You've invested in quality blue light glasses to protect your eyes during screen time. But like any investment, proper care is essential to maintain their effectiveness and extend their lifespan. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your blue light glasses in optimal condition, from daily cleaning to long-term maintenance.
Understanding Your Blue Light Glasses
Before diving into care techniques, it's helpful to understand what you're working with. Blue light glasses feature specialised lens coatings that filter blue light wavelengths. These coatings are typically applied in ultra-thin layers and require careful handling to avoid damage.
Many blue light glasses also include additional coatings:
- Anti-reflective coating: Reduces glare and improves visual clarity
- Scratch-resistant coating: Provides some protection against minor scratches
- Oleophobic coating: Resists fingerprints and smudges
- Hydrophobic coating: Repels water and makes cleaning easier
While these coatings enhance your glasses' performance, they can be damaged by improper cleaning methods, harsh chemicals, or rough handling.
Lens coatings are typically only a few micrometres thick—less than the width of a human hair. This extreme thinness means they require gentle care but can be damaged by abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Daily Cleaning: The Right Way
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow this method for safe, effective daily cleaning:
- Rinse first: Hold your glasses under lukewarm running water to remove loose dust and debris. This prevents these particles from scratching the lenses when you wipe them.
- Apply cleaning solution: Use a purpose-made lens cleaning spray or a tiny drop of mild dish soap (without moisturisers or lotions) on each lens.
- Gently rub: Using clean fingertips, gently rub both sides of each lens, the nose pads, and the temple tips where oils accumulate.
- Rinse thoroughly: Remove all soap residue under lukewarm water. Soap residue can create smears.
- Dry properly: Shake off excess water and dry with a clean microfibre cloth using gentle, circular motions.
Key Takeaway
- Always rinse before wiping to remove abrasive particles
- Use only microfibre cloths—never paper towels, tissues, or clothing
- Lukewarm water only—hot water can damage coatings
- Mild dish soap without additives is safe; many household cleaners are not
Quick Cleaning On the Go
When you can't access running water, use pre-moistened lens cleaning wipes or a microfibre cloth with lens cleaning spray. Keep these supplies at your desk, in your bag, and in your car for convenience. Avoid dry-wiping lenses without first loosening dust particles—this is a common cause of micro-scratches.
What NOT to Do
Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing proper technique. These common mistakes can damage your lenses or coatings:
Harmful Cleaning Methods
- Paper products: Paper towels, tissues, and napkins contain wood fibres that scratch lenses
- Clothing: Shirt hems, jumpers, and other fabrics may contain dust or have textures that scratch
- Household cleaners: Window cleaner, multi-surface spray, and similar products contain ammonia or other chemicals that damage coatings
- Hot water: Excessive heat can warp plastic frames and damage lens coatings
- Saliva: While a common quick-fix, saliva is unsanitary and doesn't clean effectively
Never leave your glasses on a car dashboard, especially in Australian summer heat. Temperatures inside parked cars can exceed 60°C, which can permanently warp plastic frames and damage lens coatings.
Proper Storage Practices
Always Use a Case
When you're not wearing your glasses, store them in a protective case. This prevents scratches, accidental damage, and dust accumulation. A hard-shell case offers the best protection, especially when carrying glasses in a bag or pocket.
Correct Placement
If you must set your glasses down without a case, always place them with the lenses facing upward. This prevents lens contact with surfaces that could scratch them. Fold the temples completely to keep the glasses stable and avoid accidental falls.
Avoid Risky Locations
Don't leave your glasses:
- On top of your head (stretches frames and exposes them to hair products)
- Hanging from your collar (risks falling and causes frame distortion)
- In the bathroom (humidity and temperature fluctuations affect coatings)
- Near heat sources (radiators, stoves, direct sunlight through windows)
Maintaining the Frame
Regular Tightening
Frames can loosen over time with regular use. Periodically check and tighten the screws at the hinges and nose pads using an eyeglass repair kit (available at most pharmacies). Don't overtighten—just snug is sufficient.
Frame Cleaning
Oils, sweat, and skin cells accumulate on frames, particularly around the nose pads and temple tips. During your regular cleaning routine, give these areas extra attention. For stubborn buildup on metal frames, a soft toothbrush can help reach crevices, but use only water or mild soap.
Keep a small eyeglass repair kit in your desk drawer. These kits typically include a tiny screwdriver and replacement screws, allowing you to quickly fix loose hinges before they become a bigger problem.
Adjusting Fit
If your glasses feel crooked, slide down your nose frequently, or create pressure points, they may need professional adjustment. Most optical shops will adjust glasses for free or a small fee, even if you didn't purchase them there. Avoid trying to bend metal frames yourself, as this can weaken the metal or cause breakage.
When to Replace Your Glasses
Even with excellent care, blue light glasses don't last forever. Consider replacement when you notice:
- Significant scratching: Scratches that interfere with vision or cause visual distortion
- Coating deterioration: Peeling, crackling, or hazy appearance on the lens surface
- Frame damage: Cracks, permanent bends, or broken hinges that can't be repaired
- Loose fit: Frames that won't stay adjusted and constantly slide or feel unstable
- Prescription changes: If you have prescription blue light glasses and your vision has changed
With proper care, quality blue light glasses typically last 1-3 years before replacement is needed. Budget options may have shorter lifespans, while premium glasses often maintain their condition longer.
Building Good Habits
Caring for your glasses becomes effortless when good habits are established:
- Keep a microfibre cloth with your glasses case at all times
- Clean your glasses as part of your morning routine
- Always store in a case when not wearing
- Use both hands when putting on and removing glasses to maintain frame alignment
- Have your glasses professionally cleaned during optometrist visits
Your blue light glasses are working hard to protect your eyes during every screen session. Taking a few minutes for proper care ensures they continue performing at their best, keeping your vision clear and comfortable for years to come.