Ethan Clarke
Plastic lenses are one of the most common materials for lenses, known for their comfort, excellent optics, and vision correction. However, they are more prone to scratches than glass lenses. To care for your plastic lenses, it is important to clean them regularly and store them properly. Here are some do's and don'ts to help you care for your plastic lenses:
Do's:
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your lenses gently.
- Clean your lenses with a lens cleaning spray or a mild dish soap and warm water solution.
- Store your lenses in a hard case when not in use, with the lenses facing upwards.
- Handle your lenses with both hands when putting them on or taking them off.
- Get your lenses professionally cleaned by an eye care professional every six months.
Don'ts:
- Wipe your lenses when they are dry, as any debris or dust on the surface can cause scratches.
- Use tissues, paper towels, or clothing to wipe your lenses, as these can cause scratches.
- Use household cleaners, vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or window cleaner, as these can damage the lens coatings.
- Expose your lenses to extreme heat, as it can adversely affect the durability of the lens coatings and cause surface cracks.
How to Care for Plastic Lenses
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a microfiber cloth or a lint-free towel to wipe down lenses. |
| Use a glasses cleaning spray or a mild dish soap to clean lenses. | |
| Rinse lenses with warm water. | |
| Avoid using saliva, tissues, paper towels, napkins, vinegar, bleach, or ammonia to clean lenses. | |
| Clean lenses regularly to avoid dirt and dust accumulation. | |
| Use a cotton swab to clean debris from small nooks in the frame. | |
| Clean nose pads with a disposable moist towelette with rubbing alcohol. | |
| Scratches | Use a scratch remover to remove scratches. |
| Use a non-abrasive toothpaste or baking soda paste to buff out scratches. | |
| Use a commercial plastic polish or wax to remove scratches. | |
| Avoid using scratch removal methods on lenses with anti-reflective coatings. | |
| Storage | Store lenses in a hard case when not in use. |
| Ensure lenses are facing upwards when stored. | |
| Avoid exposing lenses to extreme heat. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your lenses
Plastic lenses are prone to scratches, so it's important to take good care of them. One way to do this is by using a microfiber cloth to wipe them down.
Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning plastic lenses because they are gentle on the surface and won't cause scratches. They are also effective at trapping dust and dirt, which is why it's important to keep them clean by washing them regularly.
When using a microfiber cloth to wipe your lenses, hold your glasses by the arm and gently wipe each lens with a clean, dry cloth. You can also use a microfiber cloth to blot or dab your lenses dry after rinsing them with water or cleaning spray. Make sure to remove all of the spray or water so that there are no streaks left on the lenses.
If you don't have access to a microfiber cloth, you can use a clean, lint-free towel instead. However, it is recommended to avoid wiping your lenses with tissues, paper towels, or clothing, as these can cause scratches.
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Avoid paper towels, tissues, and clothing to clean lenses
Plastic lenses are prone to scratches, so it is important to take extra care when cleaning them. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or clothing to clean the lenses, as these can cause micro-scratches on the surface. Paper towels and tissues can have a rough surface, and clothing often has particles of dust or dirt that can damage the lenses.
Microfiber cloths are a good option for cleaning plastic lenses, as they are soft and won't leave behind any lint or dust. If you don't have a microfiber cloth, a clean, lint-free towel can also be used. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris from your lenses before wiping them with a cloth, as wiping a dry lens can cause scratches.
It's also important to use the right cleaning products. Avoid using household cleaners, vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or window cleaner, as these can damage the coatings on your lenses. Instead, use a mild dish soap or a glasses cleaning solution that is safe for coated lenses.
If your lenses have a non-reflective coating, be careful with scratch removal methods. Some methods, such as using baking soda or toothpaste, may work for small scratches, but they can permanently damage the coating. For deeper scratches, it's best to consult an optometrist or eye care professional for a proper cleaning or repair.
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Clean lenses with soap and water
To clean plastic lenses with soap and water, start by washing your hands with soap and drying them with a towel that won't leave specks of lint. This will prevent you from transferring oil or dirt from your skin to the lenses during the cleaning process.
Next, hold the glasses under running water to rinse them off. Warm water is best for dislodging dust and grime, but make sure it's not too hot, as this could damage any specialised coatings on your lenses.
After rinsing, apply a small drop of mild soap, such as lotion-free dish soap, to both sides of the lenses and gently rub it over the lens surface with your fingers. You can also use a glasses cleaning solution if you don't have dish soap. Avoid using ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or window cleaner, as these can harm the lenses and their coatings.
Once the soap has been applied, rinse the lenses again with warm water to remove any soap residue. Gently dry the glasses with a clean microfiber cloth, being careful not to leave any streaks or watermarks.
If there is debris trapped in the small crevices of the frames, such as where the frame meets the lenses or around the hinges, use a cotton swab to clean these areas before rinsing. If your glasses have nose pads, be sure to spend some time wiping them off, as they can accumulate germs from direct contact with your skin.
Finally, hold the glasses up to the light to inspect them for any remaining smudges or debris. If they are clean, you can go ahead and put them back on.
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Store plastic lenses in a hard case when not in use
Plastic lenses are prone to scratches, so it is important to store them in a safe place when not in use. The best way to keep your plastic lenses scratch-free is to store them in a hard-shell case. This will protect them from accidental damage and keep them in good condition.
A hard case is a worthwhile investment for anyone with prescription lenses, as it will help to prolong their lifespan. When purchasing a case, ensure that it is the right size for your glasses, with enough room for them to fit comfortably without being too loose. You can also buy a pouch, which is a softer alternative to a hard case.
Always lay your glasses down with the lenses facing upwards. This is the safest position for your lenses, as it reduces the risk of dust or dirt particles falling onto the surface. If you do not have a case or pouch, be sure to place your glasses in a safe spot, still with the lenses facing upwards.
It is also important to keep your lenses away from extreme heat. High temperatures can damage lenses and frames, and plastic lenses, in particular, are susceptible to heat damage. Avoid leaving your lenses in direct sunlight or in a hot car, as this could cause the coatings to deteriorate. Extreme temperature changes can also lead to surface cracks, so it is best to avoid leaving your lenses in a sauna or anywhere with fluctuating temperatures.
By storing your plastic lenses in a hard case when not in use, you can help to keep them clean, scratch-free, and in good condition.
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Avoid exposing plastic lenses to extreme heat
Plastic lenses are highly sensitive to extreme heat. High temperatures can cause the glue holding the frames together to melt, resulting in loose or broken glasses. The frames can also deform and become loose, causing the glasses to slide down your nose.
To avoid heat damage, do not leave your glasses in hot cars or in direct sunlight. The temperature inside a car can become much hotter than the outside, and direct sunlight can warp the frames and damage the lens coatings. Instead, store your glasses in a cool, dry place, such as a hard case, when not in use. Avoid exposing them to hot appliances like hair dryers or heaters as well.
It is also important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can lead to surface cracks due to the different structures of the base lens and its coating. Therefore, do not leave your glasses or their case in a sauna or on your car dashboard for extended periods.
By taking these precautions, you can help maintain the quality and longevity of your plastic lenses and avoid the need for premature replacement.
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Frequently asked questions
Rinse your glasses under warm water, then add a drop of mild, fragrance-free, dye-free, and lotion-free dish soap to each lens. Rub the soap all over the lenses and frames, then rinse off with water and blot dry with a microfiber cloth.
You should avoid cleaning your plastic lenses with tissues, paper towels, shirt sleeves, vinegar, bleach, window cleaner, or any household cleaner. These can all cause scratches or damage the coatings on your lenses.
You can try using a non-abrasive toothpaste or baking soda paste on the lens, then rinsing with cool water. Alternatively, you can try buffing the lenses with brass or silver polish. If scratches remain, you can apply a scratch-filling product with wax.
Scratch-resistant coatings are available and recommended for plastic lenses. You can also protect your lenses by storing them in a hard case when you're not wearing them, with the lenses facing upwards.
You should clean your lenses daily with a microfiber cloth. You should also take them to an eye care professional for a deep clean in their ultrasonic cleaner every six months.
