How to Properly Care for Your Glasses and Lenses

April 30, 2025

Whether you rely on your glasses every day or just for reading, taking good care of them is essential for keeping your vision clear and your frames looking their best. At Harvey & Lewis Opticians, we believe that a little maintenance goes a long way—helping you extend the life of your lenses and protect your investment in quality eyewear. Here’s everything you need to know about properly caring for your glasses and lenses.

1. Clean Your Lenses the Right Way

Cleaning your glasses seems simple, but using the wrong materials or methods can actually damage your lenses. Here’s how to do it correctly:

Do:

Rinse your lenses with lukewarm water first to remove dust and debris.

Use a lens-specific cleaning spray or mild, lotion-free dish soap to gently clean the lenses.

Dry with a clean, soft microfiber cloth designed for glasses.

Don’t:

Use paper towels, tissues, or the edge of your shirt—they can scratch the surface.

Clean your glasses while they’re dry, especially if there’s visible debris.

Use household cleaners like Windex or ammonia-based products, which can damage lens coatings.

2. Store Them Safely

Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidental damage.

Always keep your glasses in a hard-shell case when you're not wearing them.

Avoid placing your glasses lens-side down on any surface.

Don’t leave them in hot areas like a car dashboard—high heat can warp frames and damage lens coatings.

3. Handle with Care

How you put on and take off your glasses can impact their long-term durability.

Use both hands to remove or adjust your glasses to avoid bending the frames.

Avoid placing them on top of your head, which can stretch out the arms over time.

If your frames start to feel loose or crooked, bring them in for a professional adjustment—we’ll happily take care of it for you.

4. Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Even high-quality eyewear needs occasional upkeep. Regular visits to your optician can help catch small issues before they become big ones. At Harvey & Lewis Opticians, we offer:

Complimentary frame adjustments

Nose pad and screw replacements

Ultrasonic cleanings for deeper lens and frame care

Stop into any of our Connecticut locations and we’ll freshen up your frames while you wait.

5. Protect Your Lenses with the Right Coatings

If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your lenses with protective coatings that make everyday wear easier to maintain:

Anti-reflective coating: Helps reduce glare and smudging.

Scratch-resistant coating: Adds durability to daily use.

Blue light filtering: Reduces digital eye strain from screens.

UV protection: Shields your eyes—and your lenses—from harmful rays.

Our team can help you decide which coatings are right for your lifestyle and visual needs.

Trust the Local Professionals at Harvey & Lewis Opticians

Glasses are more than just a vision tool—they’re an extension of your personal style and comfort. With the right care, they’ll stay clear, comfortable, and stylish for years to come. Need a professional tune-up? Come visit your nearest Harvey & Lewis Opticians location and we’ll make sure your frames are in top shape. And if it’s time for a new pair, we offer a wide range of designer frames and in-house lens manufacturing to make the process fast and easy. You can also contact us today to learn more.