Posted by: Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Latest News
At Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons, eye care specialists Dr. William Segal and Dr. Marc Lay provide patients of all ages with a variety of vision care and treatment options, ranging from the relatively routine to the rare and complex. Naturally, one of the tasks that we preform most frequently is the treatment of refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, with corrective lenses. According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction, and more than 60% of those people wear eyeglasses. Because eyeglasses are so common, many people tend to think of them as a simple fashion accessory, but this can be misleading. It is important to keep in mind that glasses are actually precision medical devices and they do require a degree of specialized maintenance in order to keep them functioning at their best. Here are four tips to keep in mind when you are taking care of your eyeglasses.
- Frequently Inspect Your Glasses for Damage
Check your glasses frequently for signs of wear, including loose screws or hinges, and make sure the alignment is still correct by observing them in front of the mirror, particularly is they are bifocals or progressive lenses. If they seem misaligned or if they are damaged your vision may suffer, so return to our on-site Optical Center for a frame adjustment. Inexpensive eyeglass repair kits are also available, allowing you to make some simple repairs yourself.
- Avoid Scratching the Lenses during Cleaning
Even minute scratches, invisible to the naked eye, can make it more difficult for you to see clearly by increasing glare and making your lenses seem hazy. Always use a microfiber lens cloth when cleaning your glasses, as materials like tissue and paper towel may be too abrasive and clothing can have tiny dirt fragments trapped between the fibers. These imperfections can damage lenses and can even wear away the special UV coating that protects the eyes from ultraviolet light.
- Clean Glasses with Simple Soap and Water
Don’t wipe your lenses when they are dry, but instead rinse them with lukewarm water and, ideally, a simple, lotion-free dishwashing liquid. Never use ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or window cleaner, as these can harm the anti-reflective coating that is commonly applied to eyeglasses in order to help reduce glare and may even irritate the eyes themselves. Also, avoid using saliva to clean your lenses, as it may contain oils that are potentially damaging.
- Take Steps to Keep Your Glasses Protected
We strongly recommend using a hard or padded case to protect your eyewear from being scratched or crushed. At the very least, leave your glasses open and upside down on a flat surface when they are not being worn. Avoid wearing you glasses on the top of the head, as it can stretch the frames, and do not leave them on the dashboard of a car, as intense heat can damage the lens coating and frame hardware.
Eyeglasses can represent a sizable investment, particularly if your prescription includes bifocals or progressive lenses. At Georgia Eye, we can provide you with a variety of helpful accessories that can help you keep that investment working perfectly. If you have any other questions or concerns about your vision, please contact Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons to schedule an eye exam with Dr. William Segal or Dr. Marc Lay today, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more information on how to keep your vision clear and healthy.
