A guide to sunglasses care and maintenance

When you finally find that pair of sunglasses that fast become your favourites, it’s almost tempting to keep them just for special occasions, so you don’t risk damaging or losing them. But why shouldn’t you show them off if they make you look and feel great?

With good sunglasses care, you can ensure they stay in top condition, provide UV protection, remain comfortable, and fit correctly – all essential elements, especially if your shades are prescription. Our seasoned experts are here to show you how to care for sunglasses, so you can wear them to your heart’s content for years to come.

How bad can the damage be, anyway?

Sunglasses are delicate and can get damaged if you don’t look after them correctly. Loose screws, broken arms, and scratched lenses can ruin an expensive pair of shades.

This can alter the way they sit on your face, so they aren’t providing adequate coverage for your eyes from the sun. If they’re prescription sunglasses, this can also skew how well you see through them as they won’t be centred correctly. And of course, a scratched lens means the UV coating won’t be fully effective, leaving your eyes further exposed to damaging UV rays.

Many of you will have an old pair of damaged sunglasses somewhere at home that you absolutely adore and can’t bear to part with.

You have the option of bringing them to professional opticians like us, so we can determine if they’re fixable, even if you didn’t purchase them from us originally. It might be something as simple as a new screw in a hinge, or replacement lenses you require. Or, in the worst scenario, sometimes, you may have to part with them and choose a new pair if they’re beyond fixing.

To avoid this in the first place, there are a few simple and easy-to-follow tips that will help you preserve that precious pair you own and make them worth the investment.

How to care for sunglasses

Step one in caring for your shades is proper storage. When you’re not wearing them, keep them in their designated protective case—don’t be tempted to pocket them or fling them loose in a bag where they can easily get scratched. Try to avoid leaving them in hot places too, as excessive heat can warp the lenses. Keeping them in the same place also makes you less likely to misplace them!

Next comes the proper handling of sunglasses. Use both hands to put them on and take them off, using the arms to avoid smudging the lenses and splaying the frame so they become crooked. And if you like to wear your sunglasses on top of your head, it’s time to break that habit, as it can have the same effect, resulting in ill-fitting shades.

Daily maintenance tips

Patients often ask us how to clean sunglasses. Our advice is to use the microfibre cleaning cloth that comes in the case and a lens spray cleaning solution.

Don’t be tempted to use the shirt you’re wearing, a tissue, or any household cleaning products, as these can be abrasive and damage the lenses, and even start to affect the frame material if the chemicals are particularly harsh. We stock eyewear cleaning products in practice and are happy to give you any further cleaning tips too to prolong your sunglasses’ lifespan.

Taking protective measures

If you’re purchasing a new pair of sunglasses, it’s worth considering an anti-scratch coating to improve durability and performance. Another good idea is to wear your sunglasses on a chain to prevent them from being dropped or lost if you put them on and take them off quite regularly.

Start taking care of your sunglasses today

Now that you have some great tips on sunglasses care, it’s time to start implementing them! If you need any lens cleaning supplies, your frames are feeling a little loose, or your lenses are looking worse for wear, contact us or drop in to visit Optix Opticians at Broadgate, where one of our sunglasses-savvy team will be happy to help!