There used to be a time when things like cars, ovens, and other electrical appliances lasted for 20 to 30 years because they were made with quality parts. Yet, over the years, craftsmanship has gone downhill and these items last for less than 10 years – at best! It seems the world of eyeglasses is no different. You used to be able to wear a single pair of glasses for a decade without it going out of style or deteriorating due to use. Now, it seems, if you drop your eyeglasses by accident or they get knocked around a bit, they bend, scratch, and even break! It may be that the craftsmanship has deteriorated but it may also be that we are far more harsh on our eyeglasses than we like to admit. Even though you may only have the same pair of glasses for two years before you need a new pair, there are ways of maintaining your glasses for that period. Take a look at this brief guide that can help you maintain the longevity of your eyeglasses frames and lenses.
The first step to keep your glasses in-tact and scratch-free are to use a hard, clamshell case when you’re not wearing your glasses. If you buy glasses online, this case usually comes with your order for free. But buying your glasses from the eye doctor often means you get a soft case that looks more like a pocket protector than an eyeglasses case. The soft cases don’t protect your frames from anything but the hard cases do – so make sure you put your glasses in the hard, clamshell case when you’re not wearing them! The case will protect them if they get stepped on, thrown around, and mistreated. The casing will also protect your lenses from getting scratched and keep your frames from getting bent out of shape – or worse, snapping in half!
If you’re prone to taking your glasses off your face for short periods of time, try putting your frames on an eyeglass chain. They may not look like the most fashionable accessory but they certainly keep your glasses out of harm’s way when they’re not on your face. Eyeglass chains come in a variety of colors and styles. Some are created to look like necklaces with a loop in the center to hold your frames. While not as fail-safe as a case, the eyeglass chain will prevent scratches on your lenses. They also keep your glasses from getting lost on your desk, table, or nightstand. If you’re used to putting your glasses on your head, it’s a big no-no in the optical world. Your head shape can warp the frame and your glasses can slide off the top of your head and break when they hit something. In cases like this, an eyeglass chain is perfect.
In order to protect your prescription glasses, there are a few fail-safe steps to consider. Don’t put your eyeglasses frames on your head; don’t wear them on your shirt; put them in their case when you’re not using them, and never leave them in a briefcase or purse without being enclosed in the case. All of these instances can cause harm to your frames. A few preventative steps can keep your glasses looking newer for longer.