bend over time. Always use both hands to take them off or put them on. This keeps the arms properly aligned and helps maintain their original shape, especially for metal and memory-flex frames.
Also, avoid placing them on your head when not in use. While it’s a convenient habit, it can stretch out the temples and distort the fit over time.
Protect Your Glasses from Heat and Chemicals
Extreme heat is one of the biggest enemies of eyeglasses. Leaving your glasses in a hot car, near a heater, or on a windowsill can cause warping, especially for plastic frames. Even lenses with special coatings, like anti-glare or UV filters, can become damaged when exposed to prolonged heat.
Similarly, be cautious with personal care products. Hairspray, perfume, sunscreen, and even certain face creams can leave residue on lenses or interact with coatings. When applying products, try to keep your glasses off until everything is dry, or clean them gently afterward.
Know When to Tighten and Adjust
Over time, daily wear can cause your glasses to loosen or sit unevenly on your face. Maybe they slip down your nose, or one arm feels looser than the other. Instead of trying to adjust them yourself, which can easily lead to over-bending or cracking, bring them into our store for a professional adjustment.
At Debbie Mozelle Optician, we offer free fittings and minor repairs for all our customers. Our certified staff will realign your glasses, tighten screws, replace nose pads, and ensure a proper fit, whether you bought your frames from us or not.
Use Lens Coatings to Your Advantage
Proper care is important, but prevention also goes a long way. When you buy new glasses, consider adding protective coatings to your lenses to boost durability. Popular coatings include:
- Anti-scratch: Helps prevent surface damage from cleaning or daily wear
- Anti-reflective (AR): Reduces glare from screens and sunlight
- UV protection: Shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays
- Hydrophobic: Resists smudges, water, and oil for easier cleaning
These coatings can dramatically extend the life of your lenses while improving clarity and comfort. Our team will walk you through your coating options when you visit our Langley optical store.
Travel Tips for Your Glasses
If you’re traveling, always bring a backup pair of glasses, especially if you wear a prescription. You never know when a pair might get lost or damaged. Store your primary and backup glasses in separate bags to avoid losing both at once.
For flights, keep your glasses in your carry-on and never in checked luggage. Air pressure changes and rough handling can damage them. Also, pack a small lens cleaning cloth and a travel-size spray cleaner so you can clean your lenses on the go.
If you wear prescription sunglasses, don’t forget to bring them too. Langley weather might not seem tropical, but UV protection is crucial year-round.
How Long Should a Pair of Glasses Last?
With proper care, most eyeglasses should last between 2 to 3 years. However, that depends on usage, frame material, and whether your prescription changes. Even if your lenses are still functional, daily wear and tear may impact comfort, alignment, and clarity.
We recommend scheduling a sight test in Langley once a year to check your prescription and ensure your current glasses are still doing their job. A new prescription is also the perfect time to upgrade to frames that better match your lifestyle or facial structure.
Get Professional Help When You Need It
At some point, even the most well-cared-for glasses may need a little help. Whether it’s tightening a screw, replacing a nose pad, or fixing a cracked temple, don’t throw out your favorite pair just yet. Bring them in for eyeglass repairs in Langley Township, you’d be surprised how often a quick fix can save your frames.
We also offer direct billing for glasses, which can help reduce or eliminate repair costs if your insurance plan covers them. Stop by our store in Valley Centre Mall and ask us how we can help maintain or restore your glasses.
Why Trust Debbie Mozelle Optician?
With over 25 years serving Langley, we understand how valuable a reliable pair of glasses can be. We offer a wide range of cleaning products, adjustment services, premium coatings, and repairs to help you protect your investment. Our clients come to us not just for eyewear, but for ongoing care and education, because good vision starts with good habits.
Whether you need a quick cleaning cloth, a lens checkup, or advice on upgrading to your next pair, we’re here for you. We proudly serve families from Willowbrook, Brookswood, and across Greater Langley Township.
Ready to Give Your Glasses Some TLC?
Proper care can add years to your eyewear, and make every day clearer and more comfortable. Stop by our Eyeglass Frames page to browse our latest styles, or book a sight test and let us help you protect your vision and your investment.
