How to Clean UV Filter Glasses Properly

To clean eyewear lenses that filter out ultraviolet (UV) rays, use warm water mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap without additives. Gently wash lenses with your fingers, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Never use alcohol, ammonia or other chemicals that can damage the UV protective coating.

Caring properly for your sunglasses and eyeglasses that block UV light is important to ensure they continue providing protection against eye damage from the sun‘s harmful rays. Follow this expert guide to keep lenses clean and clear while avoiding scratches or wearing down coatings that diminish UV blocking over time.

Use Proper Lens Cleaning Methods

Cleaning your lenses regularly keeps them free of vision obstructing dirt and grease buildup. But the techniques and products used make a big difference in maintaining the UV filtering effectiveness of your eyewear.

Avoid Chemical Cleaners

Skip glass cleaners such as Windex or rubbing alcohol which contain chemicals that can slowly break down UV coatings each time used. Ammonia, acetone, vinegar or bleach have similar damaging effects that wear away sun protection over time.

According to the Vision Council, "Household glass cleaners and products with high concentrations of acid, detergent or chemical solvents can be too strong and damage lens coatings."

Don‘t Use Paper Towels

Disposable paper towels and facial tissues have wood fibers that can scratch lenses. This creates tiny surface defects that allow more UV rays to pass through the lens.

The Vision Council warns that "Paper towels and fabrics may inadvertently scratch the lenses" during cleaning.

Use Lukewarm Water and Mild Dish Soap

Warm water mixed with a tiny drop of mild dish soap, preferably without additives like moisturizers or fragrances, can gently clean lenses without posing risks.

According to optometrist Dr. Lori Vollmer, O.D., "Dish soap contains surfactants that lift dirt, debris, and oils without the risks associated with cleaners that contain chemicals or alcohol."

The Vision Council recommends this method as the "safest, most efficient way to clean your lenses."

Rinse Completely with Lukewarm Water

After washing eyeglass or sunglasses lenses with dish soap and water, it‘s crucial to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. This prevents soapy residue from being left behind which could cause irritation.

Dry Lenses Properly

Use a clean microfiber cloth designed specifically for drying eyewear after washing. This super soft fabric lifts away water without scratching lenses like paper towels or tissues. Never wipe lenses when dry as this increases chances of abrasion.

According to optometry network EyeHealthWeb.com, microfiber cloths "are lint-free, very absorbent and will not damage lenses and finishes."

Avoid Damaging Lenses

Scratches and debris on the surface of eyeglass or sunglasses lenses allow more UV light to pass through. Oils from fingers also attract dirt and wear down coatings.

Don‘t Touch Lenses with Fingers

Get in the habit of always handling glasses and sunglasses by the frames rather than the lenses. Oils and dirt transferred from fingers not only leave smudges impairing vision but also micro-abrade the UV coating each time cleaned.

Keep Lenses in Cases

Never place lenses facing down on hard surfaces that could scratch them. Keep glasses or sunglasses protected in a soft case when not being worn. Some cases also feature microfiber lining to wipe lenses clean when placed inside.

Inspect for Damage Frequently

At least every few months, carefully examine lenses in good light for any tiny scratches, chips or cracks which allow UV light penetration. Damaged areas often appear faded or dull. Feel lenses for smoothness too – any roughness indicates degraded UV coatings.

Replace Lenses Regularly

While reputable lenses typically last 2-5 years with proper care, UV protection inevitably declines over time. Regular replacement maintains full UV blocking.

Consider Replacing Every 2-3 Years

For full UV protection, the American Optometric Association recommends having lenses replaced every 2-3 years. This timeline also ensures optical clarity correction keeping vision sharp.

More frequent lens replacement may be needed for children as their vision prescription changes more often. Polycarbonate lenses provide added impact resistance beneficial for kids.

Upgrade with Premium UV Blocking

When getting new replacement lenses, spend a little more for premium materials and treatments that maintain long-lasting UV defense:

• Polycarbonate – Attractive, lightweight material that blocks 100% UV by default.
• Trivex – Shatter-resistant like polycarbonate and provides 100% UV protection.
• Anti-Reflective Coating – Prevents glare and reflections while also boosting UV defense.
• UV Coating – A necessary additive that filters approximately 98% of UV rays from passing through clear lenses.
• Polarized Coating – Uses vertical filtration to reduce sun glare for improved UV blocking.
• Scratch-Resistant Coating – Protects lenses from abrasions that compromise UV defenses.

UV Blocking Ability	Average Cost
Basic Plastic CR-39	70% UV blocked
Polycarbonate	100% UV blocked
Trivex	100% UV blocked
With added UV coating	98-100% blocked

Having lenses replaced with premium UV filtering materials every 2-3 years ensures your eyes get the highest level of protection possible from sun damage.

Reapply UV Coating Periodically

The protective UV layer applied to lenses during manufacturing slowly wears off over time. Reapplying this coating every 1-2 years helps strengthen blocking effectiveness.

Signs It‘s Time to Recoat Lenses

• Increased eye strain using digital devices
• More frequent eye infections or dry eye symptoms
• Glare sensitivity and problems driving at night
• Lenses seem to attract more dust, oil and smudges
• Water droplets don‘t bead off the surface as well

Where to Get Lenses Recoated

Many eyewear stores and vision centers offer professional lens recoating services, typically $50 to $100 depending on options. Costco, Walmart Vision Center, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and other chains commonly provide UV lens recoating.

Independent optometrists may also offer recoating services. Ask your eye doctor for recommendations of trusted lens coating providers in your area.

Wear Sunglasses Outdoors Too

Don‘t rely solely on your everyday eyeglasses for filtering out UV light. The sun emits significantly more intense UV radiation outdoors. Properly blocking sunglasses are essential anytime you‘re outside.

Look for 100% UV Labeling

The Vision Council warns that without proper sunglasses, UV exposure can contribute to conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration over time.

When buying sunglasses, look for a UV 100 label indicating they block 100% of UVB rays and at least 95% of UVA rays. Polarized lenses provide optimal UV defense.

Wear Sunglasses Year Round

Don‘t limit sunglasses to sunny summer days. The Vision Council reminds us that, "UV rays penetrate cloud cover and harm eyes year round." Wear proper sun blocking sunglasses when outside in all seasons, even winter.

Put on Sunglasses Before Sunscreen

To protect eyes properly, put on UV filtering sunglasses as the first step when going out, before applying sunscreen. The temples and tops of frames often remain exposed to sun at angles reaching the eyes.

Take Periodic Breaks

Give eyes a break periodically from the strain of visual concentration required for vision correction. Brief relaxing eye breaks also aid tear replenishment needed to keep eyes lubricated when wearing glasses.

Close Your Eyes

Make it a habit to close your eyes for 15-30 seconds periodically throughout the day. Cup hands gently over eyes to block out light. This allows ocular muscles to fully relax.

Do Eye Stretches

Roll eyes slowly clockwise then counter-clockwise. Look up, down, left and right holding each direction for a few seconds. These exercises reduce strain on ciliary muscles controlling the lens.

Rest Your Eyes

Sit back from screens and distance vision tasks for 3-5 minutes periodically. Keep eyes closed or gaze softly into the distance to allow tear production to increase. This prevents dryness exacerbated by glasses.

Taking good care of your eyes and UV protecting eyewear helps guard your vision for the years ahead. Follow these tips to keep lenses clean, clear and providing optimal ultraviolet light defense. Protecting your sight from sun damage will keep you seeing comfortably today and far into the future.