Eyewear serves not just the purpose of protecting our eyes from wind, sunlight, and debris but also enhances our vision by correcting refractive issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Moreover, eyewear has become a fashion accessory, allowing individuals to express their unique style and personality.
However, if the lenses are not properly cared for and become scratched, it not only diminishes their aesthetic appeal but also impairs observation and reading, negatively affecting eye health. One simple and effective method of eyeglass care is to soak them in water, helping to maintain the cleanliness of this important accessory.
Many people tend to overlook the importance of proper eyeglass cleaning and maintenance, resulting in smudges, dust accumulation, scratches, and yellowing over time. One simple yet highly effective measure in eyeglass care is soaking them in water. This method offers several specific advantages, as outlined below:
Simplified Eyeglass Cleaning
Eyeglasses, including myopia, hyperopia, and sunglasses, tend to accumulate dirt and grime over prolonged use. This is due to direct contact with facial skin, cosmetics, environmental dust, and even grease during cooking.
Soaking eyeglasses in water, particularly warm water, is an effective way to remove stubborn dirt lodged in the crevices of the frames and lenses. This method helps soften and dissolve grime, providing a more thorough clean compared to regular wiping. After soaking, simply use a soft cloth to dry them, and your eyeglasses will be as good as new, sparkling clean and clear.
Assessing Eyeglass Quality
For specialized eyeglasses such as swimming goggles or safety glasses, soaking them in water is an effective way to test their quality and detect any potential leaks. The presence of air bubbles in the water indicates that the glasses may have cracks or some form of damage.
Protecting Eyeglasses from Damage
Soaking eyeglasses in water not only cleans them but also protects them from potential harm. When lenses get dusty or sandy, immediately wiping them with paper or a cloth can cause scratches. Instead, soaking them in water first softens the dirt particles, making it safer to wipe them clean without risking damage to the lenses.
This method is especially crucial for eyeglasses with anti-reflective or scratch-resistant coatings. These coatings are typically sensitive to physical impact, and soaking helps minimize the risk of damaging them.
Preventing Eyeglass Fogging
One common issue with eyeglasses is fogging, especially during cold weather or when transitioning from outdoors to an air-conditioned space. This phenomenon is not only annoying but also impairs vision, particularly in situations that require heightened attention, such as driving.
To address this problem, you can soak your eyeglasses in water or use an anti-fog solution. This method creates a thin protective layer on the lens surface, reducing the likelihood of water vapor condensation and keeping your eyeglasses clear and fog-free.
Important Considerations when Soaking Eyeglasses in Water
To ensure your eyeglasses remain clean and do not compromise your vision, keep the following in mind when soaking them:
Water Temperature
Only soak your eyeglasses in warm water, avoiding hot water as it can deform the frames or damage any protective coatings on the lens surface.
Soaking Solution
Use clean water or specialized soaking solutions; never use soap, dish detergent, or chemicals containing alcohol, as these can strip away scratch-resistant or anti-reflective coatings.
Drying Eyeglasses
After soaking, dry your eyeglasses with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels or rough fabrics, as they can scratch the lens surface.