How to protect your sunglasses?
Famous actress Audrey Hepburn knew how to wear sunglasses: in the classic movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's," she simply put on and gently took off her oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses. Scenes like this are unforgettable to audiences worldwide. Hepburn exhibited the characteristics we love in sunglasses to the fullest and also made us realize the function of sunglasses to protect the eyes.
If you properly maintain your sunglasses, they can remain as good as new for a long time. "If you take care of them properly, sunglasses can last for more than ten years," said Floyd Randle Tybus, an ophthalmologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Here are some suggestions to help you extend the lifespan of your beloved sunglasses:
1. Prevent scratches on sunglasses Whether it is glass or plastic lenses, to avoid scratches from keys, pens, or rough denim, sunglasses should be stored in a box when not in use. Steve Albertman, a pilot sunglasses manufacturer, said the ideal storage tool is a hard case. "If you don't like carrying a hard case, at least put them in a microfiber bag," said Albertman. "This can not only protect your glasses but also serve as a cleaning cloth."
2. Remove stains on sunglasses Sunglasses are prone to oil stains and dirt—they can pick up oil and grease from our skin and fingers, outdoor dust and dirt, makeup residue, and salt or chlorine from the ocean or swimming pool. To remove stains, Tybus suggests cleaning sunglasses every two weeks. In the summer, "you may need to clean them almost daily." Before starting to clean, ensure that your hands are clean and dry. Rinse the glasses under warm water, then use a few drops of mild detergent to rub your fingers together without using any harsh laundry detergent or moisturizer. Tybus said, "Gently rub the soap-covered soft cloth on the lens, then rinse it off and finally dry it with a microfiber cloth." You can also clean the nose pads and frame of the sunglasses. Avoid using any type of paper product to clean. "All papers contain wood fibers, which may scratch the lens," said Tybus. "Face tissues and other tissues often contain moisturizers, which will leave a film." Additionally, avoid using a shirt to wipe your glasses—we all have that urge! Take your sunglasses (and your glasses if you wish) to an optician for an ultrasonic cleaning once a year. "This can give the frame a completely new look," said Tybus.
3. Avoid using harmful cleaners Do not use rubbing alcohol, Windex, vinegar, or other household cleaners to clean your glasses. Also, avoid hurling on the lens and then wiping it off. "Please use approved cleaners," said Tybus. Only use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for cleaning glasses. If the cloth becomes dirty, you can wash it or buy a new one.
4. Do not leave sunglasses in the car Do not place sunglasses on the dashboard where the temperature is particularly high, especially during sunny summer days, and remember to take them with you when you leave the car. "The windshield of your car generates a lot of heat in the sunlight, especially in summer," said Albertman. "These heats may cause the lenses of sunglasses to delaminate." The coating on the lens may also deteriorate. If you are not wearing sunglasses during driving, you can put them in a hard eyeglass case. A hard eyeglass case can also prevent sunglasses from falling on the car floor.
5. Place sunglasses correctly Try to avoid holding the arm of the sunglasses to wear them. "Grab the bridge of the sunglasses to wear them so that you won't bend the arms," said Albertman. If you have plans for a trip at home, it is recommended to prepare a household sunglasses care kit.
Resources：https://www.allaboutvision.com/sunglasses/tips-to-extend-life/
