At Handel Vision Clinic, we pride ourselves on helping you find frames and lenses that are best suited for your prescription, budget, lifestyle, and visual demands. We understand that your vision is an investment, which is why we only offer the highest quality frame brands and lens materials to our patients in Akron, Fairlawn, Uniontown, Green, Newton Falls or surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio

When your new glasses arrive, our experienced opticians will ensure that they are fitting comfortably and aligned properly to provide the best possible vision. Once you leave our office with your new glasses, it is important that you know how to clean, store and wear them properly. Over time, incorrect cleaning, neglect and oversight can all cause permanent damage to both your frames and lenses.

Here are a few tips from our doctors and opticians on proper care to help extend the life of your glasses:

Cleaning

Ideally you want to clean your glasses each day you wear them because smudges, dirt, dust, and oils can all affect your vision and lifespan of your lenses. We recommend the following cleaning protocol:

1. Wash your hands. No matter how clean they seem, our hands always have oils on them. Use a lotion free, antibacterial soap to prevent dirt and oil from spreading to the lenses.
   
   

2. NEVER wipe dry lenses. Your lenses should always be wiped with a specified lens cleaner or room temperature water and additive-free dish soap (we recommend using Dawn). Using saliva or breathing on your lenses to fog them does not provide enough moisture for safe cleaning, as small particles of dust or dirt are abrasive when rubbed into the surface of the lens. You should also never use household cleaners because ammonia can strip the coating off the lenses.
   
   

3. Hold the frame by the bridge. Holding the glasses in the center for cleaning will help prevent accidentally breaking or bending the frame.
   
   

4. Wipe your lenses from the outside edge toward the nose to prevent accumulated oils from being spread across the entire lens surface.

Handling

How you remove, adjust and store your glasses can either negatively or positively affect their lifespan. While these tips might seem trivial, improper handling can wreak havoc on your glasses over time.

1. Always use both hands to put on, adjust and remove your glasses. Using only one hand or pressing on the nosepiece can weaken the screws, cause misalignment and eventually break the frame.
   
   

2. Do NOT put your glasses on your head or hang them from your shirt collar. These habits will warp and widen the frame, making it lose its shape and strength. Hair products can also transfer to the frame and lenses, which can be corrosive over time.

Storage

Properly storing your glasses will not only prevent accidental drops, scratches, breaks, and bends but it also protects the lenses from accumulating dust and dirt. We recommend the following strategies for storage:

1. “On your face or in your case.”--Always store your glasses inside of a hard case with the lenses facing up, especially if you’re going to put them in a bag. Don’t leave your glasses on your bathroom sink or vanity due to risk of splashing and exposure to corrosive chemicals.
   
   

2. Never leave your glasses on your dashboard or in a hot car. UV rays are magnified by the windshield and the heat can cause irreparable damage and warpage to both your frames and lenses.

Fit and Fixes

In spite of your best efforts, your glasses will naturally weaken with wear and accidents will happen. There is no charge and no appointment necessary to visit our opticians for frame adjustments and minor repairs. Keep these tips in mind for minimizing unnecessary damage:

1. Have your glasses professionally adjusted every few months. Even if they feel comfortable, occasional adjustments help to ensure proper tightening and alignment. Avoid attempting your own adjustments and repairs, especially on a plastic frame.
   
   

2. NEVER use glue nor attempt online hacks for scratched lenses. These can cause permanent lens damage and void warranties. If your lenses are scratched or if there are any other damages to your frames or lenses, please come in to see us so we can access your best options for replacement.
   
   

3. Do NOT reuse a frame over 1-2 years old. Remember that even with part-time wear, frames will weaken with time. Lenses are specifically designed for each frame, so if your frame breaks you will be unable to reuse the new lenses.

New glasses are always a smart investment, so be sure to follow these tips to help keep your frames and lenses in great condition. If your glasses don’t seem to be fitting properly or are showing signs of weakening or damage, stop by one of our offices to have our opticians take a look! Noticing a change in your vision or have glasses that are past the point of repair? Give us a call or request an appointment online so we can get you updated with a new prescription, frames and lenses!