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How to Care for Your Eyewear

Miniature worker cleaning the lens of a pair of eyeglasses, symbolising eyewear maintenance, lens care, and clear vision

Your glasses do a lot of heavy lifting every day. Help you to see clearly, protecting your eyes, and (let’s be honest!) finishing off your look!

With the right care, your eyewear can stay comfortable, stylish, and in great condition for years to come. At Haine & Smith Opticians, we’re often asked how to correctly look after your glasses and sunglasses, so we’ve put together our top tips to help you get the most out of your eyewear.

Clean your lenses the right way

It’s tempting to give your lenses a quick wipe on your sleeve or a tissue, but this can actually cause tiny scratches over time. The best way to clean your lenses:

  • Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water to remove dust and debris.
  • Use a small drop of lens-safe cleaning spray or mild washing-up liquid.
  • Gently clean with your fingertips.
  • Dry with a clean microfibre cloth.

Avoid household cleaners, paper towels, or tissues; these can damage lens coatings and reduce clarity.

Always use a case

When you’re not wearing your glasses, keep them in a hard case. Leaving them loose in a bag or pocket makes them vulnerable to scratches, bent frames, and loose screws. A case is especially important for sunglasses, which are often taken on and off throughout the day.

Put glasses on (and take them off) with both hands.

Using one hand may seem harmless, but over time, it can stretch the arms and cause the frames to sit crooked on your face. Get into the habit of using both hands; it helps keep your frames aligned and comfortable, reducing the need for further adjustments later on.

Keep them away from the heat

Excessive heat can warp frames and damage lens coatings. Try to avoid:

  • Leaving glasses on a car dashboard
  • Placing them near radiators, fires or heaters
  • Gently clean with your fingertips.
  • Wearing them on top of your head for long periods.

Heat damage isn’t always obvious straight away, but it can affect how your frames sit and how clearly you see.

Use a microfibre cloth, and keep it clean!

Microfibre cloths are designed specifically for lenses, but they need cleaning too. A dirty cloth can smear oils back onto your lenses, or even cause scratches. Wash your cloths regularly (without a fabric conditioner) and replace them if they become worn.

Don’t attempt DIY repairs

If a screw is loose or your frames feel out of shape, resist the urge to fix them yourself. Home repairs can easily make things worse or cause some permanent damage. We’re happy to carry out quick adjustments and minor maintenance to keep your glasses fitting exactly as they should. Pop into your local Haine & Smith practice to speak to a member of our team: local Haine & Smith practice

Book regular eye and frame checks

  • Even with great care, everyday wear can affect how your glasses fit and perform. Regular check-ups allow us to:
  • Ensure your prescription is up to date.
  • Check lens condition and coatings.
  • Adjust frames for comfort and optimal vision.

We’re here to help

Looking after your eyewear doesn’t have to be complicated; a few simple habits can make a big difference. If you ever have questions about cleaning, fit, or general care, our friendly team is always on hand to help: local Haine & Smith practice

Pop into your local practice for advice, adjustments, or to explore our latest range of frames and lenses designed to suit your lifestyle.

Your vision deserves the best care, and so do your glasses!

Written on
January 23, 2026
Published on
22 January 2021