Polarized glasses are comfortable to wear because they reduce glare and can improve visual acuity, especially in bright light conditions. Polarized glasses are specially processed to achieve this effect and require special care to maintain their effectiveness and appearance. Polarized lenses differ from one another. You should always follow the instructions from your eyeglass manufacturer. The following are general guidelines you can use to keep your glasses clean and usable.
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Part 1 of 2: Cleaning Glasses
Step 1. Follow the manufacturer's advice
Polarized glasses are usually different from one another and there is no one way that you can work with all glasses. Different manufacturers use different techniques and materials to make their glasses polarized. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your glasses.
- If you need specific advice about your glasses, check your eyeglass brand's website or go to the store where you bought them.
- However, the steps below are safe for you to use on polarized glasses regardless of brand.
Step 2. Buy a microfiber cloth
Who has never wiped glasses on a t-shirt or tissue? These materials may be too abrasive or trap dust or coarse debris that can damage the coating on the lenses of your polarized glasses.
- Polarized glasses are usually supplied with a microfiber cloth. Otherwise, you can buy this kind of fabric at an optical store or the eye care section of a larger store.
- You can also use a soft, clean cotton cloth, but manufacturers usually recommend using a microfiber cloth.
- Whatever cloth you use, make sure it is clean. You can wash microfiber cloth. Do not use softener as this can add a layer of damaging chemicals and oils.
Step 3. Wash the glasses first
Clean warm water is the easiest, cheapest, safest, and usually most effective ingredient for removing finger marks, dust, grease, etc., from polarized glasses.
- Before washing, remove dust and debris on the surface of your glasses by blowing them. Then, if necessary, wash it off with warm water.
- If your glasses have salt residue (perhaps from seawater) or other abrasive materials, rinse them with water before wiping.
- Wipe your eyeglass lenses with a microfiber cloth while they are still wet after washing or under running water. Use only the necessary pressure to remove dust and fingerprints.
- You can also use the old-fashioned method of blowing warm, damp breath on the lens and wiping it gently, to remove any small debris. However, make sure your lens is completely damp.
Step 4. Use lens cleaner according to manufacturer's instructions and as needed
Polarized glasses are usually expensive. Because of this, you may feel burdened by buying lens cleaning fluid. Can't you use dish soap or window cleaner? The answer is no, especially when it comes to polarized glasses.
- Soaps, household cleaning agents, and window cleaners can contain chemicals that can slowly damage the lenses of your polarized glasses. Your eyeglass lenses will feel cloudy and will not effectively reduce bright light.
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The following are lens cleaning suggestions from some of the well-known manufacturers of polarized glasses.
- Purchase their own brand of cleaning fluid or opt for a cleanser with a pH level of 5.5 to 8.
- You can also buy a different company brand cleaner or use a different cleaner with less than five percent alcohol content.
- Avoid using lens cleaners and simply clean with warm water.
Part 2 of 2: Extending the Function and Cleanliness of Glasses
Step 1. Understand the basics of polarization
Basically, polarized glasses reduce horizontal bright rays, i.e. light reflected from water, snow piles, car hoods, etc.
- This substantial reduction in light is the reason why polarized glasses are so popular with skiers, anglers, and riders alike.
- This effect is obtained by coating the surface of each lens. Without special care, this coating can scuff or peel off.
Step 2. Protect your glasses
Although there are cheap polarized glasses, but most likely you have already spent a lot of money on your polarized glasses. So, always follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as well as the following tips:
- Put your glasses in their protective case when not in use. This is one of the easiest ways to protect your glasses from scratches and the accumulation of dust and debris.
- Do not expose your glasses to extreme temperatures, which could damage their polarizing coating. For example, avoid placing your glasses on the dashboard under the windshield because they can be exposed to excessive sunlight.
- Never scrub your glasses without water or cleaning agents, even with a clean microfiber cloth. The friction caused by tiny, invisible dust and debris can damage your glasses if they are not lubricated with water or a suitable cleaner.
Step 3. Find a professional eyewear cleaning and repair service
You may also get cleaning kits with your glasses. Use as directed for regular and minor maintenance. However, you can also request cleaning, inspection, and repair at the shop where you purchased the glasses or another eyewear shop.
