The most important cleaning tip for optimal vision

Although often used as a last resort, cloths or sleeves are certainly not the best solution. Clothing and fabrics often leave dust or dirt particles on the lenses, causing micro-scratches. This gradually degrades the quality of the lenses, and as a result, your vision will be affected. Scratches cannot be removed from plastic or glass lenses. Even if the defect is only cosmetic, light is scattered by the micro-scratches and irritates the eye. This often means you have to buy new lenses.

Cleaning your glasses properly – things to do

The following rule applies to both thorough cleaning of your glasses at home and quick but effective cleaning when you are outdoors: you should start by gently rubbing the surface of the lenses using a microfibre cloth or a folded lens cleaning wipe to first remove stubborn dirt particles.

Quick cleaning – also outdoors

If you need to clean your glasses quickly, don't be tempted to use your sleeve, scarf, etc. For cleaning your lenses while you're outdoors, ZEISS lens cleaning wipes are the best solution – they're not bulky and come ready to use. Plus, they don't contain any additives.

If necessary, a simple microfiber cloth can also do the trick, but dry cloths are not always suitable, especially when it comes to removing grease. It is better to first wet the cloth with cleaning spray and then wipe the glass.

Meticulous cleaning at home

In addition to ZEISS wet lens wipes, ZEISS lens cleaning spray combined with a microfiber cloth is an excellent solution for cleaning your lenses at home. It's as effective as thorough cleaning under running tap water, but much faster. Spray the spray onto the microfiber cloth, not onto the lenses. Rimless frames have drilled lenses, while standard frames have screw holes. Liquids entering these holes could have negative long-term effects. Therefore, it's best to apply the cleaning agent to the cleaning cloth. This ensures that your glasses won't be damaged, but that there's enough moisture to effectively remove dirt, makeup, or grease.

Cleaning your frames

Improper care can also damage your frames. The following tips will ensure your frames stay looking like new:

• Warm tap water and a drop of pH-neutral cleaning fluid provide good cleaning results. Always hold your glasses on the side of the frame you are cleaning. This will prevent the frame from warping or even breaking.

• For hygiene reasons, it is also recommended to clean the sides of the frames and the nose pads from time to time. This also improves the fit of your glasses, as removing grease helps prevent slippage.

Ultrasonic cleaner

Using ultrasonic cleaners (available online and in specialty stores) at home or at your optician is the best way to ensure a thorough and convenient cleaning. It's the gentlest and most effective way to remove dirt. It only takes two minutes to restore your lenses and frames to their previous best condition.   Important: Remember to change the water in the cleaner regularly.

And if you don't want to buy your own device, your optician will be happy to clean your glasses in their ultrasonic cleaner, ideally every six months. These days, this device is standard equipment for opticians.

Your glasses deserve a good home! Store them in a hard case whenever you're not wearing them. If you don't have a case with you, make sure you put them in a safe spot, with the lenses facing upwards.

It is also important to ensure that your glasses are not exposed to extreme heat. Temperatures of over 80 degrees centigrade can damage even the toughest lenses or frames. Plastic lenses, in particular, should not be subjected to high temperatures. This could have an adverse effect on the durability of lens coatings (the anti-reflective coating, for example). Extreme temperature fluctuations could lead to surface cracks due to the different structures of the base lens and the coating. Therefore, neither your case nor your spectacles should be left for long periods of time in a sauna or on your car dashboard in the summer.  

This is where  an ANTIFOG cleaner can really help. After cleaning, the spray is applied to your cleaning cloth which is then rubbed across both sides of the lenses. This prevents irritating fogging of your lenses – for up to 72 hours. There are also lens wipes which come in individual sachets that reduce fogging and can be bought from us or any good optician.

No. Spectacle lenses vary widely in clarity, durability, comfort and performance. Lens design, materials, coatings and how accurately they are made all affect vision. Higher-quality lenses provide sharper vision, better glare reduction, improved durability and are tailored to your prescription and lifestyle needs.

Yes. Thin (high-index) lenses reduce thickness and weight, making spectacles more comfortable and attractive. They also minimise edge thickness or magnification, improve cosmetic appearance and often provide better optical performance for stronger prescriptions. There are several different types of high index lenses which vary in thickness and cost.

I can’t seem to find a spectacle frame that fits. What can I do?

An optician with knowledge and experience can help. Professional fitting considers face shape, bridge size, lens thickness and comfort. Access to a wider range of frames, adjustable options and bespoke fitting ensures better comfort, stability and vision than choosing frames without expert guidance.

Yes. Many practices offer custom or bespoke frames tailored to your measurements and preferences. These provide a personalised fit, improved comfort and can accommodate specific style, material and functional requirements. Why not come and us about options and lead times.